100 Things To Do When You're Upset (The Sad Trombone List)

[ 24 March 2009 ]

100 Things To Do When You're Upset

Here are some ideas to help kick a rotten day to kingdom come…

<3 Do something good for someone else, even though you may not want to. Do a favour, help them find something, give them an item which will help them in some way. Start the flow of positive energy.

<3 Eat the best chocolate you can get your hands on. In bed. Or in the bath.

<3 Turn up music you really love. Play it so loudly that it soaks in through your skin. Dance in your pyjamas. Feel the pain lift.

<3 Have a romance in your head.

<3 Volunteer.

<3 Buy a remote control for your camera & dip your toes into the pool of narcissism.

<3 Call a friend & ask them if they want to have a slumber party.

<3 Throw yourself head-first into a creative project. Something that you’re excited about but which feels a little too big for you. You’ll be so consumed by it that it will fuel you for ages.

<3 Do the splits. Or at least try. (Be gentle though!)

<3 Sing. Loudly. Badly. Off-key. Whatever you like. It works. The last time I was on my way somewhere really nerve-wracking, I was in a cab. The radio was playing & I was so anxious that the only way I could distract myself was by singing along. Loudly. The driver probably thought I was a total nut but I didn’t care & it did the trick!

<3 Cover your entire body in cocoa butter & fall asleep.

<3 Drink 2 litres of fizzy drink (pop, soda, you know) & stay up until sunrise.

<3 Write a list of things that you appreciate right now, in the present moment. Focus on each of them & let the love inside you well up. Even when things appear to be going really, really badly, there are always things to be happy about. (That’s one of the reasons why we do Things I Love Thursday — to help bring your attention back to the positive.)

<3 Indulge in your “guilty pleasures”, whatever they are. (Old episodes of America’s Next Top Model, ginger ale, chocolate cake, romantic comedies, etc.)

<3 Send a text message to one of the most interesting people you know — maybe someone you don’t know that well, just to say hello.

<3 Order delivery food, just to bask in the glory of the fact that if you pay people, they will come to your door. With food. Warm, good food. What an age we live in, huh?

<3 Look through old photos. With a friend if possible. If it’s an old friend, you can reminisce (“Oh my god, do you remember when we did that?!”), & if it’s a new friend, you can tell grand stories (“Well, let me tell you about this guy…”).

<3 Listen to old Motown hits. Come up with dance moves. Wear something sparkly & work it out. (DJ Z-Trip’s Motown Breakdown is an excellent time, too.)

<3 Write a gruellingly personal entry for your blog dissecting every aspect of the situation which has upset you so much. Post it, don’t post it, whatever, just get it out of your system.

<3 Plan a holiday.

<3 Write a ridiculous online dating profile & marvel at the people who come out of the woodwork. (“Oh, a threesome with you & your wife in New Jersey? Sign me up!”)

<3 Spend an hour in your variety store of choice, set yourself a budget ($20?) & buy some junk. Lip treatments, candy, maybe an exfoliating scrub… Then go home & play with your new purchases. There’s a reason it’s called retail therapy, you know (though of course, it doesn’t last).

<3 Wear a fake moustache all day.

<3 Think up nicknames for all your friends, then send them each postcards to alert them.

<3 Think back on the last really good sex you had. Think about it for an hour. Then do something else.

<3 Go out for a milkshake.

<3 Appreciate the dinosaur bones at your favourite museum.

<3 Grab a friend, dress up like tourists & go & do all the really schlocky things on offer in your city. Take LOTS of photos, & be sure to flash the peace sign in 70% of them.

<3 Stick little crystals on something you use every day. (Wallet, light-switch, key-ring, boots?)

<3 Buy a new pair of sunglasses or non-prescription frames. It’s a super-easy (& often relatively cheap) way to evolve your look. Plus sunglasses make for excellent on-the-fly disguises.

<3 Go to a yoga class. Surrender & breathe deep.

<3 Put on your favourite pair of high heels & walk up & down your bedroom/hallway doing your best Miss J impersonation. Have a friend or neighbour who is willing to humour you offer critique. “Girl, you walk like a busted-down freight-train.”

<3 Write multiple lists of everything you want. Material possessions, relationships, work, lifestyle, everything. Pin them up by your door so you see them all the time.

<3 Go through Urban Dictionary & find some fun/ridiculous new words to add to your vocabulary.

<3 Make yourself the biggest ice-cream sundae you’ve ever seen. Decorate it with hot fudge sauce, whipped cream, sprinkles, nonpareils, whatever you like. Take a photo. Give it a name (“Jane’s Orgasmatron Cardiac Arrest Sundae”). Devour. Maybe without using your hands. Take a photo of that too.

<3 Get your eyebrows shaped.

<3 Spend an hour in a department store sniffing perfume samples. When you find something you like, spray it on a card & drop it in your purse.

<3 Try break-dancing.

<3 Watch videos of flamboyant, successful people like Elton John or Michael Jackson & marvel.

<3 Eat animal crackers.

<3 Drink through a straw all day. If you get your hands on a straw which matches your outfit, so much the better.

<3 Plan a party with a theme that makes you feel really, really happy.

<3 Write a letter to yourself in the future. Then hide it. Maybe in the pocket of a coat you never, ever wear.

<3 Leave the house wearing just fabulous lingerie underneath a coat. With heels. (Note: if you are a man you may get accused of being a flasher if you do this. The world is cruel sometimes.)

<3 Pull a Kid CuDi & announce your retirement from the world of something. Like cooking, or vocal communication. Announce your unretirement whenever you feel like it.

<3 Buy a harmonica & annoy the hell out of everyone while you learn how to play it.

<3 Go wig shopping.

<3 Choose a festival (SXSW? Burning Man? Coachella? Wave-Gotik-Treffen?) to go to, invite some friends, & start making plans.

<3 Add diamantes to your manicure.

<3 Hula hoop.

<3 Buy some really good art for your walls. Posters, prints, original artwork or other. If you’re feeling impoverished, go to the library, check out some art books, then take huge, great quality photocopies at a copy shop.

