As hardworking as most people are these days, a well-deserved day off should always be allowed so that you can recharge your batteries. Like anyone, I go through days where I am in a funk or just need some “me time.” The last two Wednesdays have been off days for me, either brought on by everyday life stressors or maybe just that hump day lull. I want to share with you my surefire ways to get me right out of that funk and on to being the person I know I can be.
Most of my “funk days” are during the week after I’ve come home from a long day at the office and feel completely drained. When you spend over eight hours a day in a place that doesn’t foster positive thinking, or even if you have a very motivating job that can be draining at times, it can spill into your personal life once you leave. Below are some ways I recover from a mentally draining day:
• take a hot bubble bath with a good book and a glass of wine (yes, I know this is typical for many people)
• watch my standard chick flick collection – The Notebook, The Holiday, P.S. I Love You, Sex and The City Movie, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. (any others out there I missed?)
• take a walk with my cutie pup – breathing in the fresh air and taking time to just think always helps to put me back into the right state of mind
• run – a lot of times I feel so drained that this is not an option but if I can just get to the gym, I’m good to go
• journal – write down what’s bothering you, what made you start feeling this way, what you can do to get back on top
• eat nutritious, whole foods – I hesitate to reach for that carton of ice cream or box of cookies because I know it will only make me feel worse afterwards
• any others out there?
These are just short-term fixes to quickly help you feel better. I know a lot of them are cliché and most people already do these things anyway, but I think it’s important that you have a tool box, of sorts, with things you know that make you feel good. Take the time to brainstorm and write down what helps you to feel happier so when that off day comes you are prepared.
There aren’t many weekends where I feel in a funk because I always make sure I spend that free time doing what makes me happy. That is definitely the key, the long-term solution: do what makes you happy. Sometimes it’s not always so easy. Believe me, I know this. It’s a matter of taking control of your life to live in the here-and-now to create a happy future. Don’t let that sunny day go by without going for a walk in the park or a dip in the pool. Rearrange your schedule to make that engagement you said you couldn’t attend because you have too much to do. If you aren’t sure what to do, check out your local newspaper for ideas.
Having a goal to accomplish things that make you happy is very important. In the next few weeks I will discuss goals here but for now, just make sure you are making the most of the time you have control over. Take a few minutes everyday for yourself.
The Most Radiant You 