In my Self Improvement Front Line newsletter I write and advise on methods and techniques for self improvement and personal development. And I follow my own advice each and every day but I still get those days when everything just seems to go wrong. The weather's miserable, my computer crashes, the people I need to speak to are never available, and I feel pretty lousy anyway.
Sound familiar? Well don't beat yourself up about it because it really can affect us all. It's only when you let these things control you and they start to constantly play on your mind that problems occur and stress can be the outcome.
The key to beating it is to know how to deal with it and to have a plan of what to do. You need to have some simple things that will get you back on track and although you may think of your own, and really you should, here are five simple tips that will help:
#1 Take a Break
Even in the work environment you should be able to grab 10 or 15 minutes to yourself to just relax and think about something good. Find a quiet spot or go for a gentle walk and simply reflect on the things in life you enjoy. Forget all about what it is that is causing you stress.
#2 Remind Yourself of the Good Things
Focus on what it is in your life that makes you happy and about which you are proud. Even try writing down all that you have that is good; material items and your own skills, abilities, and achievements. No matter how bad things may seem you will be amazed at how uplifting just listing them all will be.
#3 Get Some Exercise
Taking regular exercise not only helps your physical health but will boost your mental well-being too. You may choose to go to the gym, go jogging, or play tennis or some other sport. It really doesn't matter what you do - just going for a brisk walk for 15 minutes will help ' but do something and you will see how it clears your mind and helps you to overcome any difficulties you face.
#4 Don't Bottle It All Up
It's perfectly OK to have emotions so don't be afraid to let them out. Talk to a friend or loved one about how you are feeling or whatever it is that is causing a problem. And sometimes just having a good cry can give you release from your anxieties.
#5 Treat Yourself
You are always told not to be selfish but occasionally doing something that is designed for your pleasure alone is perfectly fine. So take the time to indulge yourself. Spend time on your hobby or maybe take up a new one, or perhaps go shopping for something just for you. But even if it's only taking a good long soak in the tub, you will feel all the better for it and be in a far better frame of mind for all your commitments to others.
Just be sure to have a positive mindset so that even when you are faced with the bad day blues your subconscious mind will kick in and ensure that you are still in control. That way you just know that tomorrow is going to be great!
