Feeling Down? How To Pick Yourself Up And Get Back On Track

The unavoidable fact is that each one of us will feel down from time to time.

Not even a saint or a Buddha can always be on top of the world, brimming with joy and happiness. Mixed right in with the highs we are going to have some lows. It just comes with the territory of being alive.

Each of us is influenced by a variety of different things: our history, our health, our hormones, the weather, our family, our work and our social contacts.

But when we've been feeling down on a regular basis then maybe it's time to look at our life and what we can do to regain our balance. When the blues come calling there's always a reason, and for those times when life seems to be a bit of a drudge there's always a solution.

The first thing to remember when you're feeling down is that it's completely natural. This does not necessarily mean that there is anything wrong with you. It does mean that you're human. (If you have been feeling depressed for more than a week or two then it would be wise to visit your doctor.)

What it does mean is that something in your life needs fixing.

The first thing is to take a step back and get some clarity. If you're feeling a little overwhelmed then it's time to prioritize. Take a pen and paper and write down a list of what really needs to be done, ranking things according to their importance or urgency. Try to stick to essentials, those things that really are necessary. Other non-essential things can always wait until later, when things have evened out and you're in a better frame of mind and emotion. Of course, there's always the chance that you might not feel like doing those things when your blues have lifted… Once you have your list - and it should be short - make a time frame for it. Which brings us onto our next pointer: pace yourself.

Take a look at how you've been living recently and ask yourself whether you've been pushing yourself too hard or not enough. Either extreme can leave us feeling down. When we push ourselves too much then we risk draining our batteries and becoming overwhelmed. When we put our feet up and take things too easy then we lack challenge. When we lack challenge then things easily become a bore. The fact is that boredom is cured by challenge.

Perhaps the really important thing about pacing yourself is to learn your own limits. When you've cracked this one you're already ahead of the game. Yes, you might need to push the envelope every now and then, but make sure it's the exception and not the rule. When you pace yourself then you respect your limits, ensuring that you don't continually push yourself too far. Try to keep something in reserve. It's OK to give of yourself, but make sure you 'don't give the farm away'. Make sure you always reserve something for yourself. Never forget: you are every bit as important as anyone else. And if you don't really believe this, then maybe you should consider doing some work on building your own self-esteem.

Having prioritised and paced, the next thing to do is to really simplify your life.

It really doesn't need to be spring in order for us to benefit from a spring clean of our life.

Start with the external first. What needs to be de-cluttered? Are you surrounded by things that you simply don't need; by objects or clothes that you never wear? If so then pile those things high and have a garage sale, or just donate them to charity. What's clutter to you just might be someone else's necessity. Lighten your surroundings and you'll lighten your spirit.

Take a look at your life and see where you're coming unstuck and bogged down. What isn't really necessary? What can you let go of? Do you really need to physically go to the supermarket and heave those groceries back? How about online shopping? Do you really need to cook quite as many meals as you have been cooking? How about doubling up the quantities and freezing things so you'll have half the cooking? And while we're talking about food, make sure you're eating healthily and regularly, adding plenty of fruit and vegetables to your diet. Of course, it goes without saying that if you want to feel good never skip meals.

Now for the biggy: Is there a person who is constantly draining your energy? This being the case, you need to take the time to have a long, hard talk with that individual. And if you've already exhausted that route then maybe you need to finally come to a decision. You have the solution in your hands and no one has the right to continually drag you down. Sometimes life asks us to be compassionate to ourselves as well as to other people. So, if it's time to take your life back then find the courage to do just that.

Finally, make sure you make time for yourself. Yes, the family, friends and your work are important, but not so important that you must sacrifice all of yourself for them. Be kind to yourself. Pamper yourself - a manicure or massage, an evening out, learn a new dance step or take up a new hobby - whatever it is that makes you feel special, because you really are special. There has never been and there never will be anyone exactly like you in this world. Treat yourself with respect, look after yourself and be grateful for your life.

When we develop an attitude of gratitude we get things back into perspective and soon our positivity returns. Live this life as if it's the only one you'll ever have and you won't go far wrong.

Make these things a way of life and soon your blues will be replaced by the bluest of skies.

DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to replace proper medical advice. If you have been feeling depressed then you are well advised to visit your doctor or health advisor.


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Peter Field is a hypnotherapist in Harley Street, London and Brindleyplace, Birmingham and creator of Hypnosis Slimming, a new way to systematically reduce weight. His increase self-esteem download and CD is also now available.