Do you feel down sometimes?

First, your energy plummets filling your body with heaviness and discomfort.

Your mood slips downhill shortly after.

Or vice versa.

Sadness and tiredness, together.

*Sigh*

Plunging Into a Blue Mist

My falls into a blue mist started years ago and have become a part of my middle-aged life.

Each time it hits me like a hurricane. Changing how I feel. Bringing my life to a halt.

My thoughts move slowly and uncertainty like the feet of an ancient person. Fuzzy and transitory, they quickly elude back into nothingness.

I can’t concentrate staring blankly at the screen of my laptop. Gloomy and frustrated. A pallid copy of my usual self.

Sounds familiar?

I bet.

Are You Just a Lazy Gal?

I was brought up believing that resting was equal to laziness. “Don’t just sit there counting flies. Do something. Anything,” demanded my mom.

So I pushed myself ignoring warning lights coming from my body.

And guess what?

I felt worse.

It took me long to accept that I needed time to recharge. And don’t feel guilty about it.

Giving myself permission to take breaks was the first step.

Want to know more?

When In the Blue Mist Do Munchausen

Do you remember Munchausen? The notorious Baron who pulled himself up from a sump by his own hair?

Yes, him.

Today we call it DIY.

1. Accept how you feel.

Feeling sad and unwell is a part of life. Your brain has more negative than positive bias – a simple survival mechanism we’ve inherited from our ancestors.

Imagine Colin the caveman on his way out of the den, expecting the world to be beautiful and kind. He might not survive this day at all if a large, hungry cat is planning to have him for breakfast.

Your feelings might be trying to tell you something.

 

Don’t fight them.

Listen.

2. Treat your body as a dear friend, not an enemy.

If your body’s asking for rest, give in and take a break.

Read a book, gaze out the window or go horizontal. Sleep as much as you need.

Your body and mind will respond to your kindness.

Relax and recharge.

3. Don’t try to be a superwoman.

Acknowledge that for the moment you can’t do everything you want. Make adjustments to your schedule. Use your energy wisely.

Start with a less desirable task; the rest will be easier to overcome.

Don’t start new projects. Take care of what’s important. Let the rest wait or ask somebody to help.

Always have something on your list that makes you feel good.

Being kind to yourself is your superpower.

Use it.

4. Be patient.

It takes time to find a way out of the blue mist.

Getting frustrated, angry or feeling shame will not bring your energy back. It will only add more grey to your emotional palette.

Forgive yourself for taking a break.

It’s no crime.

5. Start your day on a positive note.

Smile at your reflection in the mirror. Say good morning to a beautiful you. Sing, cheer yourself up.

Feels weird? It might in the beginning.

Anyway, who cares? It’s just you and your reflection in the mirror.

Give her a high five.

6. Don’t hide how you feel from your loved ones.

Your husband might worry about you or feel that your sadness is his fault.

A simple, “I feel flat today, love. I’m going to take a nap, ” will do.

Stay connected.

7. Focus on the present moment.

Feeling sorry for the past or worrying about the future?

Well, don’t.

It will only deplete your mental energy and create emotional turmoil.

If meditation is a part of your daily routine, stay on.

If not, do not start while your spirits are low – it can make you feel worse.

8. Get out of your house every day.

Even if only for a short time. Do leisurely gardening or just enjoy the flowers. Go for a walk or sit down on a bench.

Fresh air is cleansing and vivifying. Fill your lungs with joy and vitality. Exhale sadness and tiredness.

Let them go.

9. Let animals help you feel better.

They are great healers.

If you don’t own a pet, stroke a neighbour’s cat or a friendly dog you meet on your walking path.

Feel the warmth flow through your heart.

You’re a part of the world that loves you.

Feel it.

And If Nothing Helped, then What?

You tried everything, but weeks later you’re still feeling unwell. Tired of being tired.

It might be the time to visit your GP.

• Your doctor may order blood tests to check your vitamins and thyroid levels.
• Have a chat with your gynaecologist. Perhaps menopause has insensibly snuck up on you.
• And if your doctor can’t find any medical reason for your slump, talk to a mental health pro. Something in your life might be off track making you feel blue.

Keep Pulling

Compliment yourself for each accomplished task no matter how tiny it might be. You managed it, and that’s what counts.

Let other people help you. Accept their support with gratitude.

Remember these days will soon pass releasing your usual self. Vibrant with energy. Sweeping away one task after another; catching up with your calendar.

Keep pulling. Lovingly, gently but steadily.

I believe in you.

Disclaimer:
This article is not intended for individuals suffering from known or unknown mental conditions like clinical depression or mood disorders of any kind. Please, consult your physician for treatment or any questions.

Edited by Yvonne Reese
Image by Stock-snap.io