How to Cope with Blah Days

Have you had those days when you’re not depressed but not excited?

All the days feel the same. It’s been over a week, and I can’t seem to shake this feeling away. Something’s a bit off, but I don’t know why or what it is. I am not depressed, exactly, but not excited about life. I am distracted and not very motivated, even though I have a million things on my list that need to be done.

Experience has taught me that if I don’t take steps to address this mysterious unknown feeling blah feeling, then it snowballs into a massive depressive state which seems impossible to come out from. The key is to put yourself in a better headspace so you can more easily cope with this strange feeling.

Here are a few things that I have been doing to cope with this kind of day or even turn it around.

1. Recognize that it’s a feeling and our moods, like waves go up and down. Shrug your shoulders, chin up, wear your favourite lipstick, and choose to make it through the day. Nothing’s wrong, and there is nothing wrong with you. It’s just the way you’re feeling-and; our feelings usually change.

2. Don’t be hard on yourself. Don’t beat yourself up for feeling blah, and miserable. Be patient, gentle, kind, and understanding with yourself. You’re no worse than others, as we ALL have blah days.

3. Do something rather than nothing. Do a few mindless tasks so you don’t just waste the day, and you’re likely to feel better and slightly productive once you’ve got those out the way, as they’re usually the things you never want to do!

4. Only do as much as you have to. Somedays, it takes all your strength just to make it through the day. Preserve your energy. Read that book, watch that show, take a cozy nap and allow some things to slide. You can always get to them another day.

5. Be extra nice to yourself. One of the best ways to fight a dull cloudy day is to be extra loving to yourself and do the things that lift your mood and brighten your day. For example, go for a dessert, treat yourself to something relaxing, watch a show or a movie, have a long bubble bath, turn up your favourite music, eat your favourite meal, or call a loved one. Do all the kinds of things that you know will boost your mood.

6. Get outside. Take a half-hour walk out in nature to lift your energy and take your mind off everything.

7. Cultivate inner love. Practise solitude. Have a sufficient amount of alone time. Sign up for yoga. Write in your journal, and meditate for at least 20 minutes. Bringing this calm stillness will do wonders for your soul.

8. Watch a comedy show. Laughter is the best medicine. Watch your favourite stand-up, go through your favourite meme account, listen to a comedy podcast, or watch funny videos to get that dose of belly laughter.