What Do You Do When You Feel Down?

It's not about feeling good all the time. It's about knowing what to do when you feel down.

Hi, how are you today?

Today, I'm feeling down. And yesterday too. I noticed that I have consecutive days where I'm feeling rad or really good, and there are days when I don't feel too good.

The days that I feel rad is when I'm motivated to create, explore or learn things that interest me. Those days where I don't feel so good - I feel confused, I overthink and I have no idea what I'm doing with life.

I believe that it's not about being in the best mood all the time, because we're all humans, after all. We're supposed to have feelings and emotions. But at the same time, when you're feeling down, what do you do?

Lately, I've been transferring that "negative energy" into creating. Sure, I feel upset or angry, but it doesn't mean that I can't use it to fuel my creativity. I also give myself the permission to feel upset, angry, swear, feel lost and confused. But, I give myself a deadline. I give myself the space to feel these emotions. I usually go for a walk and then journal. Sometimes, I meditate. Then, once I don't feel upset anymore, I get back up and start creating things.

It's not about always feeling good. It's about knowing what to do when you feel down and creating a safe environment to feel the not-so-great emotions. Then, get back up and keep moving forward.

There's no one else in this world that will help you but yourself. As much as we believe that people, things, events or situations make us feel a certain way, it's not true. We're responsible for our thoughts, emotions and feelings. So, we have to find a way to get back up.

When you are feeling down, try this:

1. Be aware of the not-so-good state you're feeling. I don't like the word negative, but it just means when you don't feel like yourself.

2. Create your own safe space to feel these emotions. This includes the time & activity you'll be doing. No one will judge if you feel like lying on the couch and watch Netflix all day long if that's what you feel like you have to do. As long as you're not judging yourself.

3. If you can, try to explore what triggered you and why you are feeling that way. Either think or journal about it. You'll be surprised with what you'll find out.

💡Tip: Track your mood using a planner or an app. I use the Daylio app to track my mood daily.

Let me know what you think of this. Don't hesitate to let me know if there are other things you'd like to see in this newsletter!