Here at EleganceExplorerHub, we advocate for well-being, self-care, good routines and balance. However, life isn’t always a bed of roses, and how we handle it when life throws us a curveball, is a big part of our development as humans. When we feel depressed, stressed or just caught in overthinking, it’s about getting better at managing these periods so they hopefully become fewer or shorter.
This happens to all of us, and it can be a mental battle to get back on track. Here are our suggestions.
Communication and Social Interaction
It’s important to remember that your off-period doesn’t need to affect others. Reflect on what you can handle and step away from what you can’t. Withdraw if necessary to protect both yourself and your environment. At the same time, you don’t need to go through it alone – communicate with those around you that you’re not at your A-game. If you let your loved ones know how you’re feeling, you may avoid misunderstandings, and they’ll know that it’s not about them.
If you need something, tell the people who love you. If you need space, time to be sad or feel depressed, let them know. Communication is important in this process.
Give Yourself Time – But Set Boundaries
It’s okay to give yourself time to feel the way you do. But it’s important that it doesn’t become a permanent state. To avoid this, you can set a time frame – for example, two days – where you allow yourself to sink into it. During this time, it can help to maintain some basic routines, even if you don’t feel motivated. After the two days, even if you don’t feel significantly better, start with small actions to move forward.
Small Steps Out of the Slump
Start by taking a bath. Use your favourite soap, light a candle, and put on clothes that feel comfortable, but not too relaxed – maybe a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. You don’t have to go all-in, but small changes can make a difference. Afterward, you can do a simple practical task, like starting a load of laundry or emptying the dishwasher. A small action can be enough to create a sense of progress.
Self-Care and Health
Focus on your water intake and eat simple but healthy food that gives your body the fuel it needs to cope with what you’re going through. By making meals easy, you save time and energy, so you don’t have to spend a lot of effort on big cooking projects. Remember that health and self-care go hand in hand.
Hobbies and Interests
A hobby can be a big help in managing an off-period. Interests allow you to get out of your head and focus on something else. Don’t you have a hobby? Try something new, like swimming, knitting, running, working out, or anything else that appeals to you. If it doesn’t work for you, try something else – the point is to find something that brings joy and flow into your daily life.
Exposure and Social Contact
When you feel ready, it can be a good idea to start exposing yourself to social situations again. It doesn’t have to be anything big – maybe a walk with a friend or a cup of coffee. Do it at your own pace and according to what you feel you can handle.
Meditation as a Tool
Meditation can be a big help for many. At EleganceExplorerHub, we’re big fans of guided meditations that can create structure and support along the way. If you’re interested in trying it, we can recommend Mary Kate on YouTube, who offers meditations that help you focus on your mindset.
It’s important to mention that we’re not talking about serious clinical depression or other disorders here – those require professional treatment. However, everyone can experience periods with depressive symptoms that make daily life extra challenging. If you need to seek professional help, there’s no shame in that. Do whatever it takes to live the best life YOU can – we’re cheering for you and thinking of you.
It’s natural to have periods where life feels heavy, but that doesn’t mean your structure or your life has to fall apart. By accepting, taking it easy, and maintaining some basic routines, you can navigate through these periods. The above is based on personal experiences and conversations with others – you are not alone.