If you're fighting with yourself to be or look a certain way, if you're trying to get yourself in shape or healthier, or if you're simply feeling "blah" about yourself and your life…it's easy to linger in that emotional space for a long time. Like, years. However, the good news is that you're in control of your life and your experience. You're in the driver's seat. (And if you're not, who is?) You have the ability to change the way you feel when you choose to. It can be really hard to want to feel better and do something different when you're feeling blah. That's why I have a list. For more tips and resources to help break through feeling low about yourself or your eating habits, visit http://www.bingeeatingbreakthrough.com

1. 11 Ways To Feel Better Whenever
You Want To

2. If you're fighting with yourself
to be or look a certain way, if
you're trying to get yourself in
shape or healthier, or if you're
simply feeling "blah" about
yourself and your life…it's easy
to linger in that emotional
space for a long time. Like,
years.

3. It's like you're internal "spark"
burns out. You don't feel
enthusiastic about waking up
and jumping into your day.
When a stranger smiles at you
and nods hello, you wonder,
"What's up with that person?"

4. When you're in this state, it
can shape the way your
entire day goes. If you stay
in this state, it can shape
how your life goes.

5. However, the good news is that
you're in control of your life and
your experience. You're in the
driver's seat. (And if you're not,
who is?) You have the ability to
change the way you feel when
you choose to.

6. It can be really hard to want to
feel better and do something
different when you're feeling
blah. That's why I have a list.
Here's 11 Ways To Feel Better
Whenever You Want To…

7. 1
Don't just say generic words--give a compliment
that you know would be meaningful to the other
person. It doesn't have to be about aesthetics…it
can be about how they responded to something,
how they made you feel, how they put careful
attention to something, whatever.
Try complimenting someone about their kindness
or their quick wit. When you give someone the
gift of helping them feel good about themselves,
you'll instantly feel better, too.
Offer a compliment to someone.
Even better, compliment a
stranger.

8. 2
Dressing yourself in a bright blue shirt, a
rhinestone belt, a unique pair of shoes or a
gorgeous, chunky necklace can automatically
make you feel more inspired. It forces you to feel
more "fun" about what you're wearing to show
the world.
Wear a bright color or piece of
jewelry.

9. 3
Everyone has something that they know can
make them feel better. It might be kicking off your
shoes to walk barefoot in the grass, going to the
park on a sunny afternoon, taking yourself to a
movie, putting on your favorite song, getting a
manicure, buying a new book, or having a special
drink.
Pick something you know makes you feel
"treated" and take advantage of doing it for
yourself.
Treat yourself.

10. 4
Impress yourself…dress yourself in clothing that
makes YOU feel appealing, regardless of what you
think others find sexy or attractive. If you feel
amazing in a pair of pink capris, red stilettos and
an orange, flowing shirt, rock it.
If you feel awesome in a black t-shirt and a pair of
crisp khakis with your favorite tennis shoes, find
the best quality t-shirt and pants and strut your
stuff.
Dress to impress.

11. 5
Nourish yourself with something that feels fresh,
wholesome and really good to you. Maybe it's a
green smoothie, or a crisp salad or a pint of raw
blueberries.
Maybe it's a fine cut of steak from grass-fed cows.
Whatever it is that you feel good about when you
eat, choose with intention as you plan your meals
for the day.
Eat a meal that makes you feel
good about yourself.

12. 6
Getting your body into motion with exercise
releases feel-good chemicals into your brain. It's
said to be one of the #1 ways to feel better,
because of this endorphin release.
You can take as little as 10-15 minutes to dance,
walk, jog, lift weights, climb a tree, run with your
dog, etc. Anything to put your body into motion in
a way you enjoy.
Move.

13. 7
Who haven't you checked in with lately? Do you
have a childhood friend you haven't talked to in
years? Maybe a cousin or sibling that you haven't
seen since Christmas.
Maybe your mother that hasn't heard from you in
ages. Take 15 minutes to reach out with a phone
call, or stop by in person if you can. In a rushed
society filled with email, social media and
constant activity, it can be rare to stop by just to
visit and say hello. It's amazing what talking to
another person you appreciate can do for your
mood.
Call or visit a friend
spontaneously.

14. 8
Animals can be incredible teachers. They don't
get hung up in drama, they don't get stressed or
overwhelmed by relationships, finances, work or
annoying neighbors.
They simply eat, reproduce, and live in the
moment. Petting your cat for a few minutes,
playing with your dog when she greets you or
going out in nature to watch the birds or squirrels
can instantly remind you not to take yourself so
seriously.
Play with or go be around
animals.

15. 9
Getting outdoors is another instant mood-shifter,
especially when you can get out in nature. If
you're in a city, you can go to the nearest park.
If you live near woods, water or mountains, do
whatever you need to do with your daily schedule
to get out for a walk. Smelling the fresh air,
listening to sounds of nature and appreciating the
sky gives perspective when you're feeling
uninspired.
Go outside in nature.

16. 10
When was the last time you sat down and created
something? As kids, many of us would spend hours
playing with dolls, play-doh, blocks, trucks, or
imaginary friends. We also might have gotten into
creating things as teenagers, like building birdhouses
or making jewelry.
It can be as simple as downloading an app where you
can sketch and doodle for 15 minutes. Or you can stop
by a craft store and get supplies to bead a necklace.
You can go find your nephew and offer to help him
build a treehouse. Or maybe you find a new recipe and
decide to try creating something new for dinner.
When your mind is in a creative space, it's thinking in
the present and imagining into the future.
Make something.

17. 11
Stopping what you're doing to close your eyes can
change your state, even if you only have 10-15
minutes.
Put on a timer if you have to, go to a quiet space, put
your head down at your desk or stretch out on your
couch. Take 5-6 deep breaths, close your eyes and
let your mind relax and wander.
Listen to your breath and focus on breathing to
quiet your thoughts. Snooze for 10 to 45 minutes.
When you wake, your mind will be refreshed and
ready to start rolling with a new disposition.
Take a nap.

18. These 11 ways are strategies I employ regularly in my
life to lift myself when I'm feeling uninspired, or to chill
out when I'm overwhelmed. Having a list of reliable
strategies to help when you're in a low emotional space
gives you the confidence to know you can get out of it.