Have you ever woken up down in the dumps?
Feeling lonely that you don’t have quality relationships?
Maybe bored with your monotonous routine?
These negative states such as sadness, loneliness, boredom can easily consume you and you feel a great lack or emptiness. Instantly you forget all the wonderful things, people, opportunities you have to be grateful for.
From here, it gets worse as this state becomes so heavy that all you can think about is what you don’t have. From there your brain kicks into gear looking for more evidence that this is true, even if it is not. That’s when you notice socials posts from friends, or work colleagues leaving you feeling even worse about your situation and sometimes yourself.
And you spiral.
I’ve been there. I remember a summer just after a very intense season at work when I was finally ready to socialize and relax. But my social calendar was dry! I had not nurtured relationships for a long time and it showed. I realized some relationships waned because I did not stay connected with people. I’ll never forget that summer where I felt isolated and bored.
How do you shift this state before it consumes you and you make it bigger than what it is?
When I feel this state of lack creeping in I stop and acknowledge it.
And then, before I spend too much time focusing on “my problems” and “my world” I think – what can I give to someone who might also be going through this?
Can I give someone a call?
Send them a thoughtful message?
A smile? A compliment?
Not for me – but to genuinely shift their mood. And then I give.
For example, just last week I realized I did not have fun outings in the calendar to look forward to that was different to the usual routine. Instead of lamenting and wishing someone would organize something, I took action.
I looked at a line up of concerts and comedy shows and asked others in my network who was interested in coming along. As it turns out, I’m not the only one that wants more fun. And week by week, there are now great things in the calendar and it’s not only me that is looking forward to them.
So next time you feel bored, lonely, uninspired and in need of an adventure – ask yourself what would you give to someone who might be feeling this way too? For me, that “giving”, was simply an invitation to join me.
There you have it. The fast way to shift your mood for the best.
P.S. Our mindset impacts how we show up in life. Learn more about my Breakdown to Breakthrough workshops and keynotes for leaders who are ready to live in alignment with their best self.
