We all have those days, those weeks, those months and sometimes those years. Everyone struggles through times where people are continuously getting on our nerves and we feel as if our goals are impossible to reach—we feel as if we don’t have our life together and we're completely overwhelmed. No one is alone in this. Here are nine things to do when life feels like an absolute mess.
1. Journal
Write your feelings. Beginning to journal is the most difficult part, so if you’re having trouble starting then just write everything that comes to your mind. Who knows? You might find yourself not being able to stop. Journaling is a great way to address your feelings, and even sometimes, working them out with just a pen and paper.
2. Listen to Music
Listening to music is a great way to understand your own feelings. A relatable song, or even single lyric, can help you comprehend those emotions that are sometimes difficult to understand.
3. Work out
Get your blood pumping and your legs moving and get in the gym. You don’t have to train like an Olympic athlete to get some solid and positive exercise. When you exercise endorphins fight to reduce the discomfort of exercise, and when these endorphins are released they work to mask pain and create a feeling of euphoria (fastcompany.com). At the end of the work out you’ll feel confident and accomplished.
4. Eat
Now that you’ve worked out it’s time to chow down on your favorite food. Comfort food is the perfect way to relax and channel that negative energy into positive energy. When everything is going against you, don’t be afraid to go Chipotle, ask for extra sour cream, and get two bags of chips.
5. Read
Vera Nazarian once said, “Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world a door opens to allow in more light.” Reading is a great way to escape when life gets rough. Getting lost in a good book does not mean you are avoiding your problems, but instead it ignites imagination and many times you meet characters that are going through the same struggles as you. Reading opens us up to new ideas and helps us find ourselves in the process.
6. Dance alone in your room
Wait until your roommate is gone and jam to your favorite song. Pretend you’re the best dancer on the planet and go all out. Being silly and jumping around can relieve stress and put you in an optimistic mood.
7. Go out with friends
Sometimes being alone can cause you to think more about what’s going on in your life, and going out with friends can help you forget all the negatives for a few hours. Go to dinner, see a movie or go shopping. The possibilities are endless. Being with a group of people who love and care about you will help show you all that’s going right in your life.
8. Watch Netflix
Watch Olivia Pope fix issues, Leslie Knope be a boss or the Scott brothers ball it up at Tree Hill High. Binge watching is sometimes completely necessary.
9. Smile
Sometimes you have to fake it ‘til you make it. Even when you’re not at your happiest smiling can put you in a positive mood without even knowing it. Sometimes it’s hard to find something to smile about, but if you look hard enough you’ll be able to find something wonderful to be happy about in this crazy world.
