There are days when everything seems easy, work flows and you just cross items off your to do list.
There are days when life seems to stagnate and nothing seems to move at all. And then there are days when you can barely keep your eyes open at 8pm and your body just begs you to go to bed already.
We cannot always choose what our days look like, but we can practice how to react to unforeseen challenges and exhausting moments.
Last year, I was often burned out and couldn’t even name what I wanted or needed when I came home completely tired. I knew I was restless, but I couldn’t tell what would calm me down.
So I started writing a list of things that might help me. When I felt energized and rested I decided to prepare for the moments when I wouldn’t be. I tried to be as specific as possible.
Cooking some comfort food –for me, that would be potato dumplings and brown sauce.
Reading a book instead of staring at the screen.
Dancing to 70s music.
Putting on makeup, just for me.
Flicking through old photo books to remind myself that hard times with pass and the sun will come back eventually.
Writing.
Calling a friend and sitting on their couch.
Asking for a hug.
Staring out the window, take one deep breath after the other.
Taking a day in the middle of the week to explore a new city with an old friend.
Praying.
What are specific things you do to get yourself through challenging times?
Writing for Five Minute Friday today.
thisiskatha.com 
It’s a lovely specific list, Katha. I think when we are not specific, it often doesn’t happen!
That’s a great list.
Thank you!
gardening and walks…. these things settle my heart and mind. FMF12
I’m definitely not blessed with a green thumb, but I’m glad it brings you peace!
Great list of pick-me-ups, and I think you make a good point that we need specific things to do to lift us out of listless moods, because it can seem like too much effort to even come up with an idea of something that will make me feel better. If I already have a list, I’ve removed an excuse. 😉 Visiting from FMF#4
Yes, exactly!
This is a great list, and I have used this technique before of making a list during the good moments to help in the more difficult moments. Some of the things that help me are going for a walk, watching a musical or playing piano. Visiting from FMF.
These are great ideas, too!