Getting your oomph back week 4
Managing Change, one small step at a time
If we feel stuck in a rut, have lost motivation in the things and areas of our life which once had us energised then it is likely that something needs to change. That may be the circumstances we find ourselves in, or our response to whatever is draining our energy and zest for life.
A challenge can be, when we have lost our ‘oomph’; finding the energy for change can be an issue as we just cannot be bothered, we may have moved into a mindset of ”what is the point” as we have been trying to change and it seems every time we get on our feet, wham something knocks us down again.
The dilemma we may find ourselves in, and remember, this post is for self-care, not a replacement for professional advice, is that if we do not get back up again, do not find a way to overcome or adapt to what is happening, then unless something changes things for us, then this is the way it may be, and that puts us back into being a passenger waiting to see where the car of life takes us, or, to give up the little that can be in our control.
Sometimes life is an emotional roller coaster, even a scary one where all we can do is hold on until it has moved to calmer waters. This is where personal agency and that bit that is in your control matters and to put that into action may mean we need to make changes. They do not even need to be huge changes to begin with, small steps now can help us consider bigger steps in the future.
- Learn to start the day with a positive thought as opposed to focusing on what is wrong. This video on the reticular activating system may be of interest https://www.copescotland.com/resources/introduction-to-the-reticular-activating-system
- While it would be great if everyday was a perfect day, we know this is not something that is easy perhaps even realistic to achieve, but if we appreciate what we have as well as focus on what is getting us down, then maybe it’s a good enough day, and that is better than another bad day. Perhaps use the ideas in this video to make an affirmation jar to instead make an appreciation jar and take out something everyday to appreciate https://www.copescotland.com/resources/making-an-affirmation-jar Something as simple as a nice cup of tea, as some days, that’s as good as it gets, but at least for those moments savour them, and find ways to bring more moments of appreciation into the day. This piece on life satisfaction against the odds may be of interest https://www.copescotland.com/resources/life-satisfaction
- Find joy and laughter in simple pleasures, this wee video on laughter yoga may be of interest https://www.copescotland.com/resources/laugher-yoga
- Remember and pay attention to the voice you use to talk to yourself and learn to cultivate a kind compassionate voice that offers encouragement not criticism.
- Grounding ourselves in the moment can help us manage our emotions when they feel overwhelming. All emotions are information trying to tell us something, when we ground ourselves, we can become curious about their message and less overwhelmed. We can consider ways to work through these emotions rather than try to avoid them. This site offers lots of useful information on emotional intelligence https://www.6seconds.org/
- Be around upbeat people and be a person who uplifts others too. That is not to say we do not have times when we need a good moan, of course we do, however, if we stay locked in that negative loop of it is bad and going to get worse, it further drains what little energy we have, and may even drain the energy of others who are trying to find a way through the challenges, not just for themselves but for others too. This piece on optimism may be of interest https://www.copescotland.com/resources/tips-for-optimism Being optimistic does not mean we do not see the challenges, just that we are more mindful where we direct our energy.
Some points or reflection
- How do I feel about making small changes?
- What are the obstacles preventing me from doing this?
- How can I overcome the obstacles to find a way to work round them, or adapt?
We have used the analogy of a car, but if we do not maintain a car, it will possibly end up not working as well as it could or even need repairs more often. Next week we will explore how we look after ourselves, if we want to make changes and get back our zest for life, than selfcare matters too, so do you, please remember that.
Thanks for reading
Hilda.