<3 Listen to Never Better by P.O.S. from start to finish & revel in what a great album it really is.

<3 Load up your ipod & go for a walk through your favourite park.

<3 Visit a cool toy store & make your friend a surprise package.

<3 Reach out to the people who inspire you but who don’t know you exist.

<3 Write the birthdays of your personal heroes in your planner & work out a way to honour them on that day.

<3 Pie.

<3 Colour your hair. (You can always dye it back.)

<3 Notice where you hold tension in your body, & let it go.

<3 Visit some kind of religious institution & observe a service.

<3 Bake heart- or bunny-shaped cookies. Give them away.

<3 Be graceful.

<3 Be graceless.

<3 Make a video diary.

<3 Answer questions with questions.

<3 Try on a pair of really, really expensive shoes & act like you’ll be back tomorrow, but you’re just going to go home & think about it. (Bonus points: take a photo of you in them. Often you will need to be stealthy about this but it’s worth doing.)

<3 Record yourself trying to recite the alphabet while vigorously brushing your teeth.

<3 Flirt with entirely inappropriate people.

<3 Sing into your friend’s answering machine. (If you’re in the USA & use Slydial, it will take you straight to their voicemail.)

<3 Pour pancakes in the shape of your initials. Eat them while watching aerobics on television.

<3 Make friends with your neighbours.

<3 Think about how great it would be to name a shaggy dog “Toupee”.

<3 Go to an audition just for the experience.

<3 Tell someone cute, “You’re cute”.

<3 Sit in a sauna with a stack of fashion magazines & sweat it out.

<3 Find a secret place with a great view. Like a tree, or a rooftop, or a hill.

<3 Go & see a musical (or just rent one).

<3 Be optimistic.

<3 Buy ridiculous slippers.

<3 Make a list of the things you want to do to celebrate the upcoming season.

<3 Lie down in the sunshine.

<3 Pretend to be a dancer in a music video as you perform mundane tasks. Jiggle your way from the bathroom to the kitchen, shake it while you wait for your toast to pop, booty bump while you pick an outfit.

<3 Go to an aquarium & take photos of the jellyfish.

<3 Watch movies you used to love as a child.

<3 Book a karaoke room with friends & sing your heart out.

<3 Make a list of practical, actionable ways you can improve your situation.

<3 Start keeping a dream journal & write down their supposed meanings, too.

<3 See if you can develop an appreciation for a band or a style of music you’ve never liked before.

<3 Write a play.

<3 Go to vintage stores looking for fabulous old typewriters.

<3 Write the stuff you like about your body on your body with a marker.

<3 Change your ring-tone to the sound of one of your friends laughing hysterically.

<3 Watch videos of Robin Williams or Eddie Murphy.

<3 Listen to Divine Harvest by The Mae Shi. Don’t be worried, everything will turn out fine. Don’t be worried, friend just put your hand in mine.

<3 Take a nap with your head at the other end of the bed.

<3 Walk around a garden centre & buy a colourful plant. Give it a name.

<3 Go somewhere that people walk their dogs & make friends with some fluffy creatures.

<3 Hug your friends.

<3 Tell someone everything.

<3 Believe that everything is always getting better.


Love letters & feather headdresses,

<3
<3 Tags: ,
<3 Add Gala on Twitter!

---

Comment

  1. # 101. Read this article!

    <3 Michelle · Mar 24, 07:33 PM · #

  2. I needed this.

    <3 Leanna · Mar 24, 07:42 PM · #

  3. Aw, this is fantastic! I’m gonna bookmark it for a bad day.

    <3 Aimee Marie · Mar 24, 07:43 PM · #

  4. You’re cute!

    <3 Nicola · Mar 24, 07:44 PM · #

  5. Oh Gala, I think you have a knack for perfect timing. You always seem to write great articles at exactly the time when I need them most. Thank you thank you!

    I’d like to add ‘Listen to Little Richard records’ to the list because hell, nothing puts a smile on your face like ‘Good Golly Miss Molly’! x

    <3 Samantha · Mar 24, 07:47 PM · #

  6. Hehe! I love that I do some of these things already.
    Haha loving the pretend your in a music clip one, but you can pretend other people are too!

    When I was having a crap day at work at the retail store i worked at in highschool i would imagine all tha ass hole people at work doing rediculous broadway routines to the music playing in the shop. I would burst out laughing, and I wouldnt be able to keep a straight face when they asked why i was so happy… (as if it was a crime) haha!

    <3 [ t a y l o r ] · Mar 24, 07:48 PM · #

  7. thanks for posting this!

    <3 Diana · Mar 24, 07:54 PM · #

  8. Oh, Galabelle, I am printing this out and keeping it in my wallet. So great!

    <3 sarah von · Mar 24, 07:55 PM · #

  9. This is fantastic. Well done you

    <3 Bex · Mar 24, 08:00 PM · #

  10. this is an awesome list!!

    <3 Cindee · Mar 24, 08:02 PM · #

  11. Loving this list Gala!

    Also, you’ve made me fall in love with the idea of moving to New York!

    <3 Kahlia · Mar 24, 08:05 PM · #

  12. ...I literally just sat down with the usual angst of “GAWD I FEEL UGLY AND FAT AND USELESS”, and this is what I find. You’ve been told this countless times, but you have great timing, mon amour. Thanks!

    <3 Amour · Mar 24, 08:05 PM · #

  13. this is perfect! my best friend had a terrible day so i sent her the link and i think she’ll like it. Gotta love Gala.

    <3 heartsandthings · Mar 24, 08:11 PM · #

  14. Thank you, Gala! I’ve definitely been needing this today — my lovely roommate moved out this past weekend, and so I’m trying to keep my chin up and cross my fingers that an awesome new roommate will come my way…

    <3 Jeanne · Mar 24, 08:18 PM · #

  15. thankyou Gala!

    These are all the things I love doing when being crazy & spontaneous :)

    When you’re on the right track everything just falls into place. I feel like this my time, with me doing the right things and with the right people around me. Sorry for using so many rights!

