Life can feel impossible sometimes, especially when you run your own business. There is never enough time in the day to get all the business and housework done. Then on top of that, life gets in the way, relationships go through conflict and of course the dreaded money troubles. You’ll feel like obstacles are just popping up all over the place and sometimes things can get so overwhelming that you might want to crawl into your bed and never leave the safety of your duvet. No matter what you are going through, just know that you can get through this!
I’ve put together 20 questions to ask yourself if you are feeling hopeless, helpless, or just down in the dumps.
1. Did you get enough sleep last night?
If not, do you have time to take a quick power nap? Go to bed an hour or two earlier tonight. Sleep is critically important for your good mental health, so make sure you are getting enough on a daily basis.
2. Have you eaten anything healthy in the past few hours?
A Mars Bar and Coke doesn’t cut it! Go to the kitchen and eat something that will give your body healthy energy, like a banana, a handful of nuts, or a piece of cheese.
3. When was the last time you had a glass of water?
Do you have a headache? Or feeling faint? Being dehydrated can make anyone feel terrible. Go drink some water right now!
4. Did you take a shower today?
When was the last time you bathed yourself? If it wasn’t in the last 24 hours then stop what you are doing and get a shower right now. You’ll feel so much better once you’re clean and refreshed.
5. Is it daytime, and are you dressed?
Are you still in your pyjamas under a blanket on the sofa? It’s time you take off your pyjamas and get cleaned up. Wear something that you really like, your favourite dress, a nice shirt, or your go to pair of shoes. Then spend some time to do your skin and makeup routine.
6. Is it nighttime, and you can’t sleep?
Find your comfiest pyjamas and put them on. Turn off your electronics and put them away so you aren’t tempted to do a midnight scroll through Facebook. Open a window, turn the temperature down.Now lay down with your eyes closed for 15 minutes. It might help to turn on a noise machine, fan, or an hour long YouTube video with the sound of rain falling.
7. Have you done any exercise in the last 24 hours?
Not just a walk to the bathroom or fridge, but a good and proper 30 minute workout. If going to the gym is not an option for you, walk around the mall or a large store or workout at home to a YouTube video.
8. Did you sing today or dance today?
If not, turn on a song you know by heart, move to music, and sing at the top of your lungs!
9. Do you feel unattractive today?
Go back to question 5, then take a selfie and post it on personal social media. Your friends will love your pic and you’ll feel better about yourself.
10. Have you had any recent medication changes?
If you’ve been put on (or taken off) of a medication, missed a dose, or have been switched to a generic brand, this can really throw your body and mind out of loop. Wait a few days and see if things improve, but it they do not, give your doctor a call and let them know you’re having some problems.
11. Have you complimented someone in the past 24 hours?
If not, go do it. This could be on social media or in person. Wait until you see something incredible about someone and then let them know. You’ll put a smile on their face and make their day – and maybe that will help you with yours!
12. Have you hugged someone recently?
No? Well it’s time to go to your partner, friend, parent, sibling, or even your pet to get a hug. You may be surprised at how some basic physical contact can turn even the worst day around.
13. When is the last time you’ve told your story?
Telling your story is so important, not only will it make you feel lighter but it will also inspire others that are going through tough times. If you don’t already, start writing your story in a journal or blog. For me, journaling is like free therapy – try it!
14. Have you spoken to your friends about it?
If not, call them right now and tell them. It’s important that you let other people know how you’re feeling. You’re friends are your biggest cheerleaders – they’ll know how to cheer you up.
15. Do you feel unproductive?
Make a list of two small things you can complete today (i.e. laundry, dishes, responding to an email, homework assignment), and go do it. Just don’t go crazy by setting unrealistic goals, this will make you feel worse when you can’t complete them.
16. Do you feel frozen by a major decision you have to make?
Take 10 minutes and come up with a plan for your day. Make a to-do list and start working through it. Put the major decision on the back-burner for a few hours, and focus on the little tasks you need to accomplish. At the end of the day, journal about your major decision, as this can help to process your thoughts. The right decision will come to you at the right time.
17. Have you exhausted yourself lately- physically, socially, emotionally, or intellectually?
Giving a lot of yourself to any activity can take a toll on your mind and body that might last for a couple of days. Think of yourself as a battery- you need time to recharge after you’ve used up your energy. Be gentle with yourself, and take time to recoup. Maybe that looks like watching a funny movie, spending time alone, or sleeping a few extra hours this week – whatever it is, do it.
18. Are you focused on moving forward, or do you dwell on the past?
Past events and things in this moment may be painful, but what about in a month, a year, 5 years? Will it still matter? You never know what wonderful things may be around the corner for you. Allow yourself to hope and dream; set goals, and look at the road ahead instead of your rear-view mirror.
19. Have you given it a week?
When life starts to get you down, it’s easy to feel like things have always been this way, even when that’s not true. Today, it’s important that you make a commitment to keep yourself going for a week, whatever it takes. If you are still feeling this way seven days from now, get help from someone you trust. You deserve to feel better and there is a lot of help out there for you. Never give up on yourself.
20. Do you need to talk to someone?
If you do not have a counsellor or a therapist – do you need to consider it? Ask around, ask your doctor or give it a Google search. If you already have a counsellor, make an appointment and talk about what’s going on in your life.
If you ever need support with getting your business back on track then please don’t hesitate to get in touch! Book yourself a FREE strategy session with me. Don’t forget to join my Free Facebook Group where I help women just like you grow their business and it’s a great community to be a part of! Come and join the fun!
Hugs…
Linda x