I think everyone feels a little blue from time to time. Some people simply hide it better than others. There are lots of reasons why that happens and all of them are associated with this thing we call life.

Most of the time, we get past the blues without taking any specific action. Something good happens, and we snap out of it. But sometimes, the blues hang around a little longer than they should. Long enough in fact, that they start to cause us problems.

Problems with our attitudes. Problems with our productivity and creativity. We might procrastinate more than normal. We might even start to have relationship issues.

If any of those things are happening to you, then it may be time to proactively pull yourself back towards your peak performance. Here’s a handful of suggestions to make that happen.

1. Physical Activity: Exercise isn’t just good for your body; it’s a proven mood booster. Go for a run, lift some weights, or even dance like nobody’s watching. Endorphins are your friends, so do something, anything to get yourself moving. Sitting on the couch just ain’t gonna get it done.

2. Sunlight: Get some natural light. It helps regulate your serotonin levels, which can significantly improve your mood. Even if it’s cloudy, just being outside can help.

3. Connect with Others: Humans are social creatures. Call a friend, have a real conversation, or, better yet, meet up if you can. Social interaction can be incredibly uplifting.

4. Gratitude Practice: This might sound cliché, but writing down three things you’re grateful for each day can shift your focus from what’s missing to what’s already there. This is a bigger deal than you may think. An “attitude of gratitude” can “fix” a whole lot of problems in your life; in fact, it can eliminate them altogether.

5. Limit News and Social Media: Sometimes, the world’s chaos can seep into your psyche. Take breaks from news cycles and the endless scroll of social media. Despite what you may see, hear, and read, the world isn’t ending today. I know that for a fact because it’s already tomorrow in Australia, so the rest of us “non-Aussies” have at least one more day. Let’s all make the most of it.

6. Creative Expression: Whether it’s drawing, writing, music, or any form of art, creating something can be therapeutic. It doesn’t have to be good; it just has to be done.

7. Set Small Goals: Achieving something, no matter how small, can give you a sense of accomplishment. Clean your room, cook a meal, or finish a chapter of a book. A surprisingly simple way to get your day off to a great start is to make your bed. Yep, start your day by making your bed and you’ve accomplished something before you even left the house.

8. Help Someone Else: Sometimes, lifting others can lift you. Volunteer, help a neighbor, or just do something kind for someone else. If you really want to boost your mood, do that something kind for someone else without them finding out it was you who did it. That’s harder than you think because we all like credit for doing something good. But it makes a huge difference for you if you just did it because it was the right thing to do.

These 8 suggestions are easy to do and they work. But here’s the thing, they are short-term solutions. If you find yourself constantly down in the dumps, that is not a good thing. It may be considerably more serious and if that’s the case, these ideas are much less likely to help. It’s entirely possible that you would benefit from professional help. If you’re really struggling, there’s no shame in seeking professional help. No shame at all, NONE. I’d even say it’s an incredibly courageous thing to do. Therapists are trained to help you navigate through tough times; it’s silly not to use their expertise when they are available to help you.

Remember, it’s okay to not be okay; it’s a sure sign you’re human. But it’s also okay to take active steps to feel better. Life’s a bit like a roller coaster; sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down, but with any luck, the ride’s not over yet.