So I’m not one who struggles with this too often – thank goodness! But there are days … like when I’m not feeling well (I have chronic migraines), after my daughter and grandson leave our house from a weekend visit, and oh yes, when a virus turns the world upside-down! I thought I’d share with you a few ideas that have been helpful to me.
Take the focus off myself. These are the times when my melancholy side seems to reign. I find it helpful if I intentionally think about others – there are people living in so much more significant pain than I am; my grandbaby could be states or even countries away rather than 2 hours; for the most part my day-to-day life hasn’t changed too much since this quarantine and at this point, all my family are still doing okay.
Then I ask God to bring to mind those who might need a word of encouragement or at least to know I’m thinking of them. I usually just send a few quick texts letting friends know they are on my mind and is there anything I can pray about for them—sometimes this results in some good phone calls and conversations but either way, I feel better knowing I still had something to offer even in my current state of mind.
Journaling – generally I spend time each morning reading my Bible, devotionals, and having a conversation with God. But during these times, I find it hard to focus and bring my mind to a place of staying engaged. So instead I will write a conversational style prayer to God in my journal. It keeps me engaged and I’m frequently surprised how many of my issues are “solved” by working them through with God and pen and paper.
I recently discovered a new photo journaling app that I’m having fun with. It’s called Day One and currently I’m just using the free version. I’m trying to take 3 photos during the day of what is going on in my life so I will have a snapshot to look back on. You can add text but it’s not necessary. As they say, sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.
Get outside! Going for a walk, sitting on my back patio, even grocery shopping…I find it helpful to get out and around other people and scenery. In the summer, go to a pool and swim to get some movement and Vitamin D.
Get my blood pumping – there are months of the year where going out for a walk is challenging because of our heat (for others I know it is the cold.) During those months, forcing myself to do a 15 minute video workout or jumping on my Rebounder for 10 minutes at least gets blood and oxygen circulating to my brain. I inevitably feel better, although I admit, this is the hardest practice for me--maybe because many of my funks are from my headaches so it takes a lot to make myself move much physically.
Doing something enjoyable and yet productive. Productivity is a driving force behind our moods and how we are feeling about ourselves and our world. But at these times, it can be hard to muster the energy or brain power to feel be productive. So I will take this opportunity to bake – baking always relaxes me (especially if I add great music) and is an enjoyable time for me. Today I will be making about the 6th batch of pumpkin bread since December for my husband. He LOVES pumpkin bread but once the heat is here, I don’t want to use the oven. So this time of year, he gets his treat. And he’s one of those lucky enough to have a metabolism where he can eat a whole loaf in 3-4 days and it doesn’t show on his body! Pumpkin bread is good because it doesn’t tempt me. But then I’ll probably make one of my “clean” treats (gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free). This makes me happy and I can stick them in the freezer to enjoy for a while.
Maybe baking and cooking are not relaxing for you … what about planting flowers, visiting with a friend by phone or a FaceTime coffee date together, writing out a few cards to mail to let the special people in your life know what they mean to you? If you have little ones, playing a game, swimming, reading, watching home videos. What simple things can you do to elevate your mood?
Listen to uplifting music. I’m not one who minds the house being totally quiet all day (yep, true introvert here! And obviously my kids are now all grown.) But during these days I find I need to keep my mind pre-occupied and focused on positive thoughts. Since I avoid watching TV at all costs during the daytime, listening to a radio station like K-LOVE or music I’ve downloaded helps keep my mind in a good place. Of course, November through January it’s all Christmas music around here! And if no one is home, I’m free to sing along without comments—haha!
Just take a day – yes sometimes there are days where you just need to crash. Take a nap, chill on the couch with a good book, or design your dream room or house on Pinterest. That’s okay! If it’s not your norm, sometimes we all need a day for our minds and bodies to rest and re-group. Just don’t get stuck there. One day, not one week or longer as that may lead to depression and be even harder to bounce back from.
So I’m heading to the kitchen now for lunch, followed by baking while listening to music. And hey, I wrote this so I’ve been productive today! Then I’ll head outside for a nice walk on what could be one or our last cool days of the season. Could there be a nap in my future? Would love to hear what you do to get yourself out of a funk!
