On the Rebound: Picking Yourself Up When Life Has You Down!

Things have been tough for many people lately. Jobs have been lost, savings have been depleted, relationships have been strained, and hardships have been had by many. Whether you've lost a loved one or a career, if you're feeling down and out it can seem almost impossible to ever dig yourself out of that hole of depression and despair. Why even bother when life is just going to throw something else at you eventually?

Fortunately, humanity has always shown a certain resiliency in its darkest hours. Even now, among the devastation in earthquake-ravaged nations like Haiti and Chile, there are still many glimmers of hope as people talk of rebuilding their lives and their communities. In spite of all the misfortune they might have suffered, they know their survival and the survival of their community depends on their ability to pick themselves up and push ahead.

So, while your problems might not have the same magnitude as those struck by these natural disasters, they can still place an unbearable weight on your shoulders. It's times like these when we can use a few hints and tips to lighten the burden, giving us the ability to pick ourselves up, brush ourselves off, and continue our journey towards whatever it is we desire in our lives.

Laugh Out Loud!
Laughter is perhaps one of the most beautiful sounds, especially when it is genuine. Even if it isn't, the simple act of laughing can make you feel better. If you feel silly making yourself laugh, pop in a favorite movie, turn on Comedy Central, tease your cat with a laser pointer, whatever it is that tickles your fancy. If all of that fails, maybe ask someone to tickle you! Hey, it's still laughter, right?

Get Some Fresh Air
Even if it's cold, snowy, rainy, or windy, stepping outside for a breath of fresh air can clear your senses and your mind. Going outside for just a few minutes and taking ten deep breaths can do wonders to lighten your spirits and reinvigorate your body. If the weather is nice or if you're able to take a little vacation to someplace where the sun is shining, take a slow, meandering walk. Whether you walk along the beach in Maui or around the block at home, simply enjoying being outdoors can do the mind and body plenty of good.

Remember That Thing You Used To Do?
Oddly enough, one thing that helped me pick myself up after some hard times recently was to sit down and play a game. A video game, to be precise - Sonic the Hedgehog (and his subsequent sequels). It was my favorite game when I was growing up and to sit down and play it now helped me to relive that. Except this time, my brother wasn't hogging the first player controller, relegating me to playing as his sidekick, Tails. Is there something you once enjoyed that you haven't done in a while? Maybe you used to be a swimmer, but haven't jumped in the pool in years. Perhaps there's a favorite book of yours that you haven't read again in who knows how long. You know you like these things, so why not pick them up again?

Reconnect
Humans are social by nature. Though some of us are more social than others, we still all need some form of interaction to thrive and be happy. Is there someone you haven't spoken to in a while that you miss? A friend, a co-worker, or even a relative who you haven't seen in years would probably love to hear from you again! It's incredibly easy to find people thanks to Facebook and other online social networking sites, so if there's someone you want to get back in touch with, it could be just a click away! Tell them how things are with you, even if they are bad. Letting it out to someone you trust can do wonders, allowing you to release your emotions and clear your head, thereby giving you the ability to refocus your attention on moving forward.

These are just a few things that have helped me in the past, and if these tips don't seem like they'll do the trick for you, I at least hope they give you the inspiration to come up with something else just for you and your situation. Life really sucks sometimes, but we can always bounce back, even if it takes a few little tricks to help us get there!