    I just feel so empassioned right now- doing what I love and you and Icing have a lot to do with that.

    Thanks for being such a great guide

    XOXO

    <3 Christine · Mar 24, 08:19 PM · #

  16. #101 ~ Read this list and try not to smile.

    I love this! :)

    <3 Raivyn · Mar 24, 08:21 PM · #

  17. This is wonderful and amazing and perfect. I love that ‘pie’ needs no further explanation, haha.

    <3 orinoco · Mar 24, 08:21 PM · #

  18. That expensive shoes trick never fails. I used to spend a good hour in Louis Vuitton trying on shoes and wandering around, then decided “I’d better come back at the end of the day in case my feet swell before making a decision” trick.
    And on the “seeking out people who inspire you” item, such a great recommendation. I do this as often as I can, and am always amazed at the response I get. I’ve made some top notch friends this way.

    <3 Super Kawaii Mama · Mar 24, 08:24 PM · #

  19. Or you could just read this and suddenly feel happy again (:.

    You are awesome!!!

    <3 Catherine · Mar 24, 08:24 PM · #

  20. just awesome!

    <3 Victoria · Mar 24, 08:36 PM · #

  21. Lovely list! Very imaginative. I wouldn’t be able to think of a lot of these things when I’m upset.

    <3 Brittany · Mar 24, 08:40 PM · #

  22. the wonders you can do, when you’re feeling sad. this post totally rocks.

    xoxo

    <3 Msarah · Mar 24, 08:41 PM · #

  23. Tell someone everything.

    I was thinking exactly about it in my way home, and then I read this. Gotta be a sign, right? I just pray that when the time comes, I will find the courage.

    <3 Julia · Mar 24, 08:45 PM · #

  24. I. love. this.

    I almost stopped for a milkshake today. I will tomorrow for sure.

    So thankful for a reminder of the good things.

    <3 Nicole · Mar 24, 08:51 PM · #

  25. Oh, thank you, Gala! This is exactly what I was needing after the day I’ve had. I got back from a wonderful trip to Disney on Sunday and the first thing I find out this week is that I might not be able to afford to go to college at all!

    But first things first before I try to deal with this, I need to chill out. A fantastic sundae would hit the spot right now, in fact.

    <3 Kassandra · Mar 24, 08:52 PM · #

  26. YES! Exactly what I needed this week. You are a doll xx

    <3 shells · Mar 24, 08:53 PM · #

  27. MOST excellent, and these can be all done of course on a good day just to liven things up! I have to say my favorite posts of your’s are always the to-do lists. The weirder, the better.

    <3 Claire · Mar 24, 08:54 PM · #

  28. I love this!! I will have to bookmark it for a rainy spring day (a lot of those where I live…). Thank you!
    I’ve actually done a few of these already…including the ‘reach out to someone who doesn’t know you exist’ one. I sent him a message on facebook telling him I think he is very inspiring and cute. :)

    <3 amelie · Mar 24, 08:58 PM · #

  29. Thank you Gala, perfectly timed, as usual :)

    <3 Amelia Jane · Mar 24, 08:59 PM · #

  30. Gorgeous! Love love love this list!
    Haha! Pie. Yep. A-huh.
    Also, I missed the boat on this a little bit but I have read with interest the comments re: Love & Sequins … I for one am interested to check out the first podcast!

    <3 Nelly! · Mar 24, 09:06 PM · #

  31. Wow Gala. This is a huge list! Bless you for putting this out into the world. Go out for a milkshake rocks.

    My suggestion for a Wellington winter is making soup (or cupcakes or cookies) and surprise some friends with a visit.

    <3 Jason · Mar 24, 09:15 PM · #

  32. Listen to Mike McGee’s podcast. He tells you that he loves you, whoever you are, cracks jokes, talks about pudding, tells you he’s glad you are who you are where you are, and oh yeah, interviews poets and plays awesome music.

    <3 Max · Mar 24, 09:21 PM · #

  33. Good list!

    <3 Kayla Lane · Mar 24, 09:26 PM · #

  34. what a great list! I needed a slap of motivation and inspiration. How about:

    ♥Go put and plant some flowers or hug a tree, get some vitamin D.

    ♥Tickle a small child until you are BOTH laughing.

    ♥Create a work of art, draw outside the lines and feel good about whatever you create.

    Thanks!

    <3 Glamoursurf · Mar 24, 09:27 PM · #

  35. Interesting Gala, did you know on my way home from a earth shattering terrible day i was like I wish Gala would just tell me what to do when something really terrible happens.

    Holy crapoloa. Now if only the rest of the universe would cooperate.

    <3 Jacqueline Saxby · Mar 24, 09:29 PM · #

  36. they sound fun :)
    and i LOVE the ‘sad trombone’ sound more than anything in the world. i recently found out it was called a ‘chromatic descending wah’ and make it a fact to tell everyone. becuase it’s necessary information!

    <3 nico · Mar 24, 09:54 PM · #

  37. THANKYOU.
    as someone said, you always post such lovely things at the most appropriate times. i was having a miserable, lonely night and this warmed my spirit

    love you Gala!

    <3 gina · Mar 24, 09:59 PM · #

  38. YES i love sleeping upside down so very much! just last night my boyfriend suggested it and it was ever so fun.
    the last time i slept upside down with him was a disaster. i said “hey, let’s sleep upside down!” just as he had fallen asleep (“nsguhhhh”) so i said to hell with it, and slept upside down anyway. of course the next morning when my alarm went off, he rolled over and kicked me in the face, and then…just…left his foot on my face…

    oh, it was beautiful.
    always an adventure, sleeping upside down.
    in fact, that’s how pippy longstocking always sleeps!

    <3 Sal · Mar 24, 10:00 PM · #

  39. This list is EPIC! I frequently indulge in #3 – tis a guaranteed mood lifter. ♥

    <3 penelope · Mar 24, 10:03 PM · #

  40. aaa! Gala! i needed this. thank you thank you!

