We’ve all been there. Maybe it’s the end of the semester and you’re bogged down with work, or you’re frantically busy, rushing from one responsibility to another, or maybe you received some terrible news or all the little inconveniences and let downs are just adding up. And maybe it’s just one of those days; I call them my ‘merpy’ days. I don’t quite feel sad or angry, but just a little upset, a little off, or maybe a combination of several conflicting emotions. If someone were to ask me why I wasn’t feeling too hot, I don’t really have a solid answer and yet it’s sometimes hard for me to shake off that negative energy. Over the years, I’ve developed several tips to help me let in the positive energy and get out of my funk. While this list is in no way trying to cure depression, bipolar disorder, or any other mood disorder, I do hope that these tips and tricks will help you if you’re suffering from a 'merpy' mood, neurotypical or otherwise.
First the Basics:
1. Get Clean
When I’m feeling down there’s nothing more I want to do other than lay in bed all day and lounge around in clothes that are not all that clean and usually with the absence of a shower that is far past acceptable. Do what you’re able to, to get clean. Change your clothes into fresh ones. Put on deodorant. Wash your face! If you’re feeling up to it, take a shower and really get yourself nice and clean! Use your favorite shampoos and washes to make yourself smell good too! It’ll make you feel a little more pull together and ready to take on the world, even if you still plan on staying in bed.
2. Drink Water
When was the last time you drank water? An hour ago, two, more? Your body needs water! Fill up a water bottle and keep it with you, keep drinking it and filling it up all day. Keeping hydrated will make you feel physically better, which will in turn help your mood. It doesn’t have to be spa water to rehydrate yourself, but if you want to get fancy, add some lemon or cucumber to it. It’s up to you!
3. Eat!
Speaking of nourishing your body, when was the last time you ate a real meal. Chips, crackers, dry cereal or anything that’s in arms reach from your bed or couch does not count. Make something substantial: a nice hearty sandwich or vegetable soup. Whatever is calling your name and will fill you up, making you feel healthy and happy, is a great choice.
Now that you’ve gotten the basics covered, let’s move on to some more 'advanced' tips:
4. Tidying Up
Cleaning your surroundings will also do wonders. Changing my sheets is always something that seems out of reach of possibility when I’m down but crawling into fresh-smelling, clean bedding is always a fantastic reward that I never regret! If dishes are piling up in the sink, give them a rinse and throw them in the dishwasher. Quickly tidy up your desk or make your bed. Make wherever you are welcoming and filled with good clean energy.
5. Create a Positive Space
Ambiance is key here. If you have a favorite candle, incense, your favorite music, this is the time and place for it. I personally hate artificial lighting, so if I’m in a merpy mood, I open the blinds and curtains and let in the natural light! Having a nice smelling area and my favorite happy songs going always make me feel better!
6. Are you procrastinating?
Sometimes when I’m overwhelmed I start to feel down, and then because I’m feeling down I procrastinate which only stresses me out more. It’s a terrible cycle that has a fantastic solution. As much as I hate to do it, if I just sit down and get to whatever I’m avoiding, I start to feel better. Make a detailed outline of that paper you’ve been avoiding and draft some of the paragraphs. Write down your progress, make notes on the outline. Got a test coming up? Listen to some music while you make flashcards. Romanticize studying a bit and get lost in it. Get as much done as you can! Making progress will relieve a lot of stress off of your shoulders.
7. Enjoy yourself
Once you’ve clean up and gotten some work done, and you’re feeling a bit less overwhelmed, treat yourself. What’s something you love to do? Is it reading? Writing? A favorite game or TV show? Relax and let yourself indulge a bit. You’ll enjoy it a lot more now that you’ve taken care of some essential duties. So go ahead, sit back and cuddle up with your blankets and a cup of hot coco, mentally pick out your later order for dominoes as you wait for Netflix to queue up. Treat yourself.
