10 Ways to pick yourself up when you’re down

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We all go through phases where things all get a bit too much, or we’re stressed, or over tired, or just not feeling ourselves. These are just a few of the ways I go about pulling up my boots and getting my head back in the game.

Accept it

It’s okay to not be okay all the time, we’re all only human and life can get really overwhelming. It happens to literally everyone and doesn’t mean that you’re any less capable or brilliant. Don’t beat yourself up, you’ll only bring yourself down more. Have a day to feel fed up and frustrated if you need to.

Listen to appropriate music

Never underestimate the magical powers of music to influence how you feel. I have a happy playlist that I listen to when I’m down with songs that never fail to help me start smiling again. Or just put on whoever your favourite artist is. I find singing along badly to something I love really theraputic. Similarly, if I’m really really tightly wound, I put on some nice chill classical music, something really gentle, and it just kinda helps stop me hyperventilating and turning into a puddle of ‘can’t cope’. I’m also always keen to avoid listening to anything sad or mopey, wallowing is not the way forward here.

Treat. Yo. Self.

Buy those new shoes (I’m still obsessed with these ones). Cook your favourite meal, or order a dominos. Let yourself indulge and don’t feel guilty about it.

Talk to someone about it

It’s good to get things out. It helps us not feel alone, and validates the way we are feeling. Even if there isn’t a solution to be found, talking about the way we feel is still super cathartic. Whatsapp your bestie and have a good whinge. That’s what friends are for.

Hit the gym

Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Elle Woods knows her shit, and exercising really does make you feel more motivated, productive, and capable of tackling things. Even just going for a walk helps to blow away the cobwebs, so get out and get moving!

Watch something funny

Laughing is good. Watch a funny film, or go find some good memes or something. Whatever works for you. I find reading really helps me, because I’m not able to let my mind wander. I am currently reading ‘The Woman Who Went to Bed For a Year’ by Sue Townsend and it’s HILARIOUS. Check it out, I really recommend it.

Have a nice bath

If you’re a bath person, now’s a good time to have one. Maybe combine the bath with the funny thing, to avoid it turning into a watery wallow sesh cos you’re alone with your own thoughts.

Go socialise

Social activities are perfect for taking your mind off the bullshit, we all know this. So arrange to go for a drink/meal/walk with some pals. Or if you’re skint just buy a £5 bottle of wine from Tesco or something. But find some humans to be with.

Or spend time alone

Socialising is important, but if you’re feeling burnt out, you may need time alone to just do nothing for a bit. Introverts especially tend to get mega exhausted if they try to cram too many social activities in and don’t leave enough room to breathe alone. Sometimes this can be the actual cause of stress, so have a little think about whether you’ve been trying to do too much and let self care fall by the wayside. Cancel some plans if your calendar looks too overwhelming. Your friends will understand, I do this all the time and I literally just say “I need a Verena day”. It’s all good.

Revisit your responsibilities

Now that you’ve hopefully dug yourself out of your pit of despair, it’s time to tackle the Real Life stuff. Get your head back in the game and get back to work. It’s time to move forward again. Is there something that’s bringing you down on a regular basis? Now’s the time to form a battle plan to change that. Change your situation. Find a new job, sort out your financial budget, ditch a shitty relationship or friendship. Don’t just accept your life if it’s making you unhappy. Let me know in the comments if there’s anything else that works for you!