    <3 lulu · Mar 24, 10:07 PM · #

  41. Excellent, thankyou.

    <3 tee · Mar 24, 10:08 PM · #

  42. These are wonderful! Thank you for posting this article :)

    <3 Miaka · Mar 24, 10:13 PM · #

  43. This is just perfect! Its going on my wall ASAP! =]

    <3 Caitlyn · Mar 24, 10:13 PM · #

  44. Hey G

    This is a really good list/ for those sad moments. I’m impressed with your vivid imagination and your ability to provide inspiration all the time to everyone, despite how you feel. It’s encouraging that you want to build a business based on your experiences and colorful thoughts! It’s very sustainable and such a bright idea! It should have already become a breeze because you keep at it like a shooting star!

    <3 Lux · Mar 24, 10:19 PM · #

  45. Gala! What perfect timing you have! I have been in such a bad mood lately, and I don’t know why. This list sure will help!! Thank you soooooo much!! xoxo

    <3 Sara · Mar 24, 10:28 PM · #

  46. yay! i love this list.
    i’ll write down about things that I appreciate right now
    thx Gala! Y.O.U A.R.E R.E.M.A.R.K.A.B.L.E !!!

    <3 ChaCha · Mar 24, 10:34 PM · #

  47. I would add: Watch Soulgarden, chances are Chris will say something like “Breakdown before a breakthrough” or “ride it out till monday when xx planet comes back online”
    Fab fab list – no need to wait till your feeling down to do these things!
    xx

    <3 Kathleen · Mar 24, 10:38 PM · #

  48. Thanks! Quite practical.

    <3 Lou · Mar 24, 10:43 PM · #

  49. Timing for this couldn’t have been more perfect.
    Thankyou!!

    <3 Maeghan · Mar 24, 10:49 PM · #

  50. I missed posts like these! Thanks, doll.

    <3 Kylie · Mar 24, 10:59 PM · #

  51. Excellent tips and a page I will save for times in need. That Motown mix rocks!!! I just forwarded it to friends and danced around my living room to it — TWICE! I think I’ll go back now for a third helping. Thanks, Gala!

    <3 Rochelle · Mar 24, 11:08 PM · #

  52. Thanks Gala you’re the best :-)Your positivity is contagious.

    I had a bad day yesterday and then i went and joined my local library and that cheered me right up!!! I was thrilled to come home with a dvd about how to speak french, books about astrology and chinese face reading! It really excited me!! i know it sounds lame but i cant believe i hadnt done it sooner! So that’s my recommendation for anyone feeling a bit blue.:-)

    Thanks again gorgeous, awesome list.
    xoxoxoxoxo

    <3 Angela · Mar 24, 11:13 PM · #

  53. I am going to print this list and post it on my wall so that next time im feeling down I can close my eyes and pick a random thing on the list to do!

    <3 Miss Addict · Mar 24, 11:18 PM · #

  54. I was kind of in a grumpy/bad mood after coming home from work and you made everything all better, just like you always do.

    <3 Kim · Mar 24, 11:41 PM · #

  55. You are just the best random-idea-generator that was ever invented! Love it! Love you!

    <3 Kitty · Mar 24, 11:44 PM · #

  56. i have to second that perfect timing thing…i only wish i’d seen this sooner…i got very upset today and I ended up ordering a pizza…and then i wanted ice-cream but i didnt get that…and then i listened to some old songs..i’m talking about crystal gayle lol…so i think i had some intuition into ur list…without even knowing it had anything to do with the fact that i was upset and these things would actually make me feel better..i just thought i was craving ice-cream and stumbled upon the crystal gayle.. :) but now i kno! THANKS FOR SHARING! UR THE BEST! I LOVE UR BLOG!

    <3 charlene · Mar 24, 11:49 PM · #

  57. Ahhhhh some of these are already my FAVORITE things to do! Oh cocoa butter and chinese takeaway and shoes I will never, ever be able to afford :D This entry made me all smiley and giggly, hooray!

    <3 Amy · Mar 24, 11:50 PM · #

  58. excellent timing, my dear!
    thank you.
    ♥

    <3 natalie dias · Mar 24, 11:51 PM · #

  59. Loads of fun!
    What a great list! Thanks for putting in the time to come up with that.

    <3 arielle · Mar 25, 12:00 AM · #

  60. Oh my god, I seriously should go down this list one bad day at a time. I would have to add; make strange new foods. Color in a coloring book. Fall asleep in someone else’s sweat shirt.

    Somewhat related: Why is it that when you borrow someone else’s sweat shirt, it’s unbelievably comfortable and delicious, but your own sweat shirts are never that great? It’s pretty much a proven scientific principle. I hereby christen it the Reverse Heaven Fabric Effect, haha…

    Too much caffeine leads to this sort of stuff.

    <3 Limespark · Mar 25, 12:13 AM · #

  61. I

    <3 Cathleen · Mar 25, 12:33 AM · #

  62. Whoops, my comment didn’t get posted! Love this list, it put a huge smile on my face, thanks!

    <3 Cathleen · Mar 25, 12:34 AM · #

  63. ahh, i needed this for the shit day this one has been. still, i’m keeping the perspective that everything is indeed getting better… xo

    <3 Amanda · Mar 25, 12:35 AM · #

  64. I especially loved the ordering delivery food idea, Gala! Food is so exciting…

    Oh and I would like to add: building a cuby-house/forte out of sheets. Lie under it and dream or read your favourite book. (I did this last week with Pride & Predjudice, and made sure my cuby-house was a completely stress-free zone. I forbid myself from thinking about school etc in there AT ALL. I even slept there. It really helped!)

    <3 ella · Mar 25, 01:30 AM · #

  65. You’re a legend right now Gala =]
    I’ve pretty much been depressed and feeling crap for ages.
    I’m so trying some of these!!
    x

    <3 Mandy · Mar 25, 01:32 AM · #

  66. Amazing. Thank you so much. It was greatly needed.
    :]

    <3 Sophia · Mar 25, 01:51 AM · #

  67. Just reading this list made me feel better. I was having a rough night at work but this has perked me up quite a bit. Thank you.

