The last few days, I've been feeling a little down. A little out of place, so to speak. I don't know whether it's the change of location, the weather or the constant eight hour days of standing on my feet, a ladder or crawling into awkward positions that has taken a slight toll on my body. Not to mention, getting used to working with people I've never met before. All of these things have had sort of an impact on me and the way I've been feeling, and I couldn't help but want to take a self help night/day but because of my work schedule, that wasn't possible until this weekend. In gearing up for this week's article, I realized exactly what I needed in the moment and it was to create this list for all of you who may be feeling down -- these are my ideas to pick yourself back up and to continue on with life.
1. Take a nap.
Even if it's a short 20 minute nap, or even something less, getting a few minutes of quiet time to relax and unwind before moving on to the next thing is better than nothing. Find a dark place to relax and let go of all of your thoughts and stressors from the day. Trust me, this will help more than you know.
2. Go for a walk.
I find that escaping with some music and getting lost amidst the world is one of my favorite ways to unwind and relax. I like finding time to go alone to just enjoy my surroundings and get out of my head for a few minutes. Try it the next time you're feeling out of control in a situation, it might help you.
3. Make a cup of tea (or coffee!)
As of late, I've been on a recent coffee high. I find that it oddly relaxes me in a way I didn't think was possible. I also found that - similarly to most people, tea is also one of the best ways to relax me. I've found a favorite of mine and I cannot tell you how many times I'd find myself sitting on the floor of my roommate with a cup of tea feeling the most relaxed I've ever been.
4. Listen to your favorite music.
Anytime I listen to my favorite artists, it instantly calms me down. Music has the tendency to bring light out of dark situations. It has the ability to help us understand why we're feeling the way we're feeling. It gives us the power to move through whatever situation we're in in a way that is calming yet fun.
5. Treat yo self!
Take yourself out for a dinner date. Buy a movie and have a movie night to yourself. Paint your nails or do a face mask. Anything to help you feel good about yourself will bring you right out of your funk!
6. Take a long hot shower or bath.
I always find that the combination of taking a shower and doing a face mask, combined with drinking tea and listening to my favorite music are surefire ways to bring me out of my funk. I assure you that a long soak in a bubble bath or an extra long shower will help you more than you realize.
7. Talk to your friends or family.
And finally, one of the best ways to cure my "down in the dumps" is to talk to someone who truly cares about me and wants the best for me. I've found that my friends know me the best -- they're the ones who have seen me at my worst and they're always there to pick up the pieces. Talking to someone who loves you helps you more than you realize -- family and friends are only a phone call away in most situations. Don't hesitate to reach out.
I'm sure there are a million and two other ways to help but these are, in particular, my go to ways to make me feel better. Don't hesitate to take a day for yourself. Put yourself first and treat yourself better. It's not a waste of time. You are important. Please remember that.
