Has physical exhaustion ever left you feeling emotionally vulnerable and susceptible to an emotional breakdown? That’s how I felt last week. A combination of an increasingly busy schedule, disheartening family news and sleepless nights led me to feel not only physically depleted but also emotionally drained. I felt myself slowly withdrawing. I’ve been down this path before. We all feel the blues every now and again.
I realize that for some of us, depending on the circumstances, professional help is necessary when it comes to overcoming depression. Sometimes when you are spiraling down, it’s hard to come out of it without medical intervention. I’ve been there but I also know myself well enough that I can prevent it from going that far. I can choose to take some practical measures to help me stop the emotional downhill. I’m sharing six things that I always turn to in order to chase the blues away.
#1 Get some sleep!
It’s easier said than done but nothing beats a restful night’s sleep. You wake up refreshed, clear minded and ready to face the day. Lack of sleep is the number one culprit when it comes to fatigue. It seems obvious but many of us are too busy being busy that we forget how important it is to restore our bodies thru sleep.
#2 Pray
The power of prayer is undeniable. I’ve experienced it throughout my life and continue to do so every day. We often try to carry the weight of our burdens on our own shoulders alone. More likely than not, the heavy burden will wear us down and eventually keep us down. Lay your burdens at His feet. God is willing and wanting to carry it for us. Two passages come to mind:
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
#3 Exercise
At least for me, physical activity has always been a sure way to fight the blues. It keeps the blood flowing and gives you a boost of adrenaline. It makes you feel healthy and strong, which in turn, gives you that mental boost. You also sleep better when you keep active.
#4 Turn to Scripture
Whenever I feel burdened by worries and can’t seem to find peace, I turn to the Bible to remind myself of God’s promises. His unwavering faithfulness fills my heart with hope and it makes me realize that I am in His good hands and all I need to do is surrender.
Deuteronomy 7:9
“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations”
#5 Keep hydrated
This may sound simple but when I’m feeling down, I lose my appetite and I forget to eat or drink. I am infamous for going thru an entire day on barely a cup of water. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and headaches. A debilitating headache is the last thing you need when you’re feeling down.
#6 Talk to a friend
A lot of the times, the emotional breakdown comes from trying to keep everything together on your own. Turn to your family or find a trusted friend and share the burden. It always feels better to know that you’re not alone. Ask them to intercede for you. I truly feel that the prayer warriors in my life have moved God to pour out His mercy and grace.
James 5:16
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
Have a blessed rest of the week!
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These are all really great ways and helpful too! I get down a lot and find that these ways really help. Exercise and talking to friends helps me the most! I pray right before I go to sleep and it helps me a lot as well!
~~Megan~~
http://www.poshprime.com
I’m a new mom of a 15 month old. These points are all hitting very close to home right now. Thank you! Have a lovely week! #momsmorningcoffee
Let me add one more. Sunshine! It’s a wonderful, all natural God-given way to work against the blues. If you combine with exercise and prayer (say take a walk outside and pray as you go), it can be very effective!
Such great points! I am so guilty of not getting enough sleep. You see late night is my down time after the kids are in bed I just want some time where no one is asking me to do anything. But I pay for it in the morning. I know, I know. I need more sleep. Thanks for this 6 tips I’ll definitely be trying to implement them. 🙂
It’s always good to turn to prayer and scripture. It offers you a piece that nothing else can give. Great post!
Keeping hydrated is something I often overlook but it really can liven me up! Thanks for the rest of the tips 🙂
Mili
I am so bad about reaching out to friends when I’m going through stuff, I like to keep things in! Great tips, remaining steadfast in prayer is another thing I need to get better at!
http://www.dressed2dnines.com
getting sleep is definitely the key! I find when I get my 8 hours per day I’m way more content!
I needed this today. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
Sometimes, it is so easy to let yourself feel the blues, and have a “woes me” day. In the end, it is never productive for me…so I have also found that exercising and meeting up with friends is so helpful 🙂 Thank you for addressing this topic!
Chelsea
Ginger Side of Life
We all get the blues and these tips are not difficult to try. I wasn’t feeling great yesterday and had a personal training session booked. I didn’t fell like going but felt terrific afterwards. Thanks for the post
Very helpful tips indeed and I’m also of the opinion that it’s up to us to prevent it from going any further. God Bless You!
Hello Cynthia, this post was right on point to how I have been feeling lately. Understanding my body and all the feelings and motions associated with whatever I maybe going through helps me stay focus and in-tune with the superior force that is always watching over me. Like you said, taking care of our bodies and souls is super important during these times. Loved everything you shared my friend. Have a blessed evening. XOXO, Jeannette
http://www.msjeannieandhercloset.com
Such a great post Cynthia and something I too needed to hear!! I have also been feeling down for similar reasons as you (disheartening family news, lack of sleep, stress/pressure at work) and I am notorious at not taking care of myself so this post motivated me also!! Prayer and turning to scripture is so important in all of our lives. I very much appreciate your courage in sharing about your faith and remaining so authentic and true to yourself. It has encouraged me in my own spiritual growth.
Marta
http://www.sweatersstripesandsweets.com
I so needed to hear these today. You are right about every single tip. It’s been a sucky month for me and I’m seeing the physical effects on me now… the exhaustion, weight gain, and a lot more. Today was the suckiest day, too.
Anyway, don’t mean to be such a downer. Thanks for sharing these!
< 3 Rhea
Hi, Cynthia! I’m stopping by from Missional Women’s Faith Filled Friday today. This list is great! I know sleep, prayer and exercise are probably my 3 top ways to get a lift in spirits. Thanks for sharing!
Jen 🙂
Great tips … thank you for sharing. ~Sarah visiting from Radical Femininity
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I usually withdraw myself to recharge my inner batteries and that helps. Sorry, that you’re going through a rough patch. Prayers your way. Thanks for sharing at Thursday Favorite Things! Hope to see you again this week!
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