Some Days Suck!

Every day does not have to be all rainbows and unicorns.  We all have times when we feel fed up, frustrated and just want time to ourselves.  This is natural.

Showing yourself compassion on days like these is the best way to manage this.

So how can we go about this?

• Don’t try to force yourself to feel better immediately. Allow yourself to identify and feel your feelings in your body and take some time to process what has happened to make you feel this way.  Breathe through your emotions and write them down to release them.
• Forgive yourself if you have made a mistake. We are human and we all make mistakes. Apologise if you need to and consider if you can make amends somehow.  Then let go of whatever has happened if it cannot be changed. Remember 3 great things you have done in the recent past.  If you can’t think of any, ask a friend, you will be pleasantly surprised.
• Consider what you need. Are you tired? What aspect of life is frustrating you?  How can this be balanced?
• Seek advice if there is a specific problem you cannot resolve on your own. Talking about how you feel will often remind you that you are not alone in the way you are feeling.
• Change your environment. If you stay where you are, you will have the same thoughts and the same feelings and probably make the same choices that led to your feeling this way. Going somewhere different, even if it is just out for a walk, will provide you with new stimuli and initiate new thoughts, feelings and opportunities.
• Allow yourself pleasure and relaxation. Keep a list of at least 10 activities you know you really enjoy, and choose a couple from your list when you feel this way. You may not feel like enjoying yourself but if you give yourself a chance, you will reap the benefits and also build resilience so that you can cope better when you feel under pressure.
• Know that life is change. However overwhelmed you are feeling, realise that this is temporary and that it will pass. Recognising this will allow you to deal more easily with difficult emotions.

Taking the time you need is the best thing you can do for yourself, give yourself permission.

Gillian