    <3 laural · Mar 25, 02:05 AM · #

  68. thanks.

    <3 Molly B · Mar 25, 02:45 AM · #

  69. Some of my friends are at my home right now at a sleepover, laughing loudly after I spent a good 20 minutes showing them pictures of a cute boy (with stories!). They approve whole-heartedly of your recommendations and send hugs.

    <3 ansi · Mar 25, 02:47 AM · #

  70. Thanks so much Gala!

    <3 Stella Mayfair · Mar 25, 04:09 AM · #

  71. Amazing!

    <3 Sammy · Mar 25, 04:37 AM · #

  72. “Wear a fake moustache all day.”

    Love love LOVE that one! Made my day :)

    sigh yeah, just reading this post has just made me feel better.

    Love your work, Gala!!

    <3 Rising Sun · Mar 25, 04:57 AM · #

  73. Ahh, Gala, these are lovely. I often nap with my head at the wrong end of the bed. I don’t know why, but it feels great!

    <3 Gem · Mar 25, 05:05 AM · #

  74. I LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT,

    Oh Gala – thank you so much ! What a wonderful list…you always know how to bring some light into every ordinary day …

    We should make it compulsory to choose an idea from your list and do one every day !!

    Donna Xx

    <3 Donna · Mar 25, 05:29 AM · #

  75. I love wearing fake moustaches! Especially at work!

    <3 Edith · Mar 25, 05:41 AM · #

  76. Would you do a special “things to cheer you up at work” edition? Because as much as I like these ideas, most are just NOT possible at work – and at work is the place I’m most likely to have a miserable day.

    (I know, tip n°1 would be “find another job”: this is just for a few months as I need the money! I absolutely don’t plan to keep that job forever.)

    <3 Theremina · Mar 25, 05:55 AM · #

  77. “Pie.” Okay, I cracked up there.

    Gala, you must be the goddess of perfect timing or something.

    <3 Alice · Mar 25, 06:11 AM · #

  78. I just adore how much positive you thrust into the universe.

    <3 Jaime · Mar 25, 06:33 AM · #

  79. I’m not even having a particularly bad day, but I love some of these ideas so much I’m gonna do them anyway. Great stuff!

    <3 Annie Goddard · Mar 25, 06:39 AM · #

  80. When we run into disappointments, I think it’s helpful to think about the thing that didn’t pan out, and why we wanted it. Usually, that thing is a means to an end – which means that there is almost certainly another way to do, be, or attain what we really wanted all along.

    There’s a piece called “I Regularly Exercise My Substitution Muscle” that talks about working through major obstacles and disappointments at localizing.wordpress.com/2009/...

    <3 Ceka · Mar 25, 06:39 AM · #

  81. YAY! But you know someone is going to get a little high sniffing so many perfumes in an hour….hmmmm

    <3 Caspar Devine · Mar 25, 06:48 AM · #

  82. This is quite possibly the best thing you have ever written Gala. You have made my year. And it’s only March!

    <3 Song · Mar 25, 06:48 AM · #

  83. This is such and AMAZING list! I love it and I want to do all on it right now right here!
    I’m gonna go looking for some diamonds to stick on my manicure!

    <3 Sama · Mar 25, 07:04 AM · #

  84. wow, this is quite a good post. I´ve been taking some notes…

    see you alligator

    <3 fractal_ · Mar 25, 07:05 AM · #

  85. Awww thank you for this darling just reading it made me feel better, I really must do everything on that list

    <3 Cate · Mar 25, 07:12 AM · #

  86. Think about how great it would be to name a shaggy dog “Toupee”.

    Oh, god, I laughed so hard at this one. I love this.

    <3 electronic mily · Mar 25, 07:29 AM · #

  87. I love the balance between internal and external – how many of these recommendations involve others, but just as many require turning inward. It all depends on how you’re wired which type of action will drag you out of the doldrums, right?

    <3 Sal · Mar 25, 08:26 AM · #

  88. This came at a perfect time! I am having a super stressfull few days and even though I don’t think I will have time to do any of this it still made me feel happier. I know that soon the bad days will pass and I will start to think positivly again. :)

    <3 Olivia · Mar 25, 08:31 AM · #

  89. excuse the following outburst, but GALA YOU ARE AWESOME!!! ♥♥♥♥♥ THANK YOU!

    <3 raq · Mar 25, 08:58 AM · #

  90. I love this post. I was feeling really crappy today, and then this made me smile and improved my mood. Thanks a million!

    <3 mz rayz · Mar 25, 09:07 AM · #

  91. thank you:)

    <3 meee..... · Mar 25, 09:13 AM · #

  92. YOU inspire me but don’t know i exist! So here i am reaching out :D

    <3 sara · Mar 25, 09:17 AM · #

  93. I was going to offer it, but you beat me to it: Pancakes! Any time a friend is having a bad day, all I want to do is go to their house and make them a huge stack of pancakes. But alas, many times, these folks are many hundreds of miles away. So I instead make pancakes at my place in their honour. =)

    <3 aleta · Mar 25, 09:19 AM · #

  94. “Take a nap with your head at the other end of the bed.”
    That is like the best kind of nap ever! That is exactly what I do when I’m having a bad day and can afford some down time. I love how generous you are with advice. You really touch a lot of peoples lives. Thank you.
    xoxo

    <3 Heather · Mar 25, 09:33 AM · #

  95. oh gala! my horoscope this morning said:
    “today, you will find exactly what you need”
    i think this might just be it! thank you :)

    <3 katie! · Mar 25, 09:36 AM · #

  96. www.typetees.com/product/1642/...?=

    !!!

    you must buy this! I saw it and thought of you straight away!

