Thea's Thinkings: Tips for coping with one of 'those' days

Tips for coping with one of 'those' days

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If you read my last post - Does it pay to be kind? - you'll probably know that I've been feeling a little vulnerable for the past few days. Well I'm very much ready to move on from the whole experience so I've spent the weekend focussing a little more on myself and taken time off from all I can for a few days.

Having trial and error-ed some tricks for picking up my mood over the past few days (and years) I thought I'd share a few of the more effective ones that really work for me.

Stepping back from it all.

Sometimes when your in the middle of an emotionally turbulent environment it can't be hard to see the wood for the trees, and its easy to get caught up in it all.

My first and foremost go-to strategy is to take a step back. No need for re-evaluation just yet, simply take yourself out of the situation and try to focus on things that are in your control. (Sadly I know this isn't always possible so that's why we have a few more tricks up our sleeves).

What's currently going on in your life (or not) that you find stress-free, enjoyable, or takes your mind of things?

On this occasion for me the trouble made me feel quite vulnerable around other people and strangers, so I've taken myself away from the social and public environments that are messing with my happiness levels and put more time into my work. Work might not seem like the most appealing option to everyone, and if it's not for you that's OK! Find something else that you can dedicate some time to, but for me it was perfect. Having something I can get invested in and temporarily distract my mind from my worries really helps and also give my brain some time to evaluate and assimilate what has happened subconsciously.

Think of something that would bring you joy and make it happen!

Knowing that there's a light at the end of the tunnel is a great motivator to get the best out of me at work and in life. It's encourages me to get involved in more positive activities, and the more I find myself doing, the more fulfilled I start to feel (and I'm worrying less about my troubles)!

Working to get things done has meant I've hit quite a few deadlines way before they're due, so not only am I feeling more positive but I've also suddenly gained some extra time to fit in some of my hobbies that have been long neglected. With all the extra preparations I'm doing I'm really going to be set up to spend sometime concentrating on my music interests and get some videos recorded for the new Youtube channel.

Your goal doesn't have to be a big one to be motivating. It could be knowing that if you get some work done now, you'll have a work free weekend to decorate the kitchen, or soak in the tub!

Relax your muscles & your mind.

When I get stressed, busy, or I'm generally not feeling myself I forget to take time to myself. It's only when things perk up again that I take a bath and think 'wow it's been so long'. Since I noticed this happening I've made a conscious effort to throw myself in the tub if even I don't feel like I'm in the mood. To me, every drip of that tap it likes a warm, soothing drop from heaven. Feeling the aches and pains sap from by body and my mind is one of the most calming experiences. The only thing that can make the experiences even better the is company of a good book.

Get lost in a book.

When stepping away from it isn't an easy option there are other ways you can distract yourself from the stresses of the situation.

My current problem is going on inside my head so I can't so easily step back from it but I can bury my head in a good book for a few few hours or minutes and forget. A great story can really alleviate those worries.

When you read (particularly fiction novels) you can take yourself away from this world and enter another, but you'll also find it gives your mind the time to do it's own wandering. When I read an engrossing book I find myself really connecting with the characters, I almost feel as if they are my friends, people I know, and though I'm not telling them my troubles it's almost as if we are confiding in each other - the characters with there tales of love and strife, and I with my personal battles to tell. You might also find yourself reflecting on your issues, or finding similarities between your struggles and theirs which can be very therapeutic.

Sleep.

If all else fails Sleep can do you wonders. When you sleep not only are you able to leave this world for the land of dreams for a short while, but it's also that essential time your body takes to re-calibrate, ridding the body (and the brain) of waste and toxins, and finding more of a balance.

You may find that your dreams are not always pleasant, but while your bodies is trying to find balance and remove any unwanted toxins so is your mind. If you experience bad dreams, you are likely going over events of emotions in your thoughts that are not yet resolved, and in processing them you will find that over time dealing with them will become easier and your mind will find ways to resolve those issues and rid your thoughts of those toxins.

Be Thankful.

Though I don't consider myself a religious person (although that's another journey I have been finding myself on of late), I have been purposefully putting aside time each today to be mindful. Mindful of the things I am thankful for, and consciously voicing (even in my mind) the positive way in which I hope to continue.

To some this might be prayer, to others just a gentle reminder to yourself, or maybe even through meditation and positive affirmations. For me I find the most effective way of being thankful is to project my thoughts out into the ether. I'm not talking to anyone or anything specifically, but by offering thanks to something other than myself, I find myself more grateful and appreciative of the things I 'do' have, and am more inclined to keep doing so.

This is something I like to do as often as I can. You don't have to take time out of your day to try, you can even do it on the move, while you're waiting for the kettle to boil, while your walking to your next meeting, while you're sitting on the tube or just before your fall asleep.

At first this process might seem foolish or uncomfortable but the more that I apply it to my everyday I've been finding that my outlook has become more and more positive, for the day ahead, the week ahead, and my future.

These tips may not solve life's problems but they are certainly the ways in which I find it easier to cope with them, and approach life from a healthy perspective.

I hope you find this useful, and in the comments below let me know the tips and tricks you use to cope with tough days.

About Post Author

Thea

Thea is an Academic, a Crafter and a Musician from the West coast of Wales. She documents her trials and tribualtions as she wanders the maze of challenges that life presents, all while travelling the world and pursuing her dreams.

4 comments:

Unknown31 October 2016 at 18:08
I'm saving this for when I need it. Thanks!

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Unknown22 November 2016 at 19:22
Great post. I always head off for a bath with my book when I've had one of those days!