There are some days when I just don’t feel like moving. I open my eyes and I sigh. The things that need to get done loom over my head and I just feel overwhelmed. So I move slow and procrastinate. Some days I get little to nothing productive done. It’s sad, but it’s true.
I think there are a number of things that can cause that, but one thing that occurred to me as I was replying to an email from my best friend Maria today, is that sometimes the act of being physically still can make me feel mentally stuck.
Photo of me in Los Cabos by Nancy Orozco
I really feel like our minds have this ability to dig ourselves deeper into a negative hole if we allow it to, that we can actually in our physical inaction be causing our minds to feel like we can think our way out of a situation or problem. But then, often negativity and fear can seep in, and we actually end up paralyzing ourselves into doing nothing. That causes moving forward with any task difficult, hence feeling stuck.
I realized this because I was feeling a bit gloomy, and decided to get up and start doing something. Anything that made me feel good. And as I did (I went for a run), I started feeling infinitely better. I also asked on Facebook and Twitter today what helped lift people’s spirits when they have the blues, and the reply was unanimously an action: exercise, eat, listen to music, etc. Sometimes they’re not always particularly productive actions per say, but I think they’re productive in that they get our minds off of the things that are plaguing us the most and bring the positivity back in.
Some things that I do to feel better:
- Jog or walk, like I mentioned
- Get outside even just for a little bit– any bit of sun is usually helpful
- Shower (I know that sounds strange to say, but sometimes even on the weekends, sitting in your pj’s for too long can start to feel a bit depressing)
- Cooking and spending time in the kitchen
- Calling a friend on the phone– friends always have a different perspective and good advice
- Do something nice for someone else (I need to do more of this)
- Catch up on a website or blog that I find inspiring
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What do you think? What helps you when you’re feeling stuck or have the blues?
One day at a time, my friend.
xo
I also like to hit the treadmill when I’m feeling…gloomy. I usually feel much better afterwards, and my productivity goes up.
I agree Emily! It’s like a shot of energy.
I struggle with this constantly, my self-discipline can really suck after a long week at my day job. My dog is my motivator a lot of the time, because if I don’t walk him, no one will (and he can be a little monster when we don’t go). It’s also the perfect way to get outside, which always makes me feel better too. I know I have to have several things lined up to do, because if it’s only the one thing I’ll just stay home in my jammies. But also, on the days when I really don’t wanna, I let myself. Sometimes you just need those days, you know?
Thanks for sharing, Trude. It’s interesting that you mention walking Dante because I always remember Cesar Millan saying how for dogs, depending on their breed, they can get really nervous or anxious if they don’t get enough physical activity. Then he shows the owner how when their minds are focused on activity, their symptoms are relieved. I find that so fascinating, and think it really applies to humans too! I do agree though, some days you really just don’t wanna do NOTHIN’. I’m all for those days sometimes too.
I have a really bad habit of holing myself inside, pajamas on for the whole day, eating junk food and feeling sorry for myself. The quickest way for me to start feeling better are to 1. take a shower 2. get dressed 3. put makeup on/do hair 4. get out of the house! These are things I really should be doing every day but working at home makes it too easy to slump into ball.
I just re-read my comment and it makes me sound like such a slob! Haha, rest assure I take daily showers at the very least ;)
I don’t think it makes you sound like a slob at all! I think it makes you sound honest There’ve been many days when I’ve skipped showers because that’s the place I was in mentally. Slumping in a ball is exactly how I would put it sometimes. Thanks for sharing, Sara. xo P.S. You were my 100th commenter! Hooray! Thank you for the support!
Most of the things that you mentioned doing I love to do too. Whenever I’m feeling down I like to do something that I really enjoy doing. For me this is getting outside, playing instruments, and my favorite, singing. I think that when we are feeling like we are stuck, we just have to remember what makes us happy!
Totally agree– remembering what makes us happy is so important! I used to play the viola, but haven’t in years. I also like to sing, but I don’t think anyone else likes to hear me sing! hahaha. So I stick to singing in the shower :) Thanks for sharing Sam!