- Time out. First and foremost get away from whatever it is that’s getting you down. I live in the office, so for me, it’s as easy as relocating to another room. Quite often the kitchen table. But if you need to go for a walk, have a night in a hotel, or just go and park the car in a quiet area, do that.
- Brain Dump. I love these, brain dumping and journaling are two brilliant tools to get everything out of your head and onto paper so you can see what the real issue is. I sometimes just Google journaling questions to get my brain going. When you’re in a slump it’s hard to even think about Googling stuff.
- Set a timer. We all have down days and mope or moan. But you need to cap it. Whenever you feel ready is not an end date. You’re encouraging yourself to be miserable and allowing a poor mindset to control the show. So give it up. If you just need an hour, half a day, or a 5-day break, just be clear. I will sort my shit out in this timeframe. Then you get on with things.
- Take action. Is a sure-fire way to boost your, well everything to be fair. It gives you a sense of satisfaction when you complete tasks you have set out.
- Set boundaries. If you know certain people in your life or certain situations cause you distress in any way, either cut them off entirely or create a plan to remove them from your life bit by bit. People struggle yet seem to enable the struggle. You don’t need me to tell you it’s ok to say no, but I will. YOU CAN SAY NO and still be a good person.
- Watch some comedy. Laughter is the best medicine. It’s very difficult to be a miserable bastard when you’re laughing at something. Try it. This morning my Mum told me about a little dispute she and my Dad had and it was so ridiculous but she wasn’t happy. I was crying with laughter. Such a silly little thing but I still keep chuckling 6 hours later.
- Go and have some nice food and drink. Don’t restrict yourself on anything. If your idea of nice food is a big fat greasy burger, chips and a coke. Have that. I just had salmon and half a bag of lettuce. I feel like a queen haha. I think I am due on and I am so HUNGRY! But I will just keep eating as I see fit because I just don’t have the brainpower to limit myself today. Shame cos I need it! 😆
- Think back. When did you LOVE your work? What was it that got you excited? What motivated you? Where has that gone and why? What have you stopped doing? Where can you go to get re-inspired? Who can you watch on YouTube? Who can you talk to who will get ideas flowing again? Please also stop blaming Covid for every problem in your life. After all that, yes I get that it has had an effect but if you were lazy and unmotivated before, it’s just highlighted that. So it’s not covid’s fault, that’s just you as a person.
- Practice gratitude. I always have to refer back to this one. Seriously, we are so lucky in the western world. We have so many things others don’t and all we do is whine about how shit things are. I think we need to get a grip quite frankly. I know some people do have serious issues, but the bulk are just entitled.
- Make a decision. And stick to it. All this chopping and changing every 5 minutes can be quite soul-destroying. You are a strong, independent person who is capable of making the right decision. Each time you change it, you ruin your self-esteem a little bit more each time. Affirming to yourself that you are a twat and can’t trust your own advice… or is that just me? Haha.
Save this. Come back to it if you feel stuck. I feel stuck today. Hence my top tips. I have had a whiney bitch morning and now I am back at my desk doing what I do best. Helping you!
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See you soon.
Stephanie xo