Yesterday I had the Sunday blues.  I get that from time-to-time, especially since I moved so far from my family.

My day started off great. I woke up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee, waiting patiently to be poured into my favorite coffee mug. I took the pups on a stroll through Cole Park, the weather still crisp with a slight breeze, aiding to the sound of acorns hitting the pavement, and the occasional car.  I made a mental note to not park under those trees. I went to church. Then came home and did…nothing. The nothing part is what gets ya. That’s when the Sunday blues creep in. You feel “blah” watching endless football and yet feel too paralyzed to leave the house.  After all, Sunday is a day of rest, right? I even ordered a pizza, eating the entire thing alone, because going to the grocery store seemed like the worst idea ever.  Turns out, the pizza was actually the terrible idea.

When I feel like this, and leaving the house is not going to happen, there are some simple activities that help distract my mind and the feeling of loneliness. Scrolling through social media to see everyone else’s lives does not make the list. Please note: I failed to do any of the following yesterday, but know that these do help. Cut me some slack, I had a “poor me” day, okay? 😉

1. Write handwritten notes/cards to family and friends. 

Sometimes this can start out slow. Writing when you don’t feel like it can be tough. Trust me, I get it. I write all the time. At times, I sit and look at a blank piece of paper for what seems like hours. But, writing to people who, you know will light up when they get that card in the mail, almost always clears up writer’s block and your negative mood. Sometimes my notes will be as simple as, “Grandma, I just wanted to tell you that you mean the world to me and I can’t wait to have a coffee date with you soon. Love you to the moon and back again.”

2. Clean.

Growing up my mom had a rule, “Pick up ten things.” I’m confident she inherited that from my grandma, because she does the same thing every time I’m at her house. I still apply this rule when I have zero desire to clean. More often than not, I end up cleaning the entire bathroom or kitchen and then do a load of laundry.  A clean space makes you feel better mentally as well.

3. Stretch.

Notice I didn’t say work out. If you have the Sunday blues and find a way to make it to the gym for a full work out, I’m very impressed with you. I know I don’t, so I just stretch for 10-15 minutes.  I also focus on my breathing and then promise myself I will work out on Monday.  It’s Monday, so check back tomorrow to see if I fulfilled that promise.

4. Call a friend you haven’t talked to all week.

First rule: DON’T complain or talk about having the blues.  This isn’t a venting session, it’s a positive conversation that should be centered around that person and what’s going on in his or her life. When you make your day less about you, and more about someone else, it always makes you happier.

5. Read a book.

I have nothing to add to that. It’s simple. It takes your mind to a better place, forfeiting the dwelling you were inevitably doing prior to picking up that book. If you don’t like to read, well talk on the phone longer or listen to a podcast.

6. Make a list of everything you want to accomplish that week.

I start with Monday and map out realistic goals. The grocery is on my list for today. So is the gym. Check back tomorrow to see if I accomplished both of these goals. Don’t pile 10 things on there and then get overwhelmed when you fall short. Break it up into days and what makes the most sense with your work/life balance.

7. Watch a romantic comedy. Actually, if you’re single, just watch a comedy.

Do this after you’ve done one or two of the other items on this list. Maybe even at the end of the evening before you go to bed. Don’t binge watch 7 episodes of Blacklist on Netflix.  Been there, done that. It doesn’t help you feel better. One movie, as a reward. If you have time.

8. Craft.

I’m including this on the list for people who are good at crafting. I personally don’t do this because I am terrible at it. I bought a laminating machine and felt mentally drained just cutting the edges. It’s not my thing, but for a lot of you it is.  I will stick to writing letters.

9. Sit on your patio while doing any of these things.

There’s just something about sitting outside, even when you don’t want to leave the house, that makes you feel at peace. I don’t suggest drinking a glass of wine while doing this, only because if you’re feeling down and then you add alcohol to the mix, which is a depressant, it may do little to aid in recovery. Maybe for you it does, but it doesn’t help me. Now, if a have a friend come over, that’s a totally different story.

10. Take a bath and go to bed early.

Get a good night’s rest. Be ready for Monday. Maybe you have the blues because you were so busy all weekend. Get some sleep and make the rest of your week amazing.  We all have bad days, but you have the power to pick and choose how often. Good sleep helps with mood and 100 other things. I went to bed last night at 10:00.  I feel amazing today. #winning