When you’re having an off day, you might feel like you don’t know how you’re going to get through the rest of the day. Some people feel like they are wading through a swamp or trying to escape from quicksand. It’s true, there’s no way around the way you feel. You probably feel the way you do for a reason, and you shouldn’t try to squash it with alcohol, stuffing your face with food, or doing anything else to distract yourself. The way to get over how you feel is to simply allow yourself to feel that way. Feel it, accept it, and move through it.
That being said, you don’t have to lay on the sofa in your pyjamas all day. There are a few things you may be able to do to help lift your spirits when you’re having an off day. Read on and you’ll find 12 ways you can improve your wellbeing when you’re having an off day:
- Drink A Pint Of Water
Water is an amazing drink for our health and wellbeing, and people don’t realize that they aren't getting enough of it. If you’re tired, feeling fatigued, or have a headache, a pint of water could be just what you need to feel a little better. If you can get into the habit of drinking a pint of water as soon as you wake up each day, you’ll get the day off to a great start.
- Journal
Write about your thoughts and feelings, and don’t police yourself. Nobody is going to read it, and you don’t even have to read it back. Try stream of consciousness journaling, where you just write out your thoughts as they come to you on the page and don’t self edit. This could help you to get some thoughts out of your head and feel better, or notice patterns in your thoughts and feelings that you can address to feel better in the long run.
- Sing And Dance
You might not feel like singing and dancing at all, but trying could help you to perk up. Put on a song that you just can’t resist dancing to, or one that you can’t resist singing to. You may only want to listen to slow, sad songs, but wallowing will not help you to feel better.
- Find A Way To Laugh
You don’t feel like laughing, but try to find a way. Go to YouTubers that you find funny, or watch funny vines. Return to heartwarming posts and stories you have found in the past. Watch your favorite show. Speak to a friend who makes you laugh. Sometimes, forcing a smile for 10 seconds will signal to your brain that you are happy. You could actually trick yourself into a better mood. All you have to do is want to feel better.
- Read Uplifting Stories
Do you have a book that you could read that might cheer you up? Maybe you could look for uplifting stories to read online. Looking at the kindness of others will help you to feel better and restore a little of your faith in humanity.
- Try Taking Supplements
Supplements shouldn’t be your first port of call - water and a healthy diet should be! However, adding a few choice supplements to your routine could help you to feel better in the long run. Mushroom supplements are all over the place right now - some are renowned for their relaxation benefits, while others can help you to focus. B12 is a must for vegetarians and vegans, while vitamin D is important if you don’t get enough sunlight. Even CBD Oil could help - and many people choose to vape it using CCell cartridges. Do your own research to ensure a supplement is right for you first, and if you’re not sure, consult a doctor.
- Pamper Yourself
Treat yourself nicely. Have a hot bath with bath salts, or paint your nails. Just do something nice for yourself.
- Watch Your Inner Dialogue
Your inner dialogue can either help or hinder you. You don’t have to ‘try to think positive thoughts’ if you’re feeling low, but you should avoid thinking things like ‘why am I like this, I hate myself’ ‘I’ll never be happy’ etc, because these thoughts send you on a negative spiral. Remember, the stories we tell ourselves can dictate our reality. If you knew you were creating your reality with the words that you spoke and thought, what would you say instead?
- Take A Nap
A nap can help to stop negative thoughts and feelings in their tracks. Grab your favorite blanket and an eye mask and see if you can grab 30 minutes. Short naps like this can also help your productivity and memory function, amongst other things.
- Get An Early Night
Try getting an early night to see if that will help you feel better. Make yourself a nice cup of chamomile tea or another caffeine free tea, and settle down with a book. Use a lavender pillow spray or something similar and you should be off to sleep in no time.
- Go For A Walk
Exercise helps the body to release endorphins, and is a great way to help when we’re in a funk. You don’t have to do anything drastic - a simple walk could do the trick. Just get outside and walk, even if just for 10 minutes.
- Make Your Atmosphere As Cosy As Possible
Try to make your atmosphere as cosy as possible. Play some relaxing music, use aromatherapy oil in a diffuser, and dim the lights. Then, grab your favorite throw or blanket and do what you like!
You could use this time for a nap, meditation, or simply settling down with a film you’ve been wanting to watch. Whatever you do, just relax and accept how you feel. Don't force yourself to feel happy or send yourself down an even worse path of negative thoughts. Just be.
How do you improve your wellbeing when you’re having an off day? Leave a comment below!
*contributed post*
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