What to do when you are feeling blue…

I am a firm believer in the power of positive thinking. I have realized that your perspective on life can make or break you. I have also realized that being human means we all hit emotional speed bumps sometimes. I’m talking about those days when you just don’t have the emotional energy to deal with life’s normal ups and downs.

Please note that I’m not referring here to having depression or any other mood disorder. If you suspect that you or a loved one have depression seek medical help from your general practitioner, a psychologist or a psychiatrist. I’m referring to those days when you are experiencing a bit of a blue Monday on a Thursday or when you are feeling Murphy’s Law is out to get you personally because it feels like everything that could go wrong did.

Don’t be anxious or worried about expressing how you feel. Everybody feels down sometimes. Call a friend or family member that you know will listen and just talk about your feelings. Remember it’s okay to not feel okay.

If possible, take a day off and do something that makes you happy. Take special care of yourself on down days. Pamper yourself a bit with whatever makes you feel good. Remember, we are living in stressful and demanding times. Nobody can be perfectly content and positive 100% of the time. Don’t expect perfection from yourself when you are living in an imperfect world.

Set time aside to do something that relaxes your body such as mild stretching exercises and implementing relaxation techniques like meditation, mindfulness or doing a hobby.

It’s also important to take a break (be that for lunch or teatime or both) where you can rest from your daily tasks and focus on deep breathing. If you can take a power nap in your lunch hour or even after work before the evening duties commence.

When you are feeling better again work on a step-by-step plan to achieve a specific goal you have in mind. It can be personal or work related. Make sure you celebrate the small victories on your way to achieving the bigger goal. Show perseverance and resilience along the way to ensure that you don’t give up even if you do encounter setbacks. See mistakes and challenges as necessary milestones along the way from which you can learn and as opportunities to adapt your plans. If you do the above you will find that the next time you are feeling down, it will be easier to recognise and manage your emotions and get yourself back on track again.

Make sure you eat healthily, drink lots of water and get regular exercise. Don't just focus on your physical health but look after your mental and spiritual health too. This way you will always have some energy in your emotional tank left to cope with those days that do not go quite your way.