    <3 Jennifer Elizabeth · Mar 25, 10:02 AM · #

  97. Ooh, it’s like a super boosted Style Tips post!!!
    I love those ideas, I’ll copy-paste them directly into my style tips folder _

    <3 Poire Gourmande · Mar 25, 10:16 AM · #

  98. Gorgeous! Perfect for my thesis writing blues!

    <3 Harriet · Mar 25, 10:19 AM · #

  99. I’ve shared a link to this article on my facebook profile because I think everyone could do with some crazy ideas for spicing up sad days. When I’m studying for exams, I often make myself a fake moustache from some magazinepaper, and then burst out in mad giggling whenever I see myself in the mirror. :D
    Thank you for sharing this list with us!

    <3 Eve · Mar 25, 10:29 AM · #

  100. I love this!
    I think I’m going to play with some clay now and share the little creatures I make with friends. :)

    <3 Jami · Mar 25, 10:45 AM · #

  101. Awesome!!! Love it!!!

    besos!

    <3 Vane · Mar 25, 10:45 AM · #

  102. Oh Gala I love this! I’m having a bit of a difficult time at the moment and this is just what I need :) x

    <3 Lauren · Mar 25, 11:05 AM · #

  103. I really needed this, Gala.
    Thank you.
    x

    <3 Kris · Mar 25, 11:08 AM · #

  104. “Pull a Kid CuDi & announce your retirement from the world of something. Like cooking, or vocal communication. Announce your unretirement whenever you feel like it.”

    Loooooved this one! This list really made me smile.

    <3 Vanessa · Mar 25, 11:32 AM · #

  105. Ah! I did the shoe thing the other day! twitpic.com/2csfs
    I’m totally buying those when I get a job, I fell in love. :)
    I am a little worried though seeing as they are 4” heels…and I’ve never worn a pair other than trying them on in a store! Must practice walking in heels!

    <3 Caitlin · Mar 25, 12:28 PM · #

  106. Gala, are you in NY? I think I saw your bright pink hair in Chinatown this morning…

    <3 Luna · Mar 25, 12:31 PM · #

  107. Goodness girl, that’s a hell of a list.

    <3 Birdie · Mar 25, 12:42 PM · #

  108. Oooh what a great post. You’ve just made me want a big ice cream sundae with tonnes of sprinkles on!

    <3 Daisy · Mar 25, 12:52 PM · #

  109. as for the dancer in the music video thing…i dance while grocery shopping allll the time! Especially in the huge empty aisles at Costco or sam’s club…

    <3 meredith · Mar 25, 12:58 PM · #

  110. Luna — I am but I haven’t ventured down to Chinatown yet!

    <3 Gala · Mar 25, 12:59 PM · #

  111. This is one of the loveliest things I’ve read in a while!

    <3 Rebecbec · Mar 25, 02:04 PM · #

  112. Ahh I love it when you post stuff like this Gala.
    And amazing timing as usual!
    xx

    <3 Kat · Mar 25, 02:17 PM · #

  113. This is fantastic! Really made my day! x

    <3 Rosee · Mar 25, 02:49 PM · #

  114. yo g, Poppa mad stressin this week, lost my twitter account.

    ima try to hit up the hula hoop, but damn, the waistline aint lookin too friendly for that hoop. that bitch gonna look like a bright pink belt around my shit.

    had a couple big booty hoes wipe me down with cocoa butter this morning and that ended up all good.

    fuck doin the splits.

    ps – yall got to follow @freebigpoppa on twitter. then hit me on my pager, i still got some of them pink draws you left at the crib.

    <3 Notorious B.I.G. · Mar 25, 04:32 PM · #

  115. This is such a great post and awesome tips Gala!! Next time I am upset I am definitely using some of these tips and passing along also. Everyone needs to have these helpful tips :)

    <3 Alba · Mar 25, 05:03 PM · #

  116. Ohh and with the hula hoop being mentioned, I wanted to know from you what good hoops do u recommend for a beginner? I haven’t hooped since I was a kid but I would love to get started with a light hoop that I can begin with and learn. Let me know what you recommend :)

    <3 Alba · Mar 25, 05:05 PM · #

  117. I found an amazing typewriter in a suitcase at goodwill once for 2 dollars. It was sweet.

    <3 Nala · Mar 25, 05:06 PM · #

  118. Yep, I needed this badly and found the motivation to make my own minilist. Thanks dear Gala!

    <3 ChristaLouWho · Mar 25, 05:10 PM · #

  119. i love you! kisses bb

    <3 e · Mar 25, 05:17 PM · #

  120. Thanks for posting this list- I love it! I felt instantly uplifted just by reading it!

    When I’m sad, I like being really dramatic and wallowing in my sadness, listening to sad songs, having a cry and wearing black. Sometimes you have to go to one extreme before you can make it to the happy ending. Then I laugh at myself later for being such a sad diva!

    Keep up the fab work!

    <3 Carla Gee · Mar 25, 05:26 PM · #

  121. thanks gala. so far 2009 hasn’t been so great…at all. But I’m ready for things to turn around and this is sure to help. You’re exquisite my love

    <3 Elizabeth · Mar 25, 05:45 PM · #

  122. As far as getting ridiculous slippers goes — have you seen this site: www.bunnyslippers.com ???

    First of all, they have the platonic ideal of bunny slippers. Pose-able ears and everything. Oh. Yes.

    Second — how fantastic is it that there is a website called bunnyslippers.com? (answer: really fucking fantastic!)

    kisses…

    <3 Miss B · Mar 25, 05:55 PM · #

  123. I’ve never ever commented before, but you are awesome, and even moreso now you’ve posted this, so I thought I should finally say something. :D

    xx, Kitty

    <3 Kitty · Mar 25, 06:33 PM · #

  124. Miss B — Oh, wow. I think my head just popped off. That is maybe the best thing I have EVER seen.

    P.S. I love you ALL. Hee. Big kisses all the way into the infinite!

    <3 Gala · Mar 25, 06:43 PM · #

  125. yesterday i made very unseasonal plans to visit the beach…in washington.
    it was one of the best trips ever.
    my besty and i found so much beach glass and then we retired to a small coffee shop for warm drinks to oggle our new treasures.

    we also proceeded to call every dog we saw a bichon. and that if there was an actual bichon we would exxcllaim “look a cockapoo!”

