We all have days where even doing the bare minimum feels like too much. Being back in school, it’s easier than ever to get overwhelmed. Whether you’re having a bad day or you’ve been struggling for years, I hope these tips can help make your life a little easier.
- GET OUT OF BED
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Seriously, get out of bed. You don’t have to do anything, just move. Sit at your desk or on the floor, it doesn’t matter. Try to get out of your room; outside is even better. Get a blanket, go to a park, and lay right down. If you can, take a shower and brush your teeth. Even a little bit of personal care can boost your mood.
Amy Cho / Spoon - SLEEP
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If you’re already in bed, you might as well take advantage of it. Just because you’re lying down all day doesn’t mean you’re getting any rest. Turn off the lights, put down your phone, and take a nap. You might feel like you’ve lost some hours when you wake up, but it might give you the energy you need to get up and moving. Even just laying down with your eyes closed will help you feel more rested.
- EAT SOMETHING
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Grab a snack or order something in, anything to get some energy into your system. Try to avoid junk food if you can. Focus on proteins and carbohydrates. Carbs get a bad rap, but they are a highly efficient source of calories. If you’re having trouble mustering up the energy to get out of bed, calories are what you need! Drink water if you can, but any non-caffeinated beverage is better than nothing.
Christin Urso / Spoon - LISTEN TO MUSIC
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Put on your favorite album and relax. Pop music can be good for an energy boost, but anything upbeat and cheerful can help. Be careful with blues and breakup songs. Getting in touch with your emotions can be cathartic, but too much can leave you feeling worse off than before. If you’re stuck in a musical rut, look through some popular Spotify playlists or ask your friends for suggestions.
- WRITE DOWN YOUR THOUGHTS
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Take stock of your thoughts, especially the negative ones. Our thoughts affect our feelings and actions as much as our environment does. If you keep telling yourself getting up is pointless, you’re never going to get up. So, write down those negative thoughts and get them out of your head. Look up a list of common cognitive distortions and try to identify the flaws in your reasoning. Once you start to view your negative thoughts more objectively, it can be helpful to write down some rational responses.
Most importantly, be kind to yourself. Only you know the best ways to support yourself. Try talking to your family and friends, and don’t be afraid of seeking professional help if you need it.