Feeling Low? Try This.

Having one of those “blah” days? One of those days where you don’t feel sad or upset per se...but you just feel unmotivated, irritable, and sluggish?

Personally...I’ve been having a bit of a “blah” month. You wouldn’t be able to tell unless you really sat down and talked to me, but there has been a bit of a dark cloud lingering over my head lately. Maybe you are like me and no one can really tell you are feeling low, but you are totally over this feeling and want to do something about it!

Amidst the many coping mechanisms I have tried, there is really only one that truly lifts my spirits and helps me to feel more like “me” again. It may seem silly, or even too simple, but it always works, and I feel confident it will work for you too! I want you to:

Listen to or read something that helps you learn more about YOU.

Yes, I want you to listen to a podcast, a meditation audio, or read a book that helps you get back in touch with the REAL you...the you you are at your core (which is NOT an unmotivated, irritable, and sluggish bump on a log!)

Trust me, I have drowned the day’s woes in a bottle of wine (or several beers), a 6-hour Breaking Bad marathon, or scrolling my Facebook news feed until I have reached last week’s updates….but none of those things actually make me feel better. They might bring me temporary relief, but once I am done with those activities the “blue” feeling comes back again.

The reason these activities are not long-lasting solutions is because they are only distractions, not activities that help you feel your feelings, address what’s going on, and move forward. Unfortunately, the only way to actually break through your blues is to address what’s causing them in the first place. (I know, I know...that is the last thing you want to hear right now, but bear with me!)

Take a minute to really sit and be with yourself. Be with your thoughts.
What has been going on lately that might be causing these not-so-sunshiney feelings? If that is too broad of a question, ask yourself:

-When I start feeling low, where am I? Home? Work? In the car? Some place else?
-Is there anyone I’ve been talking to lately I don’t usually talk to?
-What have I been watching, listening to, or reading lately?
-Have I done anything for myself lately, or have I just been doing things for others?
-How does my body feel? Am I achy? Tired? Feeling in general run-down?

Once you think you may have identified the main cause (or causes) of the problem, it will be a lot easier to address it!
-If you are feeling stressed about money you could do a meditation on abundance.
-If you are feeling anxiety about a relationship you could read an article or a book about building positive relationships.
-If you are in general feeling anxious about life you can listen to a podcast about how to create a positive mindset and get motivated.

If you are anything like me, you are only willing to sit with negative thoughts for a very limited time. You will binge watch shows, have a few extra drinks, and get lost in other people’s lives and issues...but only for so long.
YOU have to decide when you are done distracting yourself for temporary relief and when you are ready to truly move forward.

I’m not saying it’s always easy to make that choice, but I promise you the new and uplifting messages you will be filling your head with (from your book, video, audio, or podcast) will actually make you feel excited and energized! Why? Because personal growth material is ALL ABOUT YOU! And what’s everyone’s favorite subject?? THEMSELVES! That’s not narcissistic, it’s just the truth! ;-) So when you channel that self-focus into something that helps you grow as a person, you can’t help but feel a bit revitalized!
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In general, we feel most alive when we are learning, growing, and/or creating something. Sadly, 6 hours of Breaking Bad has never helped me create something or grow as a person, and I have a sneaking suspicion it won’t do that for you either. But learning about a new way to become happier, healthier, wealthier, more peaceful, more patient, more loving, or more confident will always light a little bit of a fire under your behind and get you moving!

So, when you’re ready, stop distracting yourself and start loving on yourself!

Love yourself enough to come up with real solutions that will get you out of your funk and back to feeling fabulous. Because the bottom line is, you deserve to feel fabulous! And your fabulosity will spread and help others feel fabulous!  As the wise woman Marianne Williamson once said, “as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” It’s so true. For better or worse, our attitude rubs off on others.

I am choosing to do the work to get out of my funk right now. Not just for me, but for you too. I hope very soon you are ready to do the same. You deserve it. <3