Days dragging on, feeling the drudgery of the week, and all of the other reasons to feel low. Mental health isn’t just for those who struggle with anxiety and depression. It’s for everyone who feel stuck, unmotivated, and invisible. Everyone needs help sometimes.
It’s easy to hear “be positive” but it’s harder to be positive. It’s hard to not shout back, lash out, or just cry.
Ever get to the point where you’re googling “ways to feel better” or “help me”? You’ll read inspirational quote after inspirational quote and/or read someone’s own version of happiness. Every single one of us is different.
What makes you happy?
I’m not talking this moment. Think back to when you were in a good place. What were you doing? What did you used to do that made you happy? If you’re not sure, maybe it’s time to try something new.
Ideas:
- Try a painting class or try a different workout class where you’re forced to meet people.
- Watch a comedy show.
- Text people who make you feel like the sun shines out of your ass.
- Try a different place to eat (in a different area of town). Traveling elicits our senses to pull it together and get out of the “tunnel vision” state we can default to.
Sleep
But don’t oversleep. READ THIS CAREFULLY. Set a timer and force yourself up. Set a reward for yourself like your favorite coffee or a breakfast you premade the night before. Make waking up feel “good” instead of a chore.
Make Lists and CHECK THEM OFF
Lists have a great way of making us feel productive. Don’t overload the list but give yourself enough to do to feel accomplished.
If you’re in a tough spot don’t be afraid to make a basic skills list such as:
- Eat 3 meals
- Shower
- Get dressed
- Take a 15 minute walk
These lists are helpful when it’s hard to function (my peeps with anxiety/depression that has gotten out of control). I call this my “survival list”. Set goals that are achievable. Elicit your neighbor or friend to help you achieve it.
Talk to Someone You Love
I mentioned this under the happiness category. If you’re feeling stuck, force yourself to call someone who loves you. Mom, dad, Chelsea from childhood, Howard from college, whatever you need to feel like a “human” again. Talk about happier times. You don’t always have to use the word “help” to get it. Sometimes talking to a fan can pull us out of a run and remind us that tomorrow isn’t too far away.
Cry
Cry, scream, punch a pillow, do anything to feel alive. Sometimes eliciting that sympathetic nervous system can help pull you out of the “dullness”. Feel yourself by letting go. You don’t always have to hold it in.
Help is Here
Don’t forget to do things that make you feel alive. You deserve to feel alive and you deserve to just be. Help isn’t ever too far. Take care of yourself. Eat, exercise, meditate (if that’s your thing), and sleep. Sometimes going back to the basics is helpful.
Need a mental health day, take it. Need to scream, do it. Then call your momma. She misses you.
Talk soon, Sarah
