We all have those days where nothing seems to be going to
plan. You have so much to do but are simply getting nothing done, sitting and
wallowing in your own misery hoping that somehow you will come out feeling
better, having achieved something or that magically all your problems will
disappear. Yesterday was one of these days for me. Growing up I quite commonly
fell into the trap of overwhelm. This would particularly happen around exam
time but also occurred any time I had to do something out of my comfort zone.
But now this does not occur very often. Luckily after many years of not coping
too well I have developed some strategies that work fast and very well for
getting myself out of that dark hole. So yesterday after a few things didn’t
quite work out the way I was hoping and I had spent the majority of the day
feeling sorry for myself, I decided enough was enough. I got up, put on my
active wear and went for a run. One of the first strategies I learnt all those
years back was simply to get moving. I know when you are miserable that is the
last thing you feel like doing but it is the first thing you should do. After
being outdoors, getting some fresh air, listening to some uplifting music and
getting my heart pumping, I was feeling much better, clear headed and
energised. I have had many years to learn what works for me when I am feeling
down, stuck or overwhelmed. I hope my strategies can help you too.
1.
Get moving- My all-time favourite strategy for anyone
feeling stuck, down or miserable is to put on your running shoes and get
outside. Go for a 10 minute walk, go for a run or a bike ride. I don’t care
just get moving. When your mind is stuck in a negative spiral, the best and fastest
way to change that is to create some movement. When I would be studying for
exams and would be feeling totally overwhelmed I would get up, go for a walk
and I would always come back feeling so much lighter, so much better. This is
exactly what I did yesterday to get myself out of my bad mood. The combination
of fresh air, some music and moving your muscles is the greatest way to change
your mood.
2.
Breath- Deep breathing can be so powerful. It is
a great way to centre yourself. Something that can be done anywhere at any
time. When we are stressed, overwhelmed and panicked we often forget to breath.
If you feel these dreaded emotions coming over you stop and focus your mind on
your breath. This can be enough to change the outcome of your emotions. It is one
of my favourite strategies if you are at work, about to go into an exam or in a
situation where you can’t just go off for a walk around the block. Simply
excuse yourself and go to the bathroom where you can focus purely on your
breath for 5 minutes until your mind begins to relax.
3.
Talk to someone- misery is a lonely person’s
game. This is how I feel at least. It is much easier to be miserable when you
are alone and often when you are feeling down all you feel like doing is
retreating to your room and blocking out the world and all those people in it. However,
this is actually the worst thing you can do. Talking to someone who can support
you is often so helpful in these low times. It helps to get things off your
chest, puts things in perspective and it just helps to know someone out there
cares. I was alone all day yesterday and once my husband came home and I had
some company and someone to talk to I realised I had to pull myself out of my
mood. If you don’t feel like you have someone you are comfortable opening up to
then there are professionals available and I highly recommend you speak to one.
4.
Rescue remedy- This is a handbag must have. It’s
quick, easy and works fast. A few sprays helps to calm you down immediately.
5.
Music- music does wonders for the mood. It can
lift you and it can bring you back down. For me I find it really depends on the
day but sometimes all I need is to belt out an emotive song to release any pent
up sadness while other days I need something fun and uplifting. This is
something you will have to work out for yourself but if you are deep in
sadness, music is an exceptional way to release emotions. With my run yesterday
I had some fun pop music and then followed it with a few ballots to sing along
to while stretching. I found that the uplifting music helped me get out of my
bad mood while the more emotive songs were a good place to think and put things
into perspective.
6.
Pets- Aren’t animals just the best. They are
always there for us no matter what. They listen, they don’t judge and they just
give some much love. If you don’t have a pet call up a friend who does and go
give it a cuddle.
7.
Nature- my first point of getting outside
touched on this slightly but nature has amazing abilities to help centre and
heal. It has been shown that going barefoot on dirt for 30 minutes a day has
amazing health benefits. I love going to the Dandenong ranges and walking in
Sherbrook forest. I find it really helps to calm me and I always come home so
positive and relaxed. But obviously that’s not somewhere I can go daily so just
go outside and spend some time in your garden or walking the streets and
smelling the flowers. Others may look at you like you are a crazy hippie but I
promise you will feel better for it!
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| My favourite place to escape to. The Dandenong Ranges. |
