The days are getting shorter, the temperatures are dropping and I am fighting my first cold of the season. The fact that I have to deal with some personal setbacks in my life at the moment, don't make it easier to be happy all the time. Do you know that feeling of just wanting to hide in bed and wait for better days?

Well, we all need a break from time to time. It's good to find a little me-time, reflect and think about what we want. But it's also important to keep coming back from short-term lows with new strength and recharged energy. Wanting to feel better is the first step to making it happen.

To get out of a low, I begin to turn all that emotional heaviness into physical energy. I like to take care of my body and so I usually start with a little beauty routine. Kind of like "when you feel good on the inside, you will look good on the outside". Only the other way around..get it? ;) But there are also lots of other things you can do to get your good mood and power back.

Here, I've listed 7 effective ways that will leave you feeling better physically, mentally and emotionally:

1. Set an intention

Take some time to figure out what you hope to achieve and then write it down. Whatever it may be that you want - lose weight, make a change in your life, get out of a relationship, detox. There is no right or wrong, it just has to make sense to you and your present life. Make a list of what you think might be holding you back. Be honest with yourself and really think about what you can improve or remove. Let go of what's not serving you in your life. Holding on to anger, sadness or depression can be toxic. Setting an intention and then following through on it, will make you feel empowered.

2. Meditate

Learn to live more in the present moment and strengthen your concentration with meditation. If you are new to meditation, don't get frustrated if it seems hard to be still at first. It will come over time. The more often you practice the easier it gets.

Try this easy 5 -10 min meditation:

1) Sit comfortably in a cross legged position and close your eyes. Keep your sternum lifted and your spine long. Let your hands rest on your thighs, palms facing up. Inhale deeply through the nose..and exhale through the nose...inhale...exhale. Keep taking some deep calm breaths. Don't force anything, your body will find its ideal breath flow.

2) Focus on your breath. Notice how your belly rises. How does it feel to breath in fresh air through your nostrils?

3) If you feel your mind drifting away to other things bring your attention back to your breath. Deep inhales...long exhales.

3. Exercise

Exercise is my personal favorite mood-booster. Needless to say that I encourage all of you to do yoga;) Whenever I feel down or weak, I do a couple of rounds of sun salutations or twisting postures and I feel better immediately. Yoga improves your energy and mood in no time.

If you are not in the mood for yoga, go for a run or a fast walk outside. Any activity that will encourage your blood flow is good. No matter what sport, working up a good sweat can turn your day around. Not only that, our body releases endorphins, the magic bullet behind that post workout bliss.

4. Pamper your skin with a DIY face mask

Pamper yourself! Radiant looking skin will definitely make you feel better. With a face mask you get not only beautiful skin, but it will help you to relax and recharge. I love making my own creams, lotion sticks and masks. One of my favorite ingredients are avocados. Their nutrients and fats are great for dry or aging skin.

Try this easy recipe:

1/2 avocado
1 tsp honey
1 Tbsp plain yogurt
1 tsp fresh lemon juice

Cut 1/2 fully ripe avocado and remove the skin and seed. Mash it up in a bowl, using a blender. Add honey, yogurt and lemon juice and stir the mixture until it turns into a creamy paste. Apply to skin and leave it on for about 10-20 min. Rinse off with warm water.

5. Dry brush your skin

Skin brushing feels amazing and it exfoliates dead skin cells and promotes cell renewal. It is a great way to encourage your detox as it helps stimulate digestion and remove toxins.

Brush your whole body with a skin brush (natural bristles!) in long circulating strokes toward your heart. Begin at one foot and sweep up to your thigh and buttocks. Then repeat on the other leg. Begin to sweep up your torso, your arms and back. Give each section enough attention. Dry brushing stimulates the lymph system and circulation and you'll be amazed how invigorated your body feels.

6. Take a spa bath

A therapeutic bath is a great way to pamper yourself in a spa-like fashion. Especially now that it's getting cold outside, a long hot soak feels so rewarding after a stressful day. I recommend candles and relaxing music.

To soothe sore muscles and help detox your body, add 1 cup of sea salt, 1 cup of baking soda and a few drops of your favorite essential oil to your bath.

7. Make someone else happy

A small gesture of kindness can mean so much. Being kind and helping others is so very powerful and rewarding and I believe that you can find your own happiness only when you practice being happy for others.

There are many small acts of kindness you can practice in your daily life: A smile, a hug, a compliment, respect, listening, time, making someone laugh, offer help, give hope...

It's nice to share our thoughts and feelings with others. We've all felt sad, hopeless, frustrated or exhausted at some point in our life. And we all know the feeling of not being enough or lovable. Show others that you can relate and that you too have experienced rough times.

“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” ~John Holmes