5 WAYS I SELF-MEDICATE IN A POSITIVE WAY

Have you ever written something you felt proud of, only to find out a day later that it wasn’t properly saved to your computer? I have. I have also waited on favourable feedback from bookstores that I hoped would sell my books, only to get a return mail that says, “We love your book, BUT…”  That BUT has the potential to do much damage to anyone’s day. I have been there. I have had them; those days when nothing seems to work and I am just defeated. On those days, I question everything and get no answers. Yes, I call them the dreadful, dark, down days. So just how do I get past these glitches? Well firstly, I am mindful of the power I have in improving my mindset and by extension, my situation. And then I do one or a combination of the following to ensure this happens.

1. I spend time with myself – I find a lot of answers in solitude. I like spending time alone to reflect and pull myself together. When people disappear, the conversations do not stop and without distractions, I am able to listen to that inner voice. In these moments I am inspired to create some of my best pieces because that voice whispers to me. So, I may spend some time in my car before heading into the office. I also wake up earlier and listen to or watch motivational videos. If I am at work, I have lunch alone. Thereafter, I always feel better, more focused and in tune with myself. When I disconnect from everything, I reconnect with clarity and my relationships are enhanced.

2. I listen to those ‘songs’ – When I am down, a great song cheers me up. Knowing this, I keep a playlist of what I call ‘fighting songs.’ I hum or sing out loud (I prefer the latter) because songs have the power to transform emotions. Sometimes I keep one on repeat because the right song changes my tune and my mood and that IS important because I want to live in each moment that I am alive. But, I am always careful in choosing the right song(s) as the wrong one(s) will sink me deeper.

3. I spend on me – I treat myself. In fact, I make it a rule to budget for the down periods because sometimes self-love costs money. I do not take it as permission for excessive retail therapy but I may get a manicure and pedicure or schedule a movie date with a friend.

4. I read a book – Great books  always crack me open and distract me from misery; after all, for everything, there is a quote, a poem or a chapter. In my uptime, I make a list of the books I ought to read in the downtime. I get swept away in a fantasy or learn something new. Either way, a good book gets me out of any funk.

5. I get over it – I think about it, cry about it, pray about it and then get over it. I never allow too much negativity or fall into depression. I recognize that it could always be worst and I remain thankful for the gift of life, even in the downtime. I replace self-defeating attitude with acclamations of self-worth. I re-channel my energy to something positive because I know this too shall pass.

We all have our moments of roller-coaster emotions. What works for me might not work for you and vice-versa. What we all need to remember is that the right attitude can do wonders for your mood.

Talk soon!