Ever notice that there are days when you are energized and filled with inspiration? Then there are days that are all about schedules and routines. And then, there are those other days. You know the ones where you feel kind of “blah” or perhaps stuck, or just plain frustrated? Maybe you even feel like you just might give up on the things you said would make you feel better?
Like that new habit of eating healthy foods or getting exercise. Or the habit of slowing down. How about the habit of not over scheduling? Going to bed on time? Or the one where you said you wanted to work on your relationships at home or work. Sounding familiar?
We all have days when we can’t see our way out of the daily drudgery, or we just have too much to do and feel a sense of dread or overwhelm. On these days, it’s hard enough to navigate the day itself, let alone envision our future or destiny.
In conversations with professionals, both younger and older, I’m more and more convinced that the choices we make when we get to this place of overwhelm or drudgery or “blah”, can determine how we navigate uncertainty, how we make positive changes in our lives as we move forward.
So, here are a few tips, gathered from friends and colleagues and teachers along the way. Tips to consider when you are having a difficult day.
1. Take 3 Deep Breaths—Did anyone ever tell you to “take a deep breath” when you were feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Well, neuroscience now confirms that slow and steady deep breaths brings more oxygen to your brain and can actually help you think more clearly. It also gives you a moment to slow things down.
2. Take 15 minutes to straighten up your desk or workspace.—Give yourself a few minutes to create some order or a system that will work for you for the day.
3. Set realistic goals for the day. Take a look at what is on your plate for the day. Pick 3 things that you can get done and focus on these items. Move other items to another day.
4. Simplify! If the 3 items you have chosen feel overwhelming, break down each task into manageable bite-sized pieces. Remember, one bite at a time.
5. Lighten the Load—as you look at your week, schedule meetings and more demanding tasks during the time of day when you feel most energized. Where can you delegate?
6. Take control—remember you always have a “choice” about how you feel.
7. Try a new way of doing something. See if it is a better fit. Doing something differently or learning something new can change how we experience a task.
8. Change your geography. When you are feeling stuck or frustrated, take a few minutes and physically move. Get up from your desk and walk to a different part of the building or look out a different window. Why? Changing geography can change your perspective.
9. Lighten up on yourself—strive for excellence, not perfection. Ask yourself, “Is this good enough?”
10. Remember the “why”. If you find yourself giving up on something you really wanted to do or hoped to bring into your life, remember why this habit was important to you in the first place. Focus on what matters most.
“When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.”—Harriet Beecher Stowe