OS ways to combat feeling 'run down'

pmorrisjones

After a period of stress I try to improve my life. Eat well, keep fit etc. If you really want to do that fine. However, I sometimes find it becomes just as stressful as I feel I need to keep up with all of these to improve. Sometimes a few days/weeks/months of just "slumping" helps. When your body feels able to carry on you'll know. Good luck.

skintscotslass

Definately cut down on the caffeine. I suffer from depression and cutting down has definately helped me. Maybe not cut out all together or you'll end up with headaches. Try to cut out frizzy pop as thats full of rubbish.

Getting excercise, walking or whatever. Have you thought about seeing your GP?

Benthosboy

Hi mm.

Sorry to hear that you're feeling down. I'm in the process of being divorced after 16 years of marriage which, due to a lack of sleep for two months :eek: led to me being diagnosed as suffering from depression, so I know where you're coming from.

I agree with what everyone else has said and think that having "me" time is vital. Also, try and do what YOU want to do. I derive great peace from birdwatching and just being on my own in the forest. Funnily enough, I got called out at 3.00 this morning (I work at a large caravan park) and when the problem was sorted, I spent 30 minutes stargazing, something I've always loved to do since I was a kid.

If you get the chance, try and get away, even if it's just for a night or two. An old work pal of mine, sadly long gone, used to tell me that a weekend away was better than any medicine. He was so right on that one.

I've also come to realise that all things are relative. No matter how bad my life might be, there's always someone a lot worse off. I try and count my (many) blessings every day.

Martyn.

suzywoozy_3

I have a few things that make me feel better. I have just made a song list on my computer called bathtub songs which are songs that make me fell the same as I do when i sink into a lovely hot bath - deep exhale and relaxing of shoulders - am listening to it just now, my list includes, Drive, Romeo and Juliet, wonderful tonight etc etc. I also have a list called happy songs which I tend to use when I feel low and need to do housework.

Using listen again on Radio4 or BBC7 to listen to some comedy helps, either when I'm making dinner etc. or just sitting playing a mindless game on the computer and listening. I've just recorded some Billy Connolley on the TV to watch at down moments. I've also in the past rather obsessively listened to comedy songs either the Ebay song by Wierd Al or the Momsense song by Anita Renfroe on bad days.

A cup of tea from a teapot and taking time to let it brew and sitting in the garden with it and a book.

Not very old style but when life is too much I try and take myself off to a cafe have a coffee and take a note book and write letters to friends, lists of dreams, to do lists etc or read a book - just give myself some distance from the everyday that's getting me down - on a more old-style note I do try to go to the cafe where you get a free refill.

I agree with the pampering evening. If hubby goes out for the night I try to have a pampering evening - just a bath with nice essential oil, a glass of wine or some nice chocolate and a face pack or something.

chalky_75

I know this may sound corny But I actually lie in bed and before I get up in the mornings I say a little "prayer" of thanks for all the good things in my life -- even if there seems only 1 or 2 some days. I have found by repeatedly doing this and really concentrating on them and almost relishing them the day starts in a really positive way which helps all day

Bogof_Babe

Take myself into town and blitz the charity shops, allowing myself a fiver max for anything I fancy. The exercise of walking around, and the buzz of finding a bargain, soon bucks me up .

mioliere

I love Bogof's idea - it's surprising how finding something you like for about 50p in a charity shop can lift the spirits and sometimes, on a good day, you can get lots of things for a fiver. One of my favourite ways of cheering myself up is to put on a favourite lively song, turn it up really loud and just dance to it all around the kitchen - I find it really uplifting. I've long stopped feeling daft doing it - the benefits are too good. I've also done this with the children and grandchildren and they love it - that, in itself, cheers you up.

arkonite_babe

What works for me is a cuddle from my Dh, a cup of redbush tea and a good book.

Nitha

This sounds awfully cheesy, but I wind down by sitting on the sofa and thinking about all the things I have that make me happy. I ignore what I don't have - it doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.

Merlot

I find having something to focus on help me when I am feeling a little down. Gardening is great, time flies by and its great being outdoors. If the weather is bad, I do a project inside, wax the pine furniture etc.

Being occupied can be a great way of beating the blues, I find if I sit and think when I am run down, I end up feeling worse.