PREVIEW

Cathy Lawson, Mental Health & Wellbeing Coach at Westfield Health, explains how to cope with these low feelings and how to possibly lift your spirits if you're low. Start your day with mindful and healthy habits If you're feeling down, try starting your day with some healthy habits, such as eating nutritious food or exercising."Incorporating physical activity into your routine will release endorphins, which are known to improve your mood. Opt for a realistic routine such as taking a short walk or doing simple stretching exercises," Cathy says. "If you're uncomfortable vocalising your feelings, try journaling to gain clarity and acknowledge how you are feeling. Include the things you're proud of or grateful for which can help to put things in perspective." Moderate your workload Remember to give yourself a break if you are having a sad day. "It's completely understandable if you can't give your 100% on days you feel low. However, it can be helpful to do some work and give some structure to your day," the expert explains. "Engaging in productive tasks can also help you feel like you're doing something meaningful. Remember to break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps to prevent feeling overwhelmed." Make time for activities that bring you pleasure Doing something that makes you happy, whatever it may be, will usually help to improve your mood. "The activities that brighten your day can be as simple as making your favourite cup of tea or taking your dog for a walk," Cathy suggests. "You may find it helpful to prioritise these activities, so you have a sense of control over your day."She adds, "Sometimes, tasks can be both pleasurable and productive, such as exercise or indulging in a hobby. These activities could bring a sense of accomplishment and can be beneficial for your mood." Try not to bottle things up If you are feeling down, talking to someone about how you are feeling can often help put things into perspective."Reach out to people you trust - friends, family and work colleagues, to share how you're feeling and ask for help if you need it," the expert suggests. "Connecting with others can help you put things in perspective. Remember to treat yourself with compassion and kindness, as you would treat a friend that might be feeling down." If you are feeling sad more than normal, don't be afraid to reach out to a professional, such as your GP.

THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT