I keep this list handy, so that when I find myself feeling down, I don’t have to think about what to do to get back up.  I often find that after doing just a couple of them, I’m already feeling better and ready to take on the world again.  See below for a video of a talk I gave presenting this list.

• Listen to music – I love reggae, jazz, and ambient electronic (somafm.com)
• Meaningful engagement with friends and family – I like to ask questions and let them tell me stories.  Light stuff, but intentional and meaningful.
• Water – 1 liter+  At least a full glass as soon as I wake up and as often as I think about it during the day
• Sleep – 7+ hours.  Melatonin and water at bedtime.  F.lux to get rid of blue light from computer screen
• Green food / smoothie, preferably with friends
• Meditation – I like to focus on my breath in the shower in the morning for 3-5 minutes
• Small victory – Something small that I can complete in under an hour to feel like I’ve done something worthwhile
• Help someone – strangers are the best.  Helping with groceries or just open a door.
• Write – Writing forces me to collect my thoughts.  Privately in my journal or publicly on my blog
• Group exercise – Getting a sweat where I can talk to other humans. Basket ball/hike/rugby
• Yoga – close to meditation, given the breath work and mind focus, but adding a physical component
• Read fiction – Fiction allows my brain to travel to another place.  Non-fiction tends to make me add things to my work todo list
• Hug my dog – He doesn’t care at all about problems and is always eager to show me love
• Guard myself from takers – Energy suckers can wait 48 hours until I’m up again.  When I am wounded, sick, and/or vulnerable I’m not interested in interacting with them
• Create art – I love to paint, sculpt, and build stuff (usually with electronics or wood)
• Hire help – Call for back up to get my house in order – laundry, cleaning, cooking
• Intentionally smile and breathe – Just do it
• Say good morning to strangers – Its nice and they almost always say it back.  When they don’t I have a reason to laugh AT them for being so fussy
• Ask friends for help – That inner circle of 3-5 people that love you most.  Yeah, they want to know when you need them.  I’m not bothering them.  That’s what friends are for.
• Reread The Four Agreements – 1) Be impeccable with your word 2) Don’t take things personal 3) Don’t make assumptions 4) Always do your best
• Return to the Up folder – When my crazy isn’t acting up I like to save interesting and inspiring tidbits from around the web (articles, posts, videos, pictures).  When I’m in the pit of sorrow I have it right there to help.

Some of these things are habits.  Others are not.  But that is why the list is so good.  I can read it without having to think when I’m down to be able to get back on top.