We all have them.
ÔÇ£One of those daysÔÇØ
Even with the lack of a proper adjective, everyone can relate to how you feel during those days. Personally, I find it comforting to know that I am not the only person who lies in bed eating Oreos and watching the first season of ┬áFriendsÔÇÖ for the ninetieth time. With this in mind, I thought that knowing what other people do when they feel this way might help us all. Not only is it nice to know we are not alone but it can never hurt to learn from one another.
Distractions and Self Care.
Words by Katie Waits
Sometimes, life becomes a bit overwhelming and it can feel like everything is happening all at once. On days like these, I have learned that it is okay to switch off group chats, have an extra cup of tea, and focus on clearing my head a bit. Particularly in the lead up to exam season, I let myself have at least a day to take a step back from all things stressful.
Personally, I find that heading to a cosy little coffee shop and having cake with tea works wonders if IÔÇÖm in a low mood. I found myself doing that quite often during my first two weeks at university. When the combination of missing people and having to take in a lot of new information left me feeling incredibly drained.┬á
Allowing myself some time to read a few pages of a book that IÔÇÖve been trying to get through also makes me feel like IÔÇÖve accomplished something. Sitting down to watch a film with my parents, visiting my best friend for a weekend, or walking along a beach and breathing in the sea air distracts from the stress and complications life brings from time to time.
Setting yourself goals or making plans can be a really great way to break free of a malaise. In doing this you are creating your own light at the end of the tunnel.
Small Goals and Victories.
Words by Ellie Hutchings
Everyone has ÔÇÿthoseÔÇÖ days. ItÔÇÖs normal, itÔÇÖs human, but I often find that if I donÔÇÖt do something about it, IÔÇÖll end up in a week-long slump that becomes increasingly harder to get out of.
The first thing I do when I feel a down day coming is to make a list of any small jobs that need doing. Nothing too strenuous; things like putting on a wash, doing a food shop or picking up a parcel. Minor tasks that may have been on my mind for a couple of days. IÔÇÖve found that keeping myself on the go distracts me from my mood and IÔÇÖll always feel much better having been productive.
Wallowing in self-pity is one of the worst things you can do. However, if youÔÇÖre like me and can hardly bear the thought of getting out of bed when youÔÇÖre feeling down, then IÔÇÖd recommend starting the day with exercise. The idea may seem far-fetched when you┬áfeel sorry for yourself but┬áitÔÇÖs common knowledge that exercising releases endorphins. Twenty minutes walking on the treadmill is enough. The same goes if youÔÇÖre making a list of jobs. DonÔÇÖt beat yourself up if you donÔÇÖt finish it. At least youÔÇÖve achieved something! YouÔÇÖll probably find that if the day starts off productive, youÔÇÖve got the ball rolling and itÔÇÖs as good as turned around already.
Normal… To an Extent
It’s important to remember that it is perfectly ok to have these days. Sometimes they can be a sign that we do need a break. The best thing you can do for yourself is to switch off your body and your brain for twenty-four hours. University is difficult. There is a reason it is not for everyone and there is a reason that there are entry requirements. Do not beat yourself up if it gets on top of you and you need a reboot. Having said this, if you find yourself having bad days more and more often then you may need to seek help. There is no harm in reaching out to your friends, family or a professional if you believe you are struggling. As always, the university services can be found on:
Email: wellbeingandcounselling@cardiff.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)29 2087 4844
I hope that we have been able to prove to you that having ÔÇÿone of THOSE daysÔÇÖ is neither abnormal nor a condemnation of your day. You can take steps to turn it around or you can accept that you just need to let yourself do nothing in order to increase productivity later.