How to Build Up Your Spirit

Financial distress, family problems or even illnesses can affect your mood and make you feel down and hopeless. Building up your spirit with small gestures and actions on an everyday basis will help you not only get through the difficult current times but also give you hope for a better future.

Step 1

Find a way to commune with the universe. If you're religious, look for a service that fits your beliefs. This could be something organized or an unofficial group meeting where you can share your fears and problems with others. If you'd rather stay away from organized religion, simply walk away from the city and into the countryside for a few hours (or a few days), and connect with nature and the living world around you.advertisement

Step 2

Find a cause you're passionate about and volunteer. Whether you choose to walk dogs for the local shelter or visit the elderly at hospices or hospitals, spending time helping others will make you feel good about yourself and the world around you. This works even if you only have a couple of hours available each month.

Step 3

Become more active. Exercise releases endorphins (the feel-good hormones) so you will feel more relaxed, more energized and in a better mood. Something as simple as going for a walk every day can help. Or consider joining in sports or physical activities you like. Yoga and Tai Chi can be especially good for stress.

Step 4

Read inspirational stories. Books, magazines and online journals are all a good place to start. You can also find motivational quotes, print them in small slivers of paper and tape them around the house or your workdesk so you can see them throughout the day.

Step 5

Do something that makes you feel good on a regular basis. Make sure the activity fits into your budget, so you don't have to stress over spending money you don't have. Join a meditation class, get an aromatherapy massage on a regular basis or go for bike rides into the countryside.

Step 6

Spend time around positive people. Good energy is contagious, and those who are happy will most likely end up rubbing their good mood off on you. If you have no choice but to be around people who are negative, let them know that you would rather not spend time complaining or criticizing others.

REFERENCES

• Mayo Clinic: Depression and Anxiety: Exercise Eases Symptoms
• Thomas Nelson Publishers: 7 Ways to Keep Your Spirit Up
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