7 Things You Can do When Things Are Not Okay • Nadia Nelson

Whew Chile… it’s been a minute. I have been on an intense blogcation since November of last year. So many times I have attempted to put pen to paper only to end up with blank pages. I guess now is as good of time as ever to pick up my hobby of blogging again.

This covid-19 pandemic has many of us seeking ways to deal with mandatory, voluntary stay at home orders passed down from the government. I don’t know about you, but I feel like I’m about to lose my ish. News stories flashing left and right. More social media & news coverage about this virus than what one would consider normal news.

I’m actually guilty of spending the majority of my time aimlessly strolling through my timelines, barely achieving anything constructive or working toward anything of substance. I figured now was as good of a time as any to pick up writing again. Getting my mind off of current reality.

Picking up where I left off, allows me to continue my self-development journey. In my previous post, I discussed the fact that it’s okay to not be okay. Especially if you’re like me and you feel like you always have to be strong or in control.

Related post- It’s okay to not be okay!

7 Things to do when things are not okay

Here are 7 things that always help me when I am not feeling my best self or depressed. They get me out the period of not-okayness (yeah, I l know) or when I am heading into one. Hopefully they maybe of help to you.

Write IT down!

Journaling is definitely one of the main avenues of release when I am feeling stressed, depressed, or just not myself. There is always something therapeutic about writing down my thoughts, feelings, and emotions, both good and bad. I always feel a sense of relief as each word is written or typed. In a past life, I would be considered as a journal hoarder, always buying more journals than I was completing. Now I use my notes app on my iPhone for quick notes to capture things as they happen instead of waiting till I am around my journal to try to remember what happened from a previous time.

Talk IT out!

Find someone who you can trust to talk to about whatever it is that is bothering you. Someone that will listen and not dismiss your thoughts or feelings. For me, it’s my sister. I tend to keep things to myself, trying to work through things on my own before reaching out. She knows that if I’m reaching out, it’s something that I cannot work through on my own. It’s serious, well to me anyway. If you do not have a close family member that you can reach out to, try a close friend. Talk to someone professionally – I cannot stress this one enough! If you feel that nothing else is working, please seek professional help before it is too late. There are numerous resources available when “I’m not okay” turns into “I’m at my wits end”. From therapists, counselors, to anonymous hotlines. Help is available!

Exercise IT out!

One of the best ways (in my opinion) to combat stress or instances of depression or anxiety. Sometimes it’s as simple as a quick, brisk walk or an intense, vigorous workout. Something to get the body moving. It helps with maintaining mental fitness, reducing fatigue, improving concentration, among other things.

Pick up a hobby you are passionate about!

I don’t know about you but working on something that I am passionate about puts me in a happy place. It can be reading, painting, photography, drawing, crafting, writing, etc. Anything to get the creative juices going, taking our minds off things.

Create a dope music playlist!

There is something to be said about a bad@ss music playlist. One that puts you in a vibe, whether it be to get focused, relaxed, or amped up. I love to dance, so my playlists put me in a great mood and keep me moving, vibin’ with the beat.

Meditate!

I am still working on this one. I have read that meditating is also a good way to overcome stress and anxiety. Being more mindful and present in the chaos of life and our never-ending thoughts. I have been starting with a minute or two of mindfulness focused on my breathing at a time. Anything longer than that and my thoughts take over. My ultimate goal is to make it to at least 30 mins. (Any tips?! No, seriously!)

Laugh IT Out!

Laughter is always good for the soul. It has both mental and physical benefits. I love a good laugh. I mean one of those gut-wrenching, doubling over type of laughs. It’s a great stress reliever that can put you in a feel good mood, no matter how temporary. When I am feeling stressed or down, I tend dig deep in my favorite comedies or stand up to get out of the funk I’m in. Anything Kevin Hart or Dave Chapelle always seem to do the trick.

What gets you through the moments when you do not feel okay? Let me know in the comments.

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7 Things to do when things are not okay

Write IT down!

Talk IT out!

Exercise IT out!

Pick up a hobby you are passionate about!

Create a dope music playlist!

Meditate!

Laugh IT Out!

What gets you through the moments when you do not feel okay? Let me know in the comments.

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