Feeling Down
Yesterday I was at a networking event and found myself saying to someone, “I am dragging today.” Later, I was at a board dinner meeting and found that my smile was not as quick as usual, and my energy level was lower than normal. I didn’t think much about it until I woke up this morning feeling the same way. Do you feel this way sometimes? What can you do?
Acknowledge the feeling
I had chalked up how I felt to coming down with a cold and that might be part of it but after some thought, determined I was just feeling “down.” A Google search came up with the following definition, “Feeling down is a general term for feeling unhappy, depressed, or low in spirits. It can also mean feeling fed up, tired, or sad.” Yep, “low in spirits,” that was it.
I thought, “I shouldn’t be feeling this way. I had a great weekend and a productive Monday.” What triggered this? It didn’t matter that I did not know why I was feeling as I was, I just was. Feeling down just happens sometimes. Rest with the assurance that the feeling will pass with time (please note that if your feelings are persistent, you should seek help).
Recognize the impact
Feeling down reduced my energy level and shifted my outlook. When this happens, I am less creative, not as motivated and am easily distracted. For me, this is not a time to take on a new project or to expect a high level of creativity. It is also not a time to do complex tasks. Reset your expectations of what you can accomplish while feeling the way that you do. Also, when you recognize the impact, also recognize that how you feel might be evident to others. As long as you are still courteous, that is okay. In fact, having people see you at less than your best shows that you are human.
Take action
Do something to counteract your feelings of being down. Since the skies were blue and the sun was shining, I decided to take a walk. Sunshine and a change of scenery can be helpful as they focus your thoughts on things around you. You might also consider doing some simple tasks that will allow you to feel productive but not overtaxed. I also find that upbeat or inspirational music can help to change my mood. Picking up the phone and talking to a close friend, especially someone who has an upbeat personality, can provide an uplift in your emotions. The key is to move through the down feeling with some action.
Taking the actions above means that I am ending my day in a more positive frame of mind than I began it!