Do you have down days? Days when you are in your own personal fog? When you second guess your choices?
I do. And I had one recently. My life wasn’t feeling so vibrant. I was not in synch with my children’s energy or much else really.
In our house we call this “brain weather.”
Let’s get right to it: it doesn’t make you an less “spiritual.” It doesn’t make you any less a mindful mama. It’s okay to feel less than perfectly joyful.
Indeed, without challenges like an off day, we would never have opportunities to grow. {Tweet this!}
Weather comes and goes. Like the ever-changing atmosphere, the conditions that make up you are always in flux. Cells reproduce. Hormones shift. Environment and experiences refresh. Food changes with the seasons. How could we expect ourselves to be static?
We have an illusion of control. Yes, it’s true that you can change your thoughts and change your life. But it’s okay if it rains sometimes.
The key is how we respond to our brain weather.
At times the discomfort of an emotionally off day has put me in a tailspin. Self-defeating thoughts would arise. I didn’t question them. Accepting my own negative self-judgment as true, I felt worse.
I tried to avoid the discomfort with distraction. A book, chocolate, wine, a movie – mine where the usual suspects. However, running away from my feelings doesn’t help to resolve them.
Does my story sound familiar?
We don’t have the confidence to sit with our discomfort. I’ve been on both sides. Peace is not found in numbing our feelings. The path is not around, but though.
How to deal with an off day:
- Acknowledge your feelings. Drop into your body to feel it. Become very aware of the feelings and breathe. This is hard to initiate, but not so hard once you are there.
- Be aware of your thoughts. When self-defeating thoughts arise, notice them. Label them as “thinking.” Choose not to buy-into them. This way, you don’t dig yourself a deeper hole with your thinking.
- Eat well. Help your body feel as good as it can. Lots of vegetables and greens. Lots of fruit. And take care not to overeat (and feel worse!).
- Get exercise. Exercise is the most under-utilized antidepressant! A good yoga practice, of course, is the best for helping you simply feel great in your body.
- Give extra love. Give your kids extra hugs. Be physically affectionate. The more you give, the more you get back.
- Listen to inspiring music. Music helps us connect deeply with life. Music shows us what’s important.
- Practice gratitude. Write down 5 things you are grateful for every night. Then..
- Go to bed early. Sleep is essential to our well being.
Bravely looking our discomfort is the first and most important step. Follow that up with mindfulness and self-care. Give yourself permission to feel what you are feeling. Then care for yourself without numbing or feeding your suffering.
I used to feel bad about feeling bad. Don’t do that to yourself. Give yourself permission to feel the full range of human emotions. When you do, your children will learn by your example. They will learn how to be human and healthy.
Now it’s your turn.
How do you deal with an off day? Leave your answer in the comments below.
Thank you so much for reading. I’m wishing you a happy and healthy beginning to your summer!
To help, I’m sharing this workshop offered by my dear friend, Laura Thompson Brady, Ph.D. of The Nourished Home. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to move from overwhelm and stress to joy, connection, and greater harmony for yourself and the ones you love this summer and beyond.
Join Laura and like-minded mamas from around the world in going from hectic to harmonious this summer here: http://www.thenourishedhome.com/h2h-summer/
Be well,
P.S. Click here to receive weekly inspiration in your inbox!