How to Get Through Bad Days/Weeks/Months

When I feel upset for a long period of time, I have noticed that it's often because I have this feeling of worthlessness that permeates through every part of my life.  Sometimes my bad mood is triggered by a time I didn't do my best or didn't get what I wanted.  Other times, like when I would come home from school during breaks,  it starts because I am genuinely bored and lonely.  The underlying issue consistently is that I feel like I have no purpose.  So in order to feel better about myself and my life, I try to give myself some kind of purpose.

As someone who has struggled with depression,  I will be the first to admit that it can be very difficult to get through just a day sometimes.  Through my years of pushing past these feelings, these are some of the things I have learned to do to help me get through it.  I hope some of these are helpful to any of you who are feeling like you're in a bad place.

Take Time Off

Make sure you take time by yourself to do whatever you need to do.  This is important!! As good as it is to get out of the house when you're feeling bad, alone time is also necessary.  Don't force yourself into social obligations if you truly don't feel up to it.  You'll know when it's right.

Dress Up

Once you're through wallowing in bed, getting out of your pajamas and getting dressed can make you feel tons better even if you don't plan on leaving your house.  Wear your favorite outfit and try out a new makeup routine.  If you think you look good, chances are you will feel good too.

Take a Bath

"There must be quite a few things that a hot bath won't cure, but I don't know many of them."  Don't knock it just because Sylvia Plath said it.  She was a smart lady with her own set of struggles.  If anything, it just proves she knew what's up.  I recall an instance where I went and bought one of those fancy Lush bath bombs that had heart-shaped confetti in it and felt like a new person after weeks of feeling bad.  It was worth every penny but honestly any bath will do.

Set Small Goals

It's always really satisfying to check something off your to-do list.  Start at the smallest little things that you know you can accomplish and then make the tasks more difficult. Sometimes I just start off with one goal for the day that I know I can follow through with.  It gives me a reason to get up and out of bed and then there's the added feeling of pride when the task has been completed.

Think About the Future

No, not in a super scary way that will make you anxious- don't do that! Instead, make a list of some upcoming events that you're looking forward to.  Whenever I have a bad day, I think of all the things that I am looking forward to and it just gives me a reason to get past everything that's getting me down.  Write a list to keep on you.  Put the dates on your calendar for reference.  If you can't possibly think of anything coming up, that just means you're going to have to make plans.

Go Out

Only when you think you're up to it, make sure you make plans and go outside of your room.  Text a friend and make plans to meet even if it's just for coffee.  It's important to engage yourself in activities so that your mind doesn't wander back to sad thoughts.  If you would like to engage in more of a commitment, consider looking into a volunteer position.  People do need you and they're expecting you to show up because you matter.  However, don't overwhelm yourself with social obligations and make sure you stick to what's comfortable for you at the time.

Buy a Thing

I'm not trying to encourage a shopping addiction but I will say that ordering something online especially has done wonders for me.  It's a little dramatic, but I'm really excited to get through a week or two if I'm expecting something in the mail.  Plus whatever it is that comes in the mail might make you feel better about yourself for a while too.  Consider it a well deserved award for getting through a couple of days.

I hope some of these were helpful to you! Comment below with some of the ways that you feel better when you're feeling down.  I'd love to hear them because I'm sure they'll be useful to me sooner or later.

Twitter ✿ Instagram ✿ Etc.