Fed up? Don’t give up!

Having down moments and bad days is not peculiar to any one person. We all go through it from time to time; although for some such days are more frequent than others. In spite of the fact that it could be described as a regular feature in day to day living, one must not as […]

Having down moments and bad days is not peculiar to any one person. We all go through it from time to time; although for some such days are more frequent than others. In spite of the fact that it could be described as a regular feature in day to day living, one must not as a result of this dwell on it and allow such moments get the better of us. On our own we have to tackle such situations and take preventive measures to stop us from sinking and losing focus of many bright days ahead.

Generally, our general attitude when we have a bad day is to look upon ourselves with self pity and moan, groan and lament over our situation as we go over asking ourselves the rhetorical ‘why me?’ question. You have a choice to wallow in your misery or to address the situation head-on without any ceremonies which is a healthier way to go.

Remember that worrying never solves any problem but could compound your situation by giving you stress-related complications health-wise.

From personal experiences and methods which have helped them go through such times, Angela Oniadi, Nkem Nwanka, and Jude Audu respectively, share survival tips.

Oniadi usually starts by freeing her mind and then taking a deep breath. “ I believe firmly in Charles R. Swindoll’s words, which say, ‘God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.’ I distract myself by engaging in cooking rearranging my wardrobe or going out with my friends. I realise that any time I do this, I am in better shaped to handle my problem. The relief I get from this distraction helps me sit back to view the situation as if it were a movie. This way I keep myself and sentiments out of it and can analyse it objectively.”

Nwanka says humour is another recommended therapy for down moments; and laughter is regarded as one of the best survival tools. “I watch a comedy, Tom and Jerry cartoon or some programme that will make you laugh as well as bring you some calm.

Audu believes in counting his blessings. “It is almost impossible to see anything good when you have trying times. But appreciating the fact that my situation could have been worse is a remedy which helps me feel up in my down times. Seeing the donut rather than the hole in the donut could make a whole lot of difference as I have learnt over time.

“When in such situations I imagine and sometimes write down my crisis as I consider the worst that could have happened. I am thankful I didn’t get that far.”

Also, keeping in perspective is another way to getting through bad days. Ask yourself if in another nine days this issue will matter. Remember that things really will look brighter in the morning after a good sound sleep. ‘Sleep deprivation puts a drag on mood in the best of circumstances. So, a little extra sleep will do you good.’

Lending a hand to someone in need could have quite a soothing effect on a hurting mind especially when the beneficiary smiles in content of your gesture. You’ll be amazed how much pressure it will take off you as it brings you great relief.

Giving up should not be an option as it never solves the problem. Look around you, look inside you and you will find ways to get through those dreary weary dark clouds.