I have come to recognize that when these \u201coff\u201d days show up, I need to do things differently<\/strong>!<\/p>\n Maybe what I\u2019ve learned can help you:<\/p>\n * Yup! You read that last sentence correctly. Change your physical posture<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n These physical changes have been shown to create physiological changes in the body and changes in the brain resulting in changes in how you feel.<\/p>\n The brain notices the smile and says, \u201cOh, we\u2019re smiling,\u201d and will go about looking for things to smile about. The brain says, \u201cOh, we\u2019re standing strong and self-assured,\u201d and will work at matching emotions to that physical signal of confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n The movement and posture of the body immediately affects your emotional and mental state. Both in positive and negative ways. On those down days, I\u2019ll bet you are slouching, shuffling, head dropping forward with a frown or straight face. Change your physical state and see what happens with your emotional state!<\/p>\n Do you find yourself on down days, repeating over and over in your mind all the things you need to get done and aren\u2019t doing?<\/p>\n Instead of punishing yourself for what you\u2019re afraid won\u2019t happen, stay focused on what you are able to do in that moment, and only on what you\u2019re doing at that moment.<\/strong><\/p>\n As we stay present, our energy is released of the stagnant, heavy energy of worry that is holding us back. Pretty soon, we\u2019ll be ready to move forward in a quicker way, if that\u2019s what is needed.<\/p>\n Stop listening to the voice that says you have to \u201cpower through\u201d everything at all times. Because of that belief, we often close ourselves off to better, even easier ways of accomplishing our goal, that cannot be shown to us as we push and force our way.<\/p>\n Also, letting go of being in control may open up to us an increased understanding of what is most important for that day, which may end up being very different from what we originally thought.<\/p>\n This may look different on different days and may look different for different people. It means not being harsh with yourself. It means being gentle, patient and kind with yourself.<\/p>\n Allow yourself to take a break or change the direction of your day \u2013 to honor, love and respect yourself as you do others.<\/p>\n Maybe you only need 5 or 10 minutes to re-focus. Maybe you need half a day or the whole day. That\u2019s OK. In fact, it\u2019s more than OK, it\u2019s necessary!<\/p>\n\n
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Focus on what you can do in that moment. <\/strong><\/h3>\n
Let go of the need to accomplish certain things in a certain way. <\/strong><\/h3>\n
Show self-compassion.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The whole experience of an \u201coff\u201d day, which is common to many, is not a weakness, but rather a gift.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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