When I feel bad, here are five things I do to center myself and move towards a more positive state:
1. Figure out what I’m feeling and why I’m feeling this way
It’s crucial to understand what I feel instead of just always forcing myself to feel good.
I ask myself: Why do I feel bad? What does “bad” mean anyway? Am I angry, frustrated, anxious or overwhelmed? Why I am feeling this way? Journaling helps me process all these questions.
By doing this, I honor my feelings, recognizing that I am human and that there is room for emotions other than joy, happiness and comfort.
2. Do a guided meditation
Here are a few of my favorites from the Insight Timer app: Joyful Trust, Just Let Go, Learning to Surrender.
3. Move my body
Yup, all the research about endorphins is true. Leaving the house or my office for a walk is always a good idea. Even a 10-minute YouTube workout helps.
4. Read or listen to something inspiring
This is the time I pull out my life coaching books or skip Spotify for an inspiring podcast like Super Soul Conversations, What Works, Modern Love or How I Built This.
5. Knit
There’s something soothing about wool moving through my fingers, the rhythmic click of the needles, the knowledge that I’m creating something both practical and beautiful. Even just a few minutes with this hobby helps shift my mood and reminds me why I love it so much.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash.
