A little self-care, whether it is rest, play or a quiet moment, really does make a difference. — Photo from pexels.com/George Milton
TAKE a moment to think of three activities that truly make you feel alive – things that ignite your passion, boost your energy, and give you a sense of purpose.
Next, take a moment to consider the ‘why’ behind each activity.
It might be something as simple as spending time in nature. A walk through your local park, or a quick visit to a florist, can invite you to notice the little things like the unique details of each flower, or the way sunlight shines through the leaves.
It might also be roller skating, skateboarding, or cycling – anything that gives you that exhilarating, flying-like feeling.
Or maybe it’s getting lost in a good book – escaping into new worlds, learning something new, or simply seeing things from a different perspective.
You might be wondering why I am asking you to do this.
It’s just that, sometimes, after being stuck at a desk or cooped up at home for a while, it is easy to feel like the spark has faded a bit, like there is nothing that really lights you up, or gives you something to look forward to.
Feeling low from time to time is a natural response to tough times or big changes; it is something many of us go through.
And sometimes, those heavy feelings can show up out of nowhere, even when nothing obvious has happened.
It is completely normal to feel tired, uncertain, frustrated, or even angry and worried at times. But remember, these low moods usually pass with a little time, whether it is a few days or weeks.
And in the meantime, there are simple steps you can take that can really help boost your mood and make things feel a little lighter.
However, if you are still feeling down most days or not enjoying things the way you used to – and it has been going on for a few weeks – it could be a sign that something deeper is going on, like depression.
If it starts to feel like too much to deal with on your own, that is totally okay.
Reaching out for help can make a big difference, and there is support out there when you need it.
Feeling low can make it tough to do the things we usually enjoy or that are important to us.
As I hinted earlier, it can really help to jot down a few of those things and try to do one or two each day.
Doing something you enjoy isn’t just fun; it can really lift your mood and support your mental well-being.
People with hobbies often feel less stressed and low, especially when those activities get them out of the house.
Even small things you love can help you feel more relaxed, brighter, and more like yourself.
For example, doing things with others, like team sports, dance classes, or group yoga, can help strengthen your connections with people.
On the other hand, creative activities like painting, photography, or playing musical instruments can bring a real sense of personal meaning and self-expression.
No matter what you are into, there is definitely something out there for you. The key is finding something that feels meaningful and fun to you.
When you are feeling low, it can be hard to stay motivated or even go through the motions of everyday life. You might feel disconnected and like things will never improve.
I can still recall the last time I felt completely devoid of motivation not too long ago.
I was mentally exhausted to the point where I dreaded writing my usual column – a task I normally looked forward to every week.
Even in my writing at the time, you could subtly sense the slump that I was going through.
The negativity became overwhelming, draining all my energy.
So, I decided to hit pause on everything, taking the extra time to focus on rest and rediscovering joy through hobbies I enjoy.
I spent more time playing games, watching films, reading books and ‘mangas’, and even took a short trip.
It was exactly what I needed to recharge, and slowly, I started to feel like myself again.
I gained a new perspective and realised just how essential joy and hope are to living a fulfilling life.
Since then, I have made it a priority to focus on restoring balance.
I now view periods of low mood as part of a cycle – a recurring pattern where my physical, emotional, and mental well-being gradually decline.
I have come to realise that joy might be exactly what I need to build resilience and push through it.
A mood slump can definitely take us to a dark place, but sometimes, just being present for moments of joy can give us the spark we need to reignite our passion.
I really enjoy working on my writing and usually take pride in it. But when my mental state takes a hit, the writing can go untouched for a while, and when I do get to it, it is often not up to the standard that I would hope for, all just to meet a deadline.
I think it is tough to do anything, even something you love, when your mental health is struggling.
It is hard to get anything done when your mind is feeling low.
So I decided it was time to cut myself some slack and focus more on activities that I found especially therapeutic, like the ones I mentioned earlier.
Sometimes, taking a short break and focusing on relaxing activities can help clear your mind and offer a fresh perspective.
Giving yourself time to reset can prevent burnout and leave you feeling recharged.
Also, let’s be real – sometimes you feel demotivated because the options just don’t seem that exciting.
A great way to shift that is by exploring a new hobby or picking up a new skill.
Trying something new can be thrilling and refreshing. It boosts your sense of achievement and can help spark renewed interest and motivation in other areas of your life.
When you are in a slump, it is normal to feel unmotivated and unproductive, which can make you question your self-worth.
But it is important to be kind to yourself and not beat yourself up over it.
Work, rest, relax, have some fun – and then, do it all over again.
A little self-care really does make a big difference.
* The writer is a psychology graduate who enjoys sharing about how the human mind views the world. For feedback, email to priscarinast@theborneopost.com.