By Pamela Bartholomew
So, you feel like you're having an "off day?"
We’ve all been there, friend. One moment your head frame is great! The next day, you wake up and there’s something not quite right. You can’t pinpoint it but you’re feeling anxious, sad, and just plain out moody.
Some of us call these days “gloomy”, some of us call these days “waking up on the wrong side of bed”. Fact is, we’ve all been there and they are the worst!
I wrote some pretty sure fire ways to combat a great morning routine here in my article Start Your Mornings Off Right where I list the 5 best tips I have to ensure a great morning!
But just in case you DO wake up gloomy, here’s some advice to remember that might save your day.
Distraction is KEY
I always tell my friends “Get out of your head”. You have to distract yourself from what’s making you anxious – at least for a little while. Step away from whatever is bringing you down and get your mind on to something else.
Some Distraction Ideas :
- listen to happy upbeat music
- watch your favourite movie or tv show
- read a book/ listen to a podcast
- put some time into your favourite hobby
Reach out
I say it all the time, but it is SO so important when you’re feeling down. Talk to your partner – reach out to your friend – reach out to your family. Just TALK to someone. Your brain can be a scary, lonely place – other people have a talent for making you feel better. Even if it’s just by listening!
Pro Tip :
If you’re anything like me – I sometimes feel like I don’t want to be a “bother” or that I’m asking for too much. Reaching out can be as simple as just chatting. Hearing someone else voice can do WONDERS for the soul.
Sun, Sun, and MORE Sun!
There is definitely some type of scientific reasoning behind this – but having sunlight touch your face is one of the best feelings. It’s hard to be sad when the sun is shining.
Ideas on what to do outside :
- go for a walk/run
- throw or kick a ball around with a friend
- go for a bike ride through a trail
- go on a photography adventure
Remind yourself of the Positives in your life - with a GRATITUDE list!
One of the BEST most EFFECTIVE ways to flip those gloomy days upside down is reminding yourself of all the good things! You can write them down or you can simply think of them in your head! Taking a second to reconnect with the good things helps push out those bad thoughts.
Dive into your self-care routine
What’s one thing that you always LOVE doing and that you always feel good about yourself after it’s done?
A list of a few of my favourite self care ideas:
- treating/deep conditioning your hair
- doing your nails
- doing a face mask
- Cleaning your room/house
To Recap:
Whatever it may be, do it for YOU. Make yourself feel good by paying attention and listening to what you and your mental health need the most right now. Whether that means taking time for yourself, or giving a loved one a call!
These days come around every once in awhile to all of us and it’s important to remember that:
1) It’s okay and
2) “This too shall pass”
