Last week was interesting. I won’t go into details, but let’s just say there are times that life gets in the way. It feels like it jumps up and slaps us in the face.
What do we do about it? Especially when things are going pretty well and we’re humming along, doing what we do.
Here are seven ideas to cope.
1. Keep on keeping on.
Sometimes the disruption is minor. We can keep on going like nothing happened. That doesn’t mean we aren’t stressed out about it or that we’re not disappointed, but we can deal with it without much interruption in our lives.
2. Take some time off.
This is what I had to do last week and why this post is late. Only you can determine how much time you need to take off. I decided that the rest of the week was right for me. It turned out to be the right decision for me. Maybe one day will work for you. Maybe a week would be better.
At the end of the week, I was ready to get back to writing. To my way of thinking, that’s how you know when you’re ready to get back to whatever you do. However, if you don’t get back to that point relatively soon, there might be something deeper going on.
3. Meditate.
I really can’t say how well this does or doesn’t work. I intend to meditate but either fall asleep or just don’t do it. I do have Insight Meditation Timer and enjoy the relaxation music to go to sleep, so that is a resource to consider.
4. Rest.
Maybe to cope with stress or unexpected events, you need more rest. Go to bed earlier. Get up later (if possible). Take a nap (again, if possible). Don’t just try to power through.
5. Escape (literally or figuratively).
Reading and watching movies are forms of figuratively escaping. A literal escape is a vacation or weekend getaway. Just don’t escape to the point of running away from whatever is going on so you don’t have to deal with it.
6. Be kind to yourself.
This should go without saying. However, I know we are our own worst critics. Goodness knows I am!
When you’re going through hard times, the temptation is even greater to be hard on yourself. Try to avoid that. You really didn’t screw up. The world isn’t going to end because of what is going on (even if it does feel like it). It will be okay.
7. Remember it’s (usually) temporary.
The world might feel topsy-turvy, but it will be back on its axis tomorrow. Take a breath and remind yourself (every five seconds if needed) it’s temporary.
Sooner or later, your world will right itself and your creativity will return
Leave a comment and tell me what works for you. Do you do any of the things on this list or something different?
Wow, it’s like we’re the same person. Last week, I had a difficult time getting it together. I could meet my deadlines. However, anything else (creative writing, blogging, social media, marketing, etc.) fell by the wayside. It was not “me,” and I worried I was burning out. So, this weekend I took a step back. I focused on “me” things. I already notice a difference this morning. It’s strange how a week of “what the heck is going on?!?” followed by a weekend of refocusing can straighten things out a little. I hope you can get back on track. <3
I’m working on it. I ended up in the hospital overnight last Monday (potassium too high courtesy of an antibiotic) and that threw the whole week off. Here’s to you getting back on track too.
This was wonderful and right on time. For what I have going on in my life. Thank you for this post!
You’re sure welcome. I hope your world gets back right soon.