Help for Low Energy, Depression, and Just Feeling Blah

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Do you have a cold right now?  With or without a fever, a cold can make you feel pretty crumby for at least a day or two.  That's no fun for anyone.


Even though I'm a firm believer that a gratitude practice is the #1 ingredient for a happier, more satisfied life, it doesn't guarantee that you'll never be sick, worried, or sad.  If you're struggling with a problem, at odds with someone you love, grieving a loss, or not feeling physically at your best, positive thoughts aren't a magical fix.  All of us have days or weeks when our mindset and energy are at a low ebb.  It's not necessarily something you can just talk yourself out of.


Of course, continuing to be thankful, even for something tiny, doesn't hurt.  It broadens your perspective and reminds you that not everything is bleak and hopeless.  You can notice a few gleams of light, and those can give you hope that this too shall pass, and you will survive it.


There are dark shadows on the earth,
but its lights are stronger in the contrast.

Charles Dickens


raggi di Dio ("God rays") - photo by reader Kelly W. from Arizona - used with permission
raggi di Dio ("God rays") - photo by reader Kelly W. from Arizona - used with permission



7 steps to help yourself rise above


1.  Find something – anything – to be thankful for.

It's pretty easy to feel thankful when the sun is shining and all is right in your world.  Why shouldn't we feel grateful when all our needs are met?  The real test is being grateful when life gets hard, especially when you're hurt by a circumstance you don't deserve.


Let me just say that gratitude isn't about feelings.  Giving thanks is an action – a choice.  You only need to recognize and appreciate a good thing –  you don't have to have a warm and fuzzy emotional response.


So it's possible to give thanks for the fact that your coffee is hot and smells good.  That you have something to eat.  That you can take a shower and feel clean.  That you have a roof your head.  That your senses are in good working order.  That you can turn on the faucet and get a glass of water that's safe to drink.  That somebody somewhere cares about you.


You probably know it's possible to make a low mood worse by listing everything that's going wrong.  But as you notice each simple benefit, you're more likely to experience some good feelings.  You might not start by feeling cheerful, but you could move yourself in that direction.




2.  Take a walk.

Seriously.  If your hair looks bad, put on a hat or pull up your hoody.  Put on your shoes and go out the door.  That is the hardest part, but you can do it.  Just turn your phone off for about 10 minutes, go outside, and walk.  This is not about how fast or how far, it's just about being alive in the world and using your muscles, lungs, and heart.


While you're outside, look around.  Notice anything that's not man-made:  a bird, the wind, a tree, another person walking their dog, a rock, a cloud, a spider web.  Anything to remind you that you're alive, you have a body that (mostly) works, and you're not ultimately in charge of the universe.  Someone else is taking care of that, so you can let yourself relax a little.


3.  Drink some water.

When you get back home, drink a big glass of cool water or make yourself some warm herbal tea.  When we're busy or stressed, we don't always remember or take time to do this, but every cell in your body needs water.  Be sure to get plenty.


4.  Micro-clean and declutter.

The antidote for feeling a mess isn't to stay in a mess.  Feeling down or upset is a reason to seek order and purpose, not to abandon them.  That's why sorting, tossing, tidying, and cleaning will make you feel calm, competent, and even somewhat energized.


This isn't the time for strenuous labor.  Choose one of these bite-sized tasks:

  • Toss three things from your junk drawer and reorganize it.
  • Pick one spot to clear off:  dining table, entry table, any countertop, refrigerator door.
  • Dust one thing that's really dusty.
  • Wash a few dirty dishes.
  • Pick up five things (clothes, magazines, toys, toss pillows, etc.) that have landed where they don't belong, and put them away.

That's it!  Don't do more.  Well, if you feel inspired to do more, fine.  But you don't have to.  This micro-task gives you a small sense of accomplishment and a bit of momentum to help you feel less stuck.


5.  Lighten your space.

Without natural light, your energy is sapped and your mood suffers too.  Years ago, I learned this the hard way when I lived in a basement dorm room.  I felt ill and lethargic, and couldn't figure out why.


Begin by clearing off window sills and cleaning your windows.  If this seems like too much work right now, just clean the window in the room where you spend most of your waking hours, or ask a friend to do it for you.  Then keep blinds and curtains open during the day.  If you must have privacy, use semi-sheers to keep things light.*


If you can, move your workspace near a window.  I like to work at my kitchen table, which is next to a window where I see grass, trees, and sky.  You could also hang a mirror to double light and views.


In the evening, nix too-bright overhead lights in favor of lamps with warm-toned bulbs.  For an intimate glow, burn a candle or two.  Your home will feel cozier, which helps you relax.


* This blog is supported by readers, not ads.  If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission.


6.  Dress up your home.

Sometimes, when we're feeling down, getting dressed up for something can improve our mood.  You can do the same for your house by adding a few frills.


What do you put on when you're going out?  How about pretty clothes, scent, and jewelry?  And maybe someone gives you flowers.  Well, you can add these things to your home, too.

  • lovely new covers for your toss pillows
  • new hardware (knobs) in the kitchen, bathroom, or on some dresser drawers
  • a delicious room spray
  • fresh flowers or a new house plant

While you're at it, why not dress yourself too?  You don't have to spend a couple of hours getting ready or even leave home if you don't feel like it.  Just brush your hair and put on some lipstick.  Put on a favorite top or necklace.  Maybe you'd like to give yourself a manicure.  Make yourself feel a bit special.


And on that note...


7.  Show yourself compassion.

I'm sure you do this for others:  you encourage, soothe, and protect.  Sometimes you need to do that for yourself!  Do something that feels comforting – just don't go overboard with junk food, wine, or something else you know isn't good for you.

  • Make a cup of tea.
  • Savor a square of dark chocolate.
  • Wrap yourself in a blanket and relax on the couch (maybe even take a nap).
  • Soak in a warm bath.
  • Rewatch a favorite movie.
  • Do some easy stretches.
  • Read some poetry.
  • Breathe slowly and deeply.
  • Listen to soft music.
  • Try adult coloring.

I truly hope you'll feel better soon.




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