    <3 BRITT · Mar 25, 07:07 PM · #

  126. You truly made my day Gala, thank you!

    <3 Jab · Mar 25, 07:22 PM · #

  127. singing to a friend always works hahaha. plus, what I do when I’m feeling so down is, I watch a korean series and drool over those hot korean guys. =P

    <3 ruby · Mar 25, 07:22 PM · #

  128. Gala

    You have perfect timing, I have been having a perfectly disgusting time at work, and you have cheered me up immensely. Thanks a bunch :-)

    <3 missmeryl · Mar 25, 07:36 PM · #

  129. Articles like this are why I first started reading your blog.
    This is why I love it.
    Thank you Gala!
    xoxo

    <3 Jennifer · Mar 25, 08:33 PM · #

  130. Gala, YOU ARE A SAINT! This is perfect timing & has definitely cheered me up. I too have had a bad day at work & a stressful week starting off with my keys being locked in the car. These ideas are super cute & helpful haha.

    xoxoxoxoxo!!!

    <3 DanaBelle · Mar 25, 08:45 PM · #

  131. It’s hard to believe that “everything is always getting better” when your country is being bombed by America. Still, my optimism is getting a workout, isn’t it..I suppose that’s what’s getting better..stronger under the circumstances. :)

    <3 [a} · Mar 25, 08:50 PM · #

  132. Heehee. The last time I wore a fake mustache, I had a cold and sneezed all over it, but it really seemed like a good idea at the time.
    Miss Gala, I was wondering if you could recommend a few of your favorite self-help/inspirational books to me? :]

    <3 Katelyn · Mar 25, 08:59 PM · #

  133. Best entry ever!!
    I had a melt down when i turned 26, because I wasn’t where I wanted to be and all this negative energy was consuming me. A few days later i decided to start a fresh and look at everything in a positive way.
    Thanks Gala!

    <3 Nicole · Mar 25, 09:07 PM · #

  134. My darling Gala,
    You are a wonderful exciting and totally off the wall
    fabulous girl.
    I love what you are doing with your web site. You make everyone feel so much better about themselves just by looking at the positive.
    I think your new ideas are inspirational and I am sure all of your readers will get on board.
    Lots of love,
    Janet.

    <3 Janet Paape · Mar 25, 09:48 PM · #

  135. love love love it!!! mwah to you, gala!

    <3 b · Mar 25, 09:55 PM · #

  136. Oh I loved this! So needed it – I’m gonna try it all!

    <3 LaSaundra · Mar 25, 10:52 PM · #

  137. Chocolate, sunshine and a fake moustache sounds like a fantastic day. It’s not very often I feel this down. This article defintely made me smile.

    Gala, you’re absolutely lovely. Never forget it! :)

    <3 Kate · Mar 25, 11:55 PM · #

  138. gala, i love you.

    too many days i’ve been down. these all sound like wonderful ideas to cheer anyone up! or even entertain, no need to be sad to have as much fun doing the things you’ve recommended above :)

    this is my first time posting a comment, but i also wanted to share this with you. i see them all the time on your site and looove the little stories you come up with. except this is how i want my life to be in 4 years (or less).

    img.photobucket.com/albums/v31…

    sorry i had to censor my business idea, its very unique (as far as i know) and i don’t want to take any chances!! i’ll be sure to let you know when it’s up and running so that you can stop by the next time you’re in austin (for SXSW, maybe?)

    theres sooo much more i wanted to add but didnt in the interest of keeping it short (like how i eat noodles with hot pink chopsticks, how i will decorate my little apartment, and what kinds of books i divulge in xD )

    oh and sorry for the bad quality, i made this in paint n_________nv

    <3 sarah · Mar 26, 01:47 AM · #

  139. This:

    http://www.boingboing.net/2009/03/18/get-excited-and-make.html

    <3 twentynine · Mar 26, 02:04 AM · #

  140. pie = hands down the best thing on the list!!!

    <3 cat · Mar 26, 05:02 AM · #

  141. “Appreciate the dinosaur bones at your favourite museum.”

    I’m such a nerd but i love this one.

    <3 amika · Mar 26, 06:03 AM · #

  142. Thank ya dear! This is so amazing!

    <3 Sam Bard · Mar 26, 07:10 AM · #

  143. as always you know how to put a smile on our faces thanks!!!! also thank you for recommending the book i’ve had it forever but never opened it and this list reminded me of it for some reason and i’ve started reading it tanks :)

    <3 meg · Mar 26, 09:29 AM · #

  144. Thanks for being here Gala, reading you is always the highlight of my work day!!! You put so much positive energy out there…I’m going to print this list and try to do one activity each day, starting now!!!

    <3 Bere · Mar 26, 10:20 AM · #

  145. Thanks for posting this – It’s totally related to what’s going on with me right now. Just broke up with the boyfriend of over a year and I’m trying to deal with it.

    Though as I was reading it I realised I was already doing a few things on the list – Just bought a new truck and I’m planning on getting it ready to tow my pony around, have been pampering with myself with lotions and creams and polish and hot showers, etc.

    I sent the list to my mom who is down a bit as well for a number of reasons, but more importantly is bored. She just had surgery and can’t really do much and she’s by nature a very active person. Hopefully she’ll find it useful too!

    <3 Summer · Mar 26, 10:24 AM · #

  146. I feel better already! and I wasn’t even in a bad mood to begin with! seriously AWESOME LIST!!

    <3 Heather · Mar 26, 01:26 PM · #

  147. Ahh, this cheered me up a bunch :D
    (Even though I may never do most of it…someday I will be sure to. And I will file it away in my brain for crummy days.)

    Speaking of festival tours, Warped Tour just announced its dates yesterday. Anyone who will be in the US this summer should go…Gala, come to Warped! (It will be very close to NYC on July 18th…winkwink, nudgenudge..)

