Feel Better in a Few Easy Steps: Cancer Project #30
Channel: ZebraInParadise
Date: 2018-07-06

When you’re having one of THOSE days… You know, when you just can’t move yourself from the sofa and just the IDEA of actually doing something is too exhausting, you need something simple to boost yourself. Here are a few things I use:

First of all, hydrate. Drink a lot of water. It not only helps your skin stay moisturized but (I believe) it keeps your body from wearing down. Added plus, put lots of ice in the water to keep it cold. It’s more refreshing that way.

Take a shower and brush your teeth. We all know this will make us feel better but sometimes it’s one of the hardest things to do when you don’t feel well. But if you get yourself up and in the shower, in just 5 minutes you can feel refreshed and reinvigorated. Not ready to go climb Diamond Head, but mentally better than you did 5 minutes ago!

Moisturize that skin! A good dose of moisturizer always makes me feel good! Spread it everywhere – even those places that never see the sun and you never think about needing lotion!

Get out of those shlubby sweats and PJs! Put on something nicer, something you’d be seen in public wearing. It doesn’t have to be formal or dressy, just a good pair of shorts or jeans and a nice t-shirt (one without holes and coffee stains).

Put on a little bit of makeup! It doesn’t have to be Jeffrey Star glam or even a full-face effort. For me, just putting on mascara makes me feel better. Maybe for you it’s lipstick. Whatever it is, just do that. Even if you do nothing else, that will perk you up.

If you usually sunbathe, put on a fake tan. I’m a blue-eyed, freckled, fair-skinned redhead. The sun is not my friend so I’m not a sun worshipper. I do miss the beach and feeling the sun’s rays on my skin but I burn, so tanning isn’t something I think about. However, if you are someone who loves to get out and toast up, then try applying a “fake” tan. There are plenty of self-tanning products out there. 

If you can’t seem to get off the sofa, put on a feel-good movie. I’m not talking about one that makes you go “Hmmm…” (now I’ll have the song in my head) or ask “Why???” but one that just makes you laugh and smile and after you watch it, you feel a little lifted. For you it might be a comedy or a mystery, or maybe a blood-and-guts horror. For me, it’s old movies that I’ve never seen before. DO NOT put in a movie that you know will have you screaming at the TV!!! 

If you can get off the sofa and out of the house for a bit, take a walk. It doesn’t have to be extensive – for me I just go down the driveway to the mailbox. That’s enough.

Hug your dog/cat/other animal. If you don’t have one, ask a friend to borrow theirs. Or when you’re walking through your neighborhood or the park, stop someone with a dog and tell them you need some puppy love. Ask if you can hug their dog. Chances are very good you’ll have dog fur all over you by the end of your walk. (Us doggie people love to share our doggie love.)

Get a massage. Whether it’s a professional masseuse or a family member, you’re bound to feel better afterwards. Think of all the tension releasing!

If you can really get out of the house, get yourself a mani/pedi. Or just one. Or the other. Doesn’t matter. Even on good days, these make me feel relaxed and pampered. I justify them by saying they’re for work because I have to make a good impression with clients. In all reality, it just feels good.

Get something waxed – eyebrows, upper lip, legs, hooha – wherever you need to make yourself feel a little special. For me, the eyebrows make the difference. Even though I had mine tattooed, the hair is growing back now and it’s a scraggly mess. I really need to have them waxed. I’ll feel better.

Let me know in the comments below what you do to make yourself feel better on those blah days when you just don’t want to get off the sofa.

Some things I didn’t mention in the video but thought of afterwards:
Treat yourself to something you normally would indulge in, whether it’s an ice cream cone, a fancy coffee, a new purse, or a pair of earrings. (This explains the flamingo…)

Go someplace you’ve been wanting to go but haven’t – a store, a tourist attraction, wherever! For me, there’s a beach I’ve been wanting to walk.

Wear jewelry if you haven’t been. I’ve noticed on the days I wear the rings and bracelets, I feel a bit more upbeat, a tad more feminine.

Think about what makes you happy, what makes you smile, what makes you relax, and indulge!


American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/

Subscribe: http://bit.ly/2zrjrZ3
Instagram: hizebra808
Twitter: @ZebrainParadise

If you have any questions, comment below or email me at zebrainparadise@gmail.com

HER2-
PR+
ER+

Music: Ukulele Beach by Doug Maxwell
Photos and Video: Marissa Culp