How to get into a positive headspace ?

[Paradoes]

Any advice ? I was thinking of practical tips eg getting up earlier so not actually getting up for work but doing something for myself in the morning first before getting ready for work ? Having stuff to look forward to ? Not getting as worked up with work problems ?

I have a ‘good’ professional job but struggling with it (not happy) but it’s near home and good for work life balance - I need to make it work for six months for now and preferably longer

just want to be happy ? Would love some advice and v happy new year

Interested in this - I am currently trying to say "all good thanks" when someone asks me how I am rather than going into a spiral of doom. Hoping that will help me stop spiralling a little bit...

I have an app (Daylio) where I log my mood - it helps me remember not every day is bad, just some of them. I write a little note about what I enjoyed or what I found stressful that day.

i am particular bad at, when I go to sleep, focusing on how much I hate work and getting myself worked up (and sometimes at made up scenarios - so I’ll imagine what if my manager does X tomorrow and get really annoyed at a hypothetical). So I try very consciously to not do that, and if I start doing that, to stop and think of 3 things I enjoyed today/am greatful for/am looking forward to.

Oh god I have found my people. At this time of year my mental health always feels on the brink of deep, dark sadness and doom.

My approach is to force myself to behave as if I am fantastic as a way to sort of trick myself into being fine.

So, for example, I:

• force myself to get up early earlyish, at the same time each day, as I think the routine is helpful for managing my mood and I realise that sometimes lie ins start as a “treat” but quickly descend into doom scrolling.
• force myself to sit at my laptop and crack on even, and especially, if I’m feeling demotivated or anxious or stressed. For me, it’s the weird feelings I get when I’m thinking about work, or procrastinating, that are the worst. Actually getting on with it is a better distraction.
• plan & do lovely things - chats with friends, nice jumpers, make up, reading books, eating whatever I want - stuff that lifts my feelings in the moment
• avoid alcohol - I have a difficult relationship w alcohol, meaning I love to drink, sadly too much, and if not careful I will drink too much and it definitely makes me depressed. So I TRY to drink less when feeling like this bc it’s just going to make me worse (this one I’m still practising)
• being outside - to be honest the wetter, windier, shittier the weather the better - I don’t enjoy being outside all that much but I love the feeling of being alive to the elements - so I try to do it every day
• exercise if possible
• also am growing some indoor bulbs which has been lovely!
• when I’m worrying about the state of the world etc try to look around at the really good things I can see / think of. So I was worrying about the economy and my kids futures - but tried to remember that by many measures they’ve never had it better (eg we can cure many diseases now, quality of home, whatever) to try to make sure I don’t focus on big scary negative things (was definitely doing this at the end of last year)

good luck! I will no doubt be back to check in if the doom gets me!!