What I do when I’m feeling blue

The last 12 months have been…hard. I’ve worked hard to grow, learn, and redirect, but honestly…sometimes I’m just sad.

My anxiety was triggered a few weeks ago, and I had to put in work to counteract the overwhelming sadness that followed.

So here are a few ways I recover when sadness inevitably creeps in.

Get moving

It’s imperative when I’m feeling low that I don’t sleep in. Set an alarm, get up, get moving. Feeling sluggish is a part of the sadness, but oversleeping will induce that same feeling. I try set my alarm as feel good music. Whether it’s Rage Against The Machine or the YinYang Twins… all that matters is I get my body moving.

Meditate

Be it a clear mind or daily affirmations, it’s amazing how much meditation helps. I found this podcast called the Goddess Confessions and one of the episodes is daily affirmations. These are my go to first thing in the morning. If I want to radiate positivity, I must consume it. At night, I’ve found several meditation albums on Apple Music. I try to put my phone down and just relax. 

Work out

The bottom line is it helps. I could go into the science of it all, but we all know that working out releases endorphins in the brain that combat sadness. I also try to use that time to just think. I think about what triggered me, and I search self for ways to respond differently to situations I can’t control. There have been times I’ll be so deep in thought, I’ll look up and it’s 5 miles later and I’m sore, but clear headed. 

Let the sunshine in.

Sadness makes darkness so appealing. I’ve been known to lay in bed with the curtains drawn and my head under the covers. Getting more sun when I’m sad is an almost instant recharge. Obviously, going outside is best, but even opening the blinds helps. If I am to radiate light, I must consume it.

Plan

Sadness makes me extremely apathetic, so making a plan helps me stay focused on the fact that the world is still going whether I’m clued in or not. Planning dinners for my family, arranging personal deadlines, even scheduling windows for gaming and tv…this process encourages me to look forward to something I enjoy vs obsessing about what’s made me sad.

Sleep matters

My insomnia is almost unbearable when I’m down. Most nights I won’t pass out until well after midnight. What’s worst is the sleep is usually really broken, so when I wake, I’m still exhausted. I try not to overuse them, but when I need a good nights rest I take my Olly melatonin gummies before bedtime. They make all the difference in getting the rest I need to make it through my day.

Love and be loved

Let your people support you! The oxytocin released when you get hugs and kisses is a lifesaver on a day where you’re feeling low. I love my family and friends dearly. Sometimes I need someone to quietly listen, sometimes I just need someone to hold my hand while I process what I’m feeling, sometimes I need my toddler to give me a million kisses all over my face. Whatever you do, don’t suffer in silence. We all need a safe place to feel our feelings, and work through them.

The bottom line is : There’s no running from sadness! I’ve learned a few ways to help myself get through those moments when they come, and I’m always looking for more tools for my healing toolbox.