Jeff here…

Thanks again for visiting the Self Help Tips Blog!

For those of us who have had a rainy day (it has rained all day here in Minnesota), it can be hard to stay positive and bright when the weather is grey and dull.

Countless days are rose-colored when you accomplish every task with a smile and energy.  Other days are blue and slow, when it is an effort to even lug oneself through the day. Getting out of bed in the morning is hard, choosing something to wear is difficult and preparing breakfast is arduous. At these times, a favorite cup also breaks, the milk carton leaks and the computer stops. It is truly a personal "blue" day.

Everyone experiences ups and downs… it's a part of life. If you want to limit the amount of “downtime”, first check that your health, diet and/or a medical reason is not the primary cause.

A) Nature's body rest.

Check if you are succumbing to a viral infection such as a common cold or sore throat. Nature's first sign is to encourage rest to allow the immune system be strong and fight infection. This could be a reason for feeling lethargic in the morning.

B) Balanced diet.

Check whether you've eaten a variety of foods or skipped any meals. Breakfast is often omitted in rushed routines, resulting in low blood sugar levels and ensuing tiredness. Another cause is not drinking enough water. Dehydration can result in headaches and lethargy. Recording a food diary is very helpful.

C) Medical basics.

Anemia is a common cause for the blues, especially in women. Sleeplessness is another reason. If blue days persist, consult with your doctor or medical center.

Assuming that the above is clear, here are ten tips to help turn those blues into rosy hues. Choose which ones best suit you.

1. Go with the flow.

Despite media messages to cheer up and be bright and bubbly, it is life's pattern to have days which are sad, unhappy or glum. Take life more slowly, rest more and acquiesce to deep emotion. Give yourself time to restore equilibrium.

2. Count your blessings.

Make a list of everything which you appreciate. This may include your health, food, a roof over your head, clothing, education, family, friends, leisure time, hobbies, a comfortable bed, or even Internet access. Later you can refer, change and add to your personal inventory. It will always provide interesting reading for you in the years ahead, as well as being a good tool for pinpointing your priorities.

3. Back to Nature.

Some people gain solace from being in a natural landscape whether seaside, forest, mountain or lake. If you live in a city, buy some flowers or walk through a florist, botanical garden or city park to smell fragrances from gentle blooms.  Listening to birds is also a great way to appreciate nature.

4. Turn on the music.

This is for those of us who enjoy auditory stimuli Music can lift the spirits no matter whether it is jazz, heavy metal, rock and roll, classical, rap or hip-hop. Listen, dance, sing or tap your fingers and toes to the rhythm.

5. Write it down.

For a clearer analysis of thought, write down the events, conversations, thoughts and behavior preceding the blues. Over time, maybe a pattern will emerge where a set of circumstances can be recognized or predicted.

6. Breathe more.

Exercise is beneficial to start the heart pumping quicker for increased oxygen circulation. Choose an enjoyable activity; go for a walk, jog, swim, attend a gym session, perform yoga, Pilates or work in the garden to increases your blood flow.

7. Talk it out.

”A problem shared is a problem halved” is both a familiar proverb and a successful technique for reducing those blue feelings. Have a chat over coffee with a friend or relative, make a phone call or have a conversation online. Voicing one’s feelings can elicit new perceptions, ideas or approaches.

8. Re-live the joy.

Recall the wonderful times in your life. Look at happy photographs, read joyful letters, cards or emails. These will reassure you that there are both blue and rosy times in life.

9. See the colors.

If music is not your scene, take time to appreciate the colors around you. The sky, lights or a sunset are all good places to start. Visit an art display and appreciate creative talent. Admire professional photographs in magazines. Surround yourself with stimulating bright colors, shapes and patterns.

10. Love, then give of yourself.

You understand yourself the best and know what is most uplifting. Love and accept yourself for whom you are, and commence by smiling into the mirror. Next, show love, affection and compassion to others: stroke a pet, give a hug, ring a lonely person, visit a sick neighbor, email a distant friend or wave to the shopkeeper. By giving your time and attention to someone else, you break the pattern of the blues when you may become too self-orientated and down in the dumps.