How to Deal with Dark Days

Every once in a while, we also go through dark days... days where we don't feel like we're at our best or when our enthusiasm and hopes are spiraling down.

I want to tell you that it's totally OK. You are NOT an alien for feeling such emotions. You and I feel the same way too. Thus, you are NOT alone.

These are what my dark days usually look like. First example: I come home from work, feeling withdrawn, mentally, physically and emotionally drained, overwhelmed and totally demotivated then finding myself lying down on bed, feeling dumb and anxious with sudden outbursts of tears. Second example: It's my day off. It's a super beautiful day. I stay at home with lack of energy to start doing anything and just suddenly feel sad.

Let me tell you that it does NOT always have to HAVE A REASON. Sometimes, it just suddenly appears like an unwelcome guest. And what is needed here is NOT judgment but rather, understanding- Understanding that what may be a small effing deal to us may matter a lot to others. When we listen to and understand other people, we respect what they're going through as well. It's a simple gesture of kindness but it makes a huge difference.

So here are various ways to deal with dark days which I have personally tried (and did work out well for me) which as well, may help you in one way or another:

1. Acknowledging my emotions

Attempting to get rid of your negative emotions may be more difficult than just accepting it. Accepting your current emotion means that you are truly aware that it's existing. that it's actually happening, thus making it easier for you to find ways to cope with it. It helps you create a feeling of mindfulness and gives you greater chances of thinking that this particular emotional state is just TEMPORARY.

2. Find at least ONE thing to be grateful for everyday.

I'm guessing that you might be answering me back with a question like ''How can you still feel grateful if your mind is clouded with so much sadness, self-doubt and hopelessness?" Well, I acknowledge that but then just give it a little try. :) We sometimes think that inorder for us to be happy, something grand or extra-ordinary has to happen, be purchased or achieved. We often forget that the simplest things in life are the real sources of happiness and what give so much meaning to our existence like having a shelter, being able to breathe normally, be given the chance to live another day and go to and survive work, having friends, pets and family who support us and so much more.

3. Read or watch something motivational.

Motivational books/ self-help books have helped me in various, tremendous ways. Sharing to you some of the books which have brought light somehow to my dark days: Resisting Happiness by Matthew Kelly, The Things You can See only When you Slow Down by Haemin Sumin, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz and The Little Book of Resilience by Cheryl Rickman. It's amazing how words can move people and change their mindset in a positive way, albeit not suddenly but rather gradually.

If you are not into reading, watching inspirational videos like Ted Talk and learning something from powerfully wonderful speeches from people who also underwent suffering and pain like Oprah, Jim Carrey, Ellen DeGeneres and Sylvester Stalone may help as well.

I also am a sucker for memes. Funny memes make my day. Trust me, do any of the aforementioned things and you'd feel a little lighter thereafter.

4. Break a sweat.

I understand that it may be very hard to do any physical activity if you are down. But it always starts with a small decision: to start moving. We all know that when we exercise, our body releases endorphins which are more popularly known as the "happy hormones". It's a healthy way of distraction and it pretty works most of the time. Here, I'd like to insert a little info about myself. I am usually awkward at doing some sports but I try it anyway not to gain people's recognition but rather to increase my physical, emotional and mental strength. I played football and baseball as a child before and it felt so good. What I've recently tried were Handball, Taekwondo and Kickboxing and man, I swear I did not have any idea what I would be or was doing, lol! I sucked at these 3, lol! Maybe those who watched me would view me as a fool but you know what? I really did enjoy the training!! Really!! That's what's more important to me. Try imagining a lost dodo trying to blend in with a pack of wolves. That lost dodo is me. lol I swear I'm laughing my arse out while typing this. Moreover, trying out new things is surprisingly good for the brain.

5. Listen to groovy or lively music.

Music calms anxiety and gives life as well to an emotionally half dead soul. I've noticed that when I play lively music, I begin to gradually feel less sad. It might not work for everyone but it's always worth playing that one hot, groovy song playlist!

6. Go out. Be with Nature.

Seeing even just moving people. swaying branches of trees and an array of colorful flowers is a major mood enhancer. I usually take a walk alone on my favorite park where I can hear the melodious chirping of birds, sounds of swimming ducks and the cackling of geese moving towards me to greet me Guten Morgen and simply enjoy the beauty of nature. Not only my eyes and ears get blessed but also my soul. It is such a soothing experience to commune with nature. I've noticed increased feelings of gratitude and higher spikes of energy after each walk.

7. Talk to a trustworthy friend.

I made it specific. A "trustworthy" friend is more important than a friend who's always willing to listen to you but also has the audacity to tell other people in such a fabricated way what you are going through. Support from family is important but we have to admit that our family can't always be there for us. Having trustworthy friends whom you can both laugh with, get drunk with, run to when things go wrong and share both your triumph and pain with is vital in keeping you sane during your dark days.

So that's it for now. Let me end this article with a great quote from Sarah Addison Allen, "Don't give up because of the dark days. Succeed in spite of them. The dark days make the bright days seem even brighter. So bright you can hardly stand it. "

Let me know what you think about this article. Every comment matters to me and is appreciated. :)