I think this time of year especially is when a lot of people tend to feel down. I know that every problem I have or any challenge I face seems a million times worse when it is cold, rainy and dark outside. The winter months don’t help but your job, workloads, deadlines and paydays don’t seem to care. The same old stresses seem so much worse in these early months. For some people, anxiety is not seasonal and it a constant burden on their lives…

My start to 2020 has been a good one. I am so thankful but to be honest I have still had my down days. Outside looking in, everything is going great in my life. It just goes to show that anyone can feel down and the worse you feel the worse you can get. For me, being tired has the biggest impact on my wellbeing. I tend to overthink everything and it just stops me sleeping more. If I have learnt anything it is that there is no need to feel guilty; everyone is allowed to feel this way and it doesn’t make you weak, selfish or lazy.

Spring is around the corner, and in about three weeks’ time we are promised some lighter nights. I cannot wait but until then, I thought a would share a few ways that help me to clear my mind and manage any stress.

Number 1:

Write things down. I find that when you write things down they always seem less dramatic than when they are flying around in your head. On paper, your problem my take up 3 lines max but in your head it can feel likes your brain is about to explode. Get yourself a cute little notebook and start making some notes.

Number 2:

Get plenty of sleep. I don’t think I have been to sleep before midnight since I was about 10 but I always aim to be in bed before 11 when I know I have to be up for work. I’m so thankful for it the next day when I feel fresher and am not quick to question every little thought I have.

Number 3:

Get plenty of exercise, whether it be walking, running, a class or just a session at the gym. Exercise can make you feel so much more positive. For me, every time I come back from the gym, I always feel happier and healthier and it changes my whole mood for the day.

Number 4:

I have found that socialising is an important part of staying positive and minimising stress. When you’re feeling down, it is so easy to cancel all your plans and just sit and do nothing but that will only make things worse. Going out and talking to people can change your whole mood for the better.

And last but not least number 5:

Listen to music. I went through a phase where I just stopped listening to music and was hooked a new Netflix series. It turns out that music can be a great way to lift your spirits. Maybe try going for a walk with your headphones in to try a declutter your mind.

These 5 things are what help me to de stress and stop worrying so much about the little things. They help me work out the pointless things that are taking up my time and allow me to handle them. It is so easy to look at someone, see the smiling and think they are so happy but that is not always the case. Just because someone is smiling doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t suffering inside so always be kind. They couldn’t be fighting their own insecurities, problems, worries and anxiety in many ways.

USE YOUR WORDS WISELY.

Comment below with some of your ways that you handle stress and down days. You never know how much it may help someone.