First Aid For The Blues

Normally, I'm a pretty happy and upbeat person.  I love life and try to make
the most of every day.  But even people like me have the "blues" from time
to time. I'm not talking about depression (which is much more serious and
needs medical attention), just that down in the dumps feeling when your in
some kind of a "funk" and can't quite shake it.

I find this usually happens to me when I'm just coming off some big event
or gearing up for one.  Either one requires mustering an above average
amount of energy.   This week I've been having this experience and I think
it's a result of both- being tired from some past activities and a large one
looming ahead.  Ironically enough, I am supposed to speak at a Women's
Conference this weekend, where I've been giving the topic to encourage
and motivate women to have a desire to continue learning, growing and
serving regardless of their age.  It's supposed to be happy, upbeat and
fun and I'm feeling everything but that right now!  Oh, my goodness.
What have I gotten myself into?

Now, I know who wants me to feel down and inadequate for this assignment.
Satan always tries to make us feel less than we are and is the enemy to
everything good. And this Women's Conference is very good.  I always leave
these conferences feeling spiritually renewed and ready to face the world.
(although normally I'm on the receiving end as a participant only).
Recognizing this helps, for sure.  But even when I know the source of my
emotional state,  I still have to do what's required to get myself back to
normal.   And in this case,  I gotta hurry!

First aid for the "blues" is what's needed and these are the things I've
found to be most helpful for me.
1- Take a good long look at myself in the mirror and say, "Snap 
     out of it girl."    This alone doesn't usually do the trick, but it does
     motivate me to do the next thing on the list.
2- Take a shower, fix my hair and put on some makeup.
     As much as I would love to be able to sport that, "I just rolled out of bed
     and look how cute I am with that tousled hair, Meg Ryan look" I can't.
     More than two days of yoga pants, t-shirts and messy ponytails is not
     acceptable.  Take a shower and put on some makeup.  It will make me
     and everyone who has to be around me feel better.
3- Wake up early and spend time in my scriptures.
     This is my normal routine, but when I'm feeling yucky, I stay in bed
     longer than I should.  Because I don't work out of the home, I make
     my own schedule.  I don't have a boss I have to answer to for being
     late and if I don't feel like leaving my house, I don't.  Normally this
     is a great blessing, but when you have to discipline yourself to get up
     and get going in the mornings, and you feel like you would rather just
     stay in bed and pull the covers over your head, this can be challenging.
4- Pray.
    When I don't feel like praying is when I need to do it the most.
    I make myself get on my knees and I won't let myself  get up until I
    feel like being there.
5- Get outside and go for a walk.
     Another thing that goes by the way side when I'm feeling blue, is my
     exercise plan.  I mean, it's hard to accomplish this when you're in the bed
     with the covers over your head.  Skipping a day every now and then is no
     big deal.  But don't skip two in a row!!   The fresh air helps clear my head
     and I always feel better after exercising.  Something about being outdoors
     helps me think about my blessings, which is exactly what I need to do to
     help snap me out of my funk. If I can't make myself go for a real walk, I
     try to just get up and move around.  What is it about that couch that keeps
     calling my name?
6-  Write in my gratitude journal.
     I won't feel like it, but as I get started, my spirit lifts.
7-  Make a pot of soup.
     Making soup is therapeutic for me.  I love the chopping of ingredients,
     throwing everything into a big pot and letting it simmer for hours.
     It makes the house smell good and it makes me feel better.  It's real
     comfort food.  The healthy kind.  Which brings me to the next thing.
8.- Eat real food.  Lay off the junk and sugar.
     When I feel low, I try to self medicate with food.  I think I will feel better
     if I eat something that tastes sinfully good. (think chocolate).   Now this is
     really irrational thinking, because I know the cycle that simple carbs play
     on the body.  You eat something that makes your blood sugar spike,
     a few minutes later your blood sugar drops and you go looking for that
     next thing that will bring it back up.  It's a nasty cycle that only makes us
     feel worse in the long run.   But I'm not usually interested in logic when
     I'm feeling blue.
9- Do something for someone else. 
    This helps most of all.  Look for someone who needs me and do
    something to help them.  This takes the focus off me, gets me out
    of my house and helps me remember I'm always happiest when I'm
    serving others.
10-Make the bed, wash the dishes and sweep the floors.
    These are the non-negotiables for me each day, unless I'm feeling
    depressed and then I could care less.  Which only makes me feel
    worse, because I hate  seeing dirty dishes in the sink and walking
    on dirty floors.

This first aid kit really helps me.  I've been doing these things today and
I feel so much better.  Now I'm going to add one more thing to this list
with great caution.  Retail therapy.  I suggest this only after you've done
everything else on the list and only if you have some discretionary funds
in the budget.  I don't usually enjoy shopping, but today I think it will
make me feel better if I can find a new outfit to wear for that conference
on Saturday.   So, I'm heading out the door to find a good sale.
Thinking happy thoughts!

Oh, and  I would really covet your prayers that I can be led by the Spirit
as I present my workshop assignment and be an instrument in the Lord's
hands this weekend.   Thanks.  :)  

See, I'm smiling.