It's Self Improvement Saturday: 10 ways to lift your mood

I've been thinking since yesterday just the heck what to post on Self Improvement Saturday (today)! At first I thought I'll do something such as write a few pages in my novel and let people know I did it. I still might do that but honestly it's pretty boring to anyone but me. And so I decided to make a list! 

In this case, I'm going to give out some ideas on Self-Improvement Saturdays probably most of the time. You can take 'em or leave 'em. You can save them or share them...whatever floats your boat.

As someone who has struggled for years with bouts of depression, I am often trying to figure out how to improve my mood. All of us have our ups and downs. And to be honest, while I'm feeling down for those folks affected by the awful Oklahoma (and other states) tornadoes in the last little while, it is hard to be in anything but a good mood in Portland, Oregon today as it is our 2nd sunny warm-ish day in a row! It is just beautiful out. 

But back to the task at hand, which is: 

10 ways to lift your mood* 

1. Get outside:  If it is sunny and warm, all the better but even a good walk in the rain could improve your mood -- just don't stay in bed all day. 
2. Treat yourself: to a treat. Head for your nearest Baskin & Robbins or DQ, or make some cookies. If sweets aren't your thing, have something that is. 
3. Play some music: Preferably loud. Find some tunes that remind you of middle or high school or any good time of your life. Or just turn up your favorite radio station. 
4. Reread your favorite book: or go find a new one. For me it would be "A Room with A View."
5. Watch some TV: Get out of bed and on to the couch. Find a great TV series (on Netflix, Hulu or at the video store) to immerse yourself in for awhile to get out of your own thoughts and worries. I have had great days enjoying episode after episode of "Doc Martin," "Psych," "The West Wing," "Without a Trace" and "Golden Girls." 
6. Hang with animals:  Snuggle up with your favorite cat or take your pooch to the dog park. If you don't have your own pets, try to visit a friend who does.
   
7. Take yourself to the movie: I have often done this one for my own birthday when everyone is working and I've taken the day off. Go see what you want, when you want and enjoy!
8. Play: It isn't just for kids. Get on your bike, skateboard or lace up some skates. Better yet head for the local park and swing on the swings -- with abandon!
9. Smile: Whether you feel like it or not and no matter what you are doing, even if it is just hanging out in bed playing on the computer. It tricks your brain into thinking you are happier than you are. Fake it 'til you make it ;-)  
10. Sing: Probably not "Swing Low Sweet Chariot."  Go for something upbeat and even a little quirky. Some of my favorites are Christmas carols any time of the year (especially in Summer) and things like "Come On, Get Happy" by the Partridge Family and "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina & the Waves!

*If nothing is working and you are still feeling persistently down and seriously depressed, you may need to talk to a therapist or medical doctor and/or get medication. If for any reason you are considering harming yourself or someone else, call 911, visit any emergency room or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for help right away. 

You matter. Please take care of yourself! 

Now go and enjoy the day! 

Mama Zuzi

Some Things I Like Sunday

I can hardly believe it is already Sunday again, but here we are! This past week has been hectic at Mama Picture This 1) because Mama had some sick kiddos on her hands and 2) because I have really started working to improve my shop and promotion of it too! I am truly hoping to find those customers who like what I do and provide photo items that they will love. 

Today as much as I want to be in my shop making up photo card sets and other fun things, I'm stretched on the coach, drinking tea, eating soup and hoping to get rid of the cold I no doubt caught from my kids. 

I have been keeping up with what is going on on Etsy today however and I have noticed that there are LOTS of new listings that happen on Saturdays. So there have been many many things for me to covet for my Sunday blog posting. 

And truly, besides looking at Etsy and laying on the couch, about the only thing I've got the strength to do is read a book. I haven't yet today (snafu with my daughter but I digress) but I probably will before I go to bed. 

One of the great things about shopping online and especially on Etsy, is you get great handmade things - yes, but also you can find something for just about anyone. Today's theme for me is perfect gifts for people who love to read. 


If you or someone you know is a fan of Edgar Allen Poe, as I have been on occasion, they may enjoy wearing this beautiful necklace from TerraNovaJewelry featuring the image of a raven and the words of Poe himself. 

"“Beauty of whatever kind, in its supreme development, invariably excites the sensitive soul to tears.” 

― Edgar Allan Poe

For the lover of words -- all words, each and every word -- you may enjoy this simple and charming black and white image printed right on to the page of a dictionary to make it extra special. 

The collageOrama shop has many different images of all different styles -- some black and white, some in full color -- to choose from!  



If music notes are more your style, there are options for you too. A great gift for a lover or performer of music, might be this gorgeous butterfly print on a piece of vintage sheet music by CirquedeArt

I have been pondering the printing of some of my images on to the printed page and am currently thinking about just which images and which printed pages might work best. I'll keep you up-to-date on my thoughts, process and any products that come from this particular creative process. In the meantime, enjoy a good book or a good piece of art printed on the pages of one! 

Mama Zuzi