Do you ever feel down? Blue? Like life is too hard?
I’ve learned a few things that help me in these moments of feeling downhearted.
Six Tips for Sad/Hard Days
1. Take Care of Yourself | I made myself take a walk today even though I didn’t feel like it. Getting outside is good for my spirits. You might eat good food, do yoga, go to bed a little early, watch a funny movie, or take a bath.
2. When a Task Feels too Hard, Choose Another Task | Turn off the computer. My work is primarily creative, which means I use my mind and energy to write, plan/record videos, and work on presentations. This week I’ve had a very hard time thinking clearly and mustering up the energy to create something new. Days like this, it’s best to put the computer away and either choose more passive work (read articles and books) OR do something completely physical. I’m in the midst of decluttering Wogayu’s room which is a good alternative to thinking creatively.
3. Surround Yourself with Truth | Read helpful books (for me, the Bible and books like this one), listen to encouraging music, and talk with good friends who love you and speak the truth. Writing favorite quotes or Bible verses on post-its and sticking them above the kitchen sink is always good for me. Make a gratitude list adding more to it each day.
4. Surround Yourself with Beauty | Pick or buy flowers (I bought pink tulips), light candles, take that walk I mentioned above. If you have time, plan a day trip somewhere beautiful. Sit in your yard with a mug of coffee or tea.
5. Keep Life Simple | This is especially true if your low state lasts more than a few days. Cut out unnecessary tasks, cook simple food, make room in your days to breathe. If you are grieving, be gentle with yourself – it’s a long journey.
6. Be Generous | Generosity and gratitude give us joy. Getting out of my head and into the world helps me be less self-focused and puts my life in perspective. People are in need (financially, emotionally, practically) all around us. Take your kids and shovel a sidewalk, buy treats and deliver them to friends, mail a real card to someone you haven’t connected with in a long time.
I remind myself I won’t feel this way forever; as I tell my kids, “Feelings come and go.”
I’m creating my OTM YouTube channel to gather all my Live videos in one place. Be one of the first subscribers!
I even made a video to go with this post. These videos are recorded live on Facebook and are completely unedited, which I like.
I’m sending out a Friends-letter soon. If you haven’t subscribed yet, I think you’ll like it. It only takes a minute or two to read and includes links to recent posts and a little something you won’t find on my blog.
Encourage one another, my friends, and if you’re feeling low, try some of the tips I shared.
What would you add to my list? Leave a comment and let me know!
With hope for the journey,
Lisa
Thank you….
Feeling completely overwhelmed today….
Trying to juggle work and 4 kids…and on our 2nd week of flu,including myself, and so very sad today for many reasons….thank you for this…
Love – keeping it simple
Yes – very simple. Thanks for commenting, Jacqueline.
You’re welcome, Donna. It’s been a hard week for me too.
i find music I thoroughly enjoy to be transformative.
Me too.
Good reminders as I navigate one of those days/weeks. Change has been hard around here this week.
You’ve had so much going on, Lori. I hope today is better.
As always, Lisa, your words are honest & humble & helpful. We have had our share of tough days & I needed these reminders. I keep a stack of 3×5 cards with encouraging verses on my desk for quick grabbing when I get overwhelmed. Thanks for sharing your tips. ❤️
That’s a great idea, Sonya. Thank you!
Thank you for this post, Lisa. I hope your days are improving.
I love that you included “Be Generous.” When I worked in a children’s home, I noticed my girls thriving most when they were helping others and yet I forget that I also thrive when I’m helping others.
It’s such a huge blessing to get a break from focusing on me. I’ve noticed lately that it’s also a huge blessing for our family to take a break from focusing on us.
Thank you for this list!
It makes a huge difference, doesn’t it?
really needed this truth today, and just to know others feel it to. thank you
You’re welcome, Lizzy. Take some deep breaths and remember that this feeling won’t last forever.
Thank you so much, Lisa! I feel like my kids from hard places are stuck, and I am not able to help them as long as they don’t want any help. I found a song that I have had on repeat the last few days. Maybe you would like it too?? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r49V9QcYheQ&feature=youtu.be
Praying for you and your family!
That is beautiful, Amy. Thank you! “He’s in the waiting.”
Such a great “guideline” for difficult days. Parenting kids from hard places makes this list necessary. It’s not easy to take care of ourselves as mothers but essential in order to continue to care for those who depend on us.
Thanks, RoseAnne, I hope it’s helpful. It’s so easy to get pulled lower and lower if we don’t make proactive choices.