Taking on the Blues

Smiling woman dancing in the sunshine

Most likely at some point in your life you have had the blues. It’s the feeling that things aren’t quite right. You’re tired, a bit cranky, unsettled, sad, stressed, or worried. There may or may not be a specific reason that you can identify, but you can’t shake it off. The blues are real and with a few tricks in hand, you have a chance to send them away. Here are some tips to help:

Accept: The first step in moving forward is to accept that you are feeling blue and ready to take action. Sit awhile with your emotions, try to find triggers that may have gotten you to this place. By addressing them head on, you may find the source, a solution, or at least the resolve to know that you will get through this time.

Take Care: When you have the blues, the natural tendency is to ignore all the things you regularly do to keep yourself healthy. It may be hard to get out of bed, (it’s too much work) you avoid light or going outdoors, you start to neglect good nutrition and other self-care habits. These are the exact things you need to address to rebound out of the blues. Try these ideas:

  • Take a walk outside with a friend, either two or four legged.
  • Treat yourself to your favorite meal – best to avoid sugar, heavy carbohydrates, and alcohol.
  • Turn on the lights inside or open the curtains to let the sunshine in.
  • Find ways to laugh – listen to a comedic podcast, watch your favorite sit-com, look at some cartoons or even old photos that make you smile.
  • Turn on some upbeat music – DANCE – oxygenate – get your body moving!
  • Take up a new hobby that turns your thoughts to creating something new and unique.
  • Reach out to friends or family, don’t be afraid to talk about how you are feeling.

Lastly, after you feel like you have a handle on the blues, keep in mind, that you also need time to relax. Move gently and carefully through your days, being mindful of how the blues got in initially. Removing some of the commitments and stresses of your life can help you avoid spiraling into a state of overwhelm. Don’t overbook, set aside time for the things listed above, prioritize your physical and mental health.

If you find yourself feeling blue more frequently or for longer periods of time, please consider reaching out to a family member or friend or schedule a consultation with a doctor or mental health professional.