    <3 Luabean · Mar 26, 02:48 PM · #

  148. “Girl, you walk like a busted-down freight-train.”

    I was having horrible day filled with “woman problems”, but that seriously made my day.

    Thank you SO much Gala!

    <3 Mgnta · Mar 26, 04:01 PM · #

  149. My very fluffy dog’s name IS Toupee… lol

    <3 Holly · Mar 26, 08:41 PM · #

  150. I just love your site. It’s inspirational, creative, and positive. It’s a feel good place. Thanks!

    <3 Laureen · Mar 26, 10:02 PM · #

  151. This is an amazng post. Some of the ideas are brilliant. Can’t wait to use them.

    <3 Sherin · Mar 27, 03:38 AM · #

  152. I absolutely adore your site, its one of the few sites I check everytime I come online. It is beautiful, creative, imaginative, all the good things in life squished into a .com!
    I read this on a terrible day and I have printed it off to read on other terrible, or not so terrible days.
    Thank you

    <3 Joelle · Mar 27, 12:51 PM · #

  153. excellent list, I’ll need to do some of those things next time I’m sad, some of them would cheer me up just readign about them! Like the bunny kisses too

    <3 Crafty Green Poet · Mar 27, 02:18 PM · #

  154. WOW I NEEDED THIS TODAY! My major life plans just got a swift kick in the pants, and I’ve been doing all I can to think positively and not fall apart. I am going to do as many things on this list as I can over the next few days, while simultaneously trying to create a NEW life plan.

    <3 morgan · Mar 27, 02:30 PM · #

  155. I really, really needed this! I think I’ll do some of them! _

    <3 Merry · Mar 27, 03:06 PM · #

  156. wow, gala. i only just returned to the internet, but the day you posted this, my grandma had a stroke and i had a terrible bug and spent the day vomiting. i could’ve really used this!

    <3 Kate · Mar 27, 03:49 PM · #

  157. Gala, did you make up most of these yourself? Well, it doesn’t matter because I thank you either way for posting this. Just what I needed! Thanks! &hearts;

    <3 Vanessa · Mar 27, 05:31 PM · #

  158. Thank you so much for posting this… perfect timing! <333

    <3 Kahurangi · Mar 27, 05:36 PM · #

  159. wow, cool blog!

    <3 mosey · Mar 27, 06:28 PM · #

  160. Thanks Gala! I have to add – inviting a friend over for dinner and games and ending the night putting crazy rag curls in each other’s hair just for the sake of doing it.

    <3 Patience · Mar 28, 12:17 AM · #

  161. Wow, thanks a lot Gala! I love this!
    Y’know, I’ve only just found out about galadarling.com today and I really love it. It is the most fabulous blog-site ever!
    I particulairly love this blog entry, because it’s insightful and it really made me think about anjoying life while we have it.
    I absolutely adore these ideas, I’ve even printed them out and stuck some on my door just to remind me to seize the day and relish every moment!
    Keep on being you,
    Helena ♥

    P.S. Loving the crazy hair… :D ♥

    <3 Helena · Mar 28, 04:11 PM · #

  162. This list is fantastic. I know it will be something that I come back to on rainy days. Thanks.

    <3 Ashley Serra · Mar 28, 07:53 PM · #

  163. :)
    From the simple joys of life to some wacky ones that I have actually done (Taking a friend touristing? THEN going to gimmicky touristy shops and buying something ridiculous to convince another friend to wear later :P)
    so, yes. Basically
    :)

    <3 Andrei Jones · Mar 29, 11:20 AM · #

  164. Have I mentioned before that I love you? Probably but it needs to be said again.

    I love you!

    I’ve just had… one of those days and these suggestioins may have just rescued it. I’m printing this little list of happiness out to bring sunshine into more bad days.

    <3 Dolly · Mar 30, 11:19 AM · #

  165. You always know how to make people feel better about life, did you know that? Te amo. (:

    Seriously, though! Reading this list MADE my weekend that much better. I spent a good hour reading your lists tagged in “Life” & “Inspiration”. Needless to say, I’ve got lots and lots of ideas on how I’m going to spend my time now!

    <3 Jazmine · Mar 30, 05:31 PM · #

  166. Excellent list Gala. Positively inspirational. The other day me and some friends found a whole load of fake moustaches, and took looks of pictures of us wearing them. I actually wore one of them to PC World the next day, and got some great looks :D

    <3 Manamana · Mar 31, 11:43 AM · #

  167. I absolutely adore everything on this list!
    Thanks for being such a sweetie pie!

    <3 Laeticia · Apr 3, 03:11 PM · #

  168. Thanks for sharing the tips. I prefer to go out with my friends for some time and to enjoy the evenings trying to forget everything.

    <3 Adviser Luxury travel · Apr 4, 05:15 AM · #

  169. hey! omg mi friend asked out a boy 4 me and i didnt want her to! she didnt do it on purpose she just misunderstood me! i said to find out if he likes me….....now i am not sure if i am goin out w/ him or not and i dont wanna anymore!!!!!!!! i am SOOO trying out some of these tips….MAYBE ALL OF THEM!

    <3 Elizabeth · Apr 4, 04:30 PM · #

  170. Bliss! :D

    <3 Aesthetic Thoughts · Apr 5, 01:19 PM · #

  171. This is superfantastic! I’m not feeling so good right now and your list really lifted my spirits up.

    Oh and you should see this, btw. www.keyboardforblondes.com/

    ;-)

    <3 helena · Apr 9, 11:58 AM · #

  172. this is so good I needed this!

    <3 Brooke · Apr 27, 08:28 PM · #

  173. I’ve looked at a few of your posts and have enjoyed them immensely … but this is my first comment. I just had to say something because I’m a trombonist (really!!) and the “sad trombone” bit totally made my day!

    <3 Caroline · May 1, 11:04 PM · #

  174. i just found out my boyfrend hu broke up with me a week ago has gto a new gf and shagged her i duno what to do im heartbroken what should i do i need help. x

    <3 babe · May 4, 07:47 AM · #