Feeling Miserable is Normal

Too many days lately have I woken up knowing that today was going to be rough. I have been dealing with my own issues for years now and it never gets easier.

But what is it that keeps me on the straight and narrow? I have things to do. People to help. I put myself in a position where I feel needed. Even now I’m thinking if what I’m writing can help one person it will be worth it.

I have learned a lot over the last few years about feeling terrible and how to move past it. The following are what have helped me and I hope they will help you too.

Catch yourself When you’re feeling Off

Most people go through life not knowing what to do when they get upset or angry about something. Their boss yells at them for some reason, and they have to sit there and listen to them.

This would make anyone uncomfortable. Common responses to these situations are to get angry or to become upset but you can’t do either, so what do you do?

Catch yourself in these moments and realize what's going on. You are not probably not angry at your boss who is doing his job but at the situation.

Always try your best to see things from someone else’s point of view. It will help you from blowing up on others when it's not their fault.

It’s also a good idea to take a break when you're feeling overwhelmed. Not a long break but five minutes just so you can regain your composure and focus on what you need to get done.

Take multiple if that’s what it takes. The Pomodoro technique is based on this. It has you working for 25 minutes and then gives you a 5-minute break so that you don’t get too stressed. This method is then repeated.

Take your Mind off Things

Picture this. You just got home from a long day at work and now you have to cook dinner, do the laundry, and make sure the kids did their homework.

Do you see any time for you to decompress? Create times throughout the day for you to do something that doesn’t involve stress.

Some people like going to the gym, not just because it's healthy, but because it's something that takes their mind off of the madness that was their day.

Exercise has also been linked to improved mental health and positive moods. Some studies even state that exercising a few times a week is just as good or better than taking medication for mood disorders.

Always check with your doctor beforehand because I tried this and while I found it effective, it did not work better than medication.

Others like to relax after a long day. Some hobbies like putting a puzzle together or reading are fun ways to give your mind a rest while keeping yourself entertained.

I know I love getting lost on the latest book I’m reading. It’s like exploring a new world and you can’t possibly know what’s going to happen next.

Extroverts, however, need to be around people to feel better. Awkward silences are just that for them. In this case, try to find someone that you haven’t seen all day and either vent about what's bothering you or start a conversation about something totally new.

Did your favorite sports team just play? How about the latest celebrity gossip? Anything you can bring up to distract you from the issues you previously dealt with that day.

Reduce the Amount of Complaining

This is a big one. Something that we like to do today is go online and complain about something just because we can. What a terrible idea. This only leads to other negative thoughts, and we want to feel better about ourselves.

Remember that your mood is contagious and if you spread negativity others will become negative.

The best thing to do in this case is to smile. It’s easier to smile than frown. It even takes more muscles in your face to frown than it does to smile, so why not be happy when you can?

It's good for your health too. Just by smiling you can reduce hormones that cause stress and increases those that kill pain.

Your words become what you believe. If you are complaining about things, you are not happy about who you are or where you are. Learn to accept yourself.

Deep down everyone is a good person, at least that’s what I believe. Start believing that you deserve good things in life and good things will start happening. They won't be what you wanted at first but you will appreciate them nonetheless.

Final Thoughts

One of the reasons I write is to help other. I didn't have someone for guidance growing up and I never saw the downside of that until recently.

I’m someone who learns the hard way and this was the best case scenario for me but it might now be for you. Learn more about yourself. Don’t be afraid of opening up to someone you feel comfortable with.

These are things that will help you feel better in general. It will not come quickly but keep working at it and you will see a positive change in your life.

I am an introvert myself and it took me a long time to really get comfortable in my own skin. Others are the opposite and can't stand being by themselves.

Who ever you are as a person, remember that you are allowed to be happy. You get one life, you deserve to have it and experience all that you want with it.

I’m a big believer that as long as it's legal, you're not hurting yourself or others, and it makes you happy, then you should go for it.