 |
| My sister made this for me, it makes me smile |
This week, I met someone who lectured me for a half hour. The topic had nothing to do with me, rather her fears and that I should be fearful too. I don't want to go into details but it left me with a depressed feeling that typically sticks with me for a few days, sometime weeks. As some of you know, I was participating in the free e-course given by procrastination coach. There was great energy in that group so I brought my issue to them and asked for advice on how to shake this bad juju. I was amazed by the great advice and by the end of the day I was in good spirits again. I thought I'd share the advice here. Disclaimer: Keep in mind, this is just advice from your average joe schmo, I'm not a professional. I'm just passing on what has worked for me and others.
- Run - It was the first advice given to me and that's exactly what I did. It was a sunny day too which I think helps the mood.
- When you are in work, find a private place to meditate a bit then go to the gym at night to work it off
- Change your body posture - and was given this great youtube video, I highly suggest because I find it works.
- A walk in nature - when I went for my run, I was thinking this and went for a run in the park. I interval run so I run a bit and walk a bit. I find nature to be non-judgemental and un-demanding.
- Get your brain to work on it - ask yourself, "What can I do right now to make myself feel better?" And the great and glorious brain that we have will go to work on it.
- Call a friend
- Brain Gym - this was a new one for me. I've used it to help DD with her left and rights when she was little but never used it as a way to put myself in a better mood. I'll say this, you get so focused on the exercises you forget what was bothering you.
- Yoga - I agree. It has helped me in the past and I need to get back to it. I found a free monthly class through meetup.com. Check it out, you never know what you might find.
- Gratitude List - list what makes you grateful.
- Ask for Help
Other ideas for fighting the blues: gardening, getting that sunshine, standing on your head (if you can't do this try hanging off the side of your bed, being inverted for a couple of minutes has helped me hold back the blues), spending some time with pets, watching fish, healthy eating.
In the end, it was a beautiful day, with the sun shining brightly. I ran and walked in the park. I listened to music for a bit then turned it off and asked myself why I was upset. I didn't want to suppress the feelings but rather understand why I had them without dwelling on them. When I realized this was about her fears and not mine, I was able to let it go. By the time, I got home, that nagging feeling was gone and my good jujus were back.
I think one of the best ways to lift up my spirits is to spend some time with good company... Some people are energized by spending time around people, others might feel even more drained after social interactions. For me personally, meeting a good friend for lunch or going out with my hubby, puts me in a positive direction.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I am an introvert so I prefer to be home however there are days being with others just make you feel sane because they are just as insane as you are :)
DeleteWalking is a great way to both work off the anger energy and, as you did, focus on why you're upset. I find a good walk can solve many of my problems! I've done some of my best brainstorming and idea pondering on a walk.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think there is some connection between brain activity and exercising or at least walking. My youngest really opens up when we go for a hike (even though she complains she has to go :) )
DeleteI often use a variant of the gratitude list with my clients. I can't remember where I read about it, but I ask them, just before going to sleep, to think of three things that went well during the day. It sort of reprograms the mind to a positive state right before sleep, which both improves mood and helps you sleep better. When I use the technique, I write them down, so I can refer back later if I'm in a funk. It does help.
ReplyDeleteOh I like that - kind of along the lines of don't go to bed angry. I just got a gratitude journal - I'm going to put it at my bedside, thanks
DeleteI find that I can influence my mood with music. I like your other suggestions too but music is almost always available.
ReplyDeleteYes, I was thinking about music when I wrote this and I forgot to put it in. Thanks for the reminder
DeleteI struggle with the blues every now and then. I hate it when it happens, who doesn't. I agree with their advice. I know when I am feeling low and I go for a walk and after that all seems better.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I think my siblings and I get depressed easily. So, I wrote this blog to remind me of how to get over it :)
DeleteI find walking very effective. I really enjoyed the video on body language.
ReplyDeleteI KNOW wasn't that fascinating. I tell my girls when they have to go into a test or a particularly difficult class, to stand in the wonder woman pose for 2 minutes. They of course said they would rather put their hands behind their head and their feet on the table LOL
DeleteYour suggestions for beating the blues are good ones! So much has to do with boundaries, ie: where some one else begins and you end. I find it helpful sometimes to listen without engaging. I think of this the same way as I think of watching a movie. As the observer, I can look at and listen to the other person, as if they are on the screen in a film. The film is a film. It is not my life. It is also true though, that if you feel strong emotion about someone else's story, some of that story is also yours and it is asking to be examined and owned by you. This is a good thing because it can show you where your inner work lies and/or perhaps how you can be more empathetic in the future without being sucked in to the negativity, a real mark of inner-growth.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice. I loved how you said, sometimes you don't know where some one else begins and you end. I think that's what was happening. I did start to engage - because well it was a conversation right? But when I heard her knocking down what I was saying with "you just never know" I realized she was coming from fear and stopped engaging. And then she kept going and going and going until finally I said I had to leave. I was hoping to engage with the rest of the group but I felt getting out of the conversation was more important at that point. Needless to say, I still got caught up in her beliefs and had to get rid of the bad energy. I ended up withdrawing from the group all together for other reasons - some of them stemming from this conversation.
DeleteGreat constructive ideas! My favorite way to cheer up is to do something nice for someone else. It's related to your point about gratitude, but for me it works even better. I know it sounds a little cheesy and self-righteous, but it really works. The kick I get from an act of kindness, random or not, is usually enough to put a smile back in my heart. Plus, just the process of having to think up a good way to brighten someone else's day makes you think of happy things.
ReplyDeleteThis is true - I suppose it's a way of getting your mind off of your problems.
DeleteI needed this article today! After a long week it's good to focus on ways to get back that positive energy.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to help - I hate those days. I know they gotta happen but anything to lesson them is a thing of beauty. I hope your day/week/weekend is better :)
DeleteLove this share :)
ReplyDeleteI have to agree on how a run, a walk or a trek in nature can really freshen up your mind and relax your senses.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first started running, I thought it was because I was in so much pain from the run I didn't have time to think about any stress LOL - now I work my problems out on a run, which is better.
DeleteSome very useful advise here. Fresh air helps to clear a stale mind for sure.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, and my favorite way to shake the blues
Delete