Dark, Damp, Dreary Days Be Gone!

This past week has been a wet one here in Washington, DC.  For five days we've endured dark gray skies, downpours, drizzles and steady, relentless rain that's left us soaked to the bone. And now, finally, as I type these words, I'm doing what I've been aching to do for the past five days: to sit down with a nice cup of tea, wrap myself in a blanket and enjoy the fact that I don't have to go anywhere.

  

Without the sun's bright rays to bathe the landscape in light, everything has not only looked darker, but felt darker too.

Can you hear me that when it rains and shines, 

It’s just a state of mind, 

Can you hear me, can you hear me?

                                                     
                                                          - The Beatles, "Rain"

Oh, those sunny days...

While rain or shine might not be a tiebreaker for some people, I know that my mind and body actually do function better when it's sunny outside. Any time clouds rule the skies day after day I typically don't have as much energy as I normally do.  I don't feel like exercising or doing much of anything, especially outside.  I wouldn't say that during a period such as this I'm necessarily depressed (at least in a clinical sense, as  major depressive episodes are much more severe and debilitating, and can be chronic.) However, rain and clouds do temporarily dampen my spirit and negatively impact my mood and energy.

And, as you know, feeling lethargic stinks. (Except when you're on vacation, of course.)

So when the sun hides itself behind thick, dark clouds, particularly for days on end, I know it's time to actively elevate my mood by other means than sunlight.  Through research and good ole trial and error, I have uncovered numerous ways to up the endorphins and potentially increase serotonin levels. I have discovered what activities can give my mind the little boost it needs to kickstart it into gear.  And the more I learn about new, effective methods, the more I can combat the blues from all different angles.

Here are My top energy and mood boosters:

Gear up and
get outside!no matter what the weather (natural light is natural light, after all)

read a good book,

talk to an encouraging someone,

PAINT (anything),

journal,

take pictures of your favorite things

make something for somebody (yourself included),

I made this fun brooch

and decorated a mirror. 'Cause why not?!

Watch guinea pigs play,

bake COOKIES for someone,

(Or make your dog bake them for you.)

Cook and Eat a Nourishing 
Breakfast, 

Chef John Macpherson

Look at pictures of baby goats,

(It does it for me every time.)

DOODLE on your front door step,

doodled by Sophie McGale

indulge in a fun magazine,

Did I mention, "Watch guinea pigs?"

look at pictures that make you smile,

buy flowers- or cut them from your garden- and arrange them in a vase,

s-t-r-e-t-c-h,

meditate,
listen to fun music,
dance, 

MOVE! run, hike, walk, lift weights

Go through pictures from great trips

complete a simple task like a load of laundry or a sink full of dishes,  

('cause hey, you're in a bad mood anyway 
and getting it done will make you feel as if you've accomplished something)

or perhaps... just chew on something 
that makes a funny squeaky sound.

Fortunately, one of the benefits of being a career coach is that I am constantly discovering and accumulating effective mental health tools for my clients, since a healthy mind serves as both an essential building block and a happy result of creating one's ideal career path. 

from Useful Guy (creative commons)

Having a handy toolbox full of mental health boosters empowers us to manage our mood before it manages us. We can't always control what the next day at work might entail, who or what might puncture our enthusiasm, whether or not Company Z will love us in our next interview, or if the sun will choose to hide or shine. We can, however, remember what tools pick us up mentally, even if by just a little. Sometimes that little boost is all we need to get moving again.

*********
Need some more ideas?  I often refer people to the works of Dr. David Burns, a pioneer in cognitive behavioral therapy who created powerful steps to take when feeling depressed. In particular, his book, Feeling Good, written over 40 years ago, is still incredibly relevant today.

Most importantly, if you are feeling consistently down, depressed, anxious and/or sad, don't try to go it alone!!  (You know how I feel about tackling big issues with the whole Do It Yourself Method- it stinks!) Talk to a mental health specialist, particularly a provider who comes recommended by others. And don't hesitate to ask for help and support from friends and family as well. You owe it to yourself to have lots of really good days to look forward to.