I’m sure everyone has days when he/she feels very low—physically,
mentally, or both. The past few weeks have been low for me, a low which first
started physically then progressing to mentally.
The first reason for feeling low was very understandable:
PMS. I’m sure a lot of people are familiar with the mood swings, bloating,
abdominal discomfort, headaches and/or a host of other symptoms associated with
the “time of the month.” Except for me, this was not just time of THE month. It
was time of THREE months. Yes, my period didn’t come for three months!
Crazy—because my usual schedule is not like this! So everyday for the three
months I’ve been feeling bloated, swollen (especially in my legs and ankles),
and abdominal cramping; my face kept breaking out in new patches of acne. I
also had low energy levels, feeling tired right after getting out of bed. As if
that was not bad enough, there was the mental aspect of it. At first I thought
I might be pregnant. I waited for two weeks (just to be certain that the period
was indeed “missing” and not just late) then did a home test, which was
negative. But then my sister told me that when she was pregnant, her home test
had been negative too; she advised me to have a blood test, which was more
accurate. I did so accordingly, and the test was still negative. By this time I
was missing my second period, and despite negative test results, I had read
comments from online forums in which a lot of women have said that they have had
similar experiences only to be pregnant in the end. Needless to say, I started
to worry more and more. Third month came. Still no period. I did another test.
Still negative. Oh the stress. “What the heck is going on?!” I thought. All the
while the bloating, swelling, cramping, acne, and fatigue were still hanging
around. Every single day I felt so fat and unattractive. Just when I decided to
take this problem to a doctor (I booked the appointment), all of a sudden the
period came—like a flood! I was floored by the pain and cramping, but at least
now I can release some of the worry—at least I know that my PMS symptoms will
go away after this agony.
The second reason I felt low was jet lag. Recently I had
traveled from my family home in Australia to my new home in Canada, a journey
that almost took 24 hours. Consequently I’m now going through one of the worst
cases of jet lag I’ve ever experienced. I can’t sleep at night. Sometimes I can
get in a couple of hours, but my body wakes up naturally and I can’t get back
to sleep. In the day time I am tired but afraid to fall asleep, for fear that I
won’t be able to sleep at night—however, when night comes, regardless of
whether I’d slept during the day or not, I still cannot sleep! It’s a vicious
cycle! The fatigue and inability to focus and mental anguish combined with my
period-related symptoms are really getting to me, and I’ve been feeling really
gross and sick all the time.
I’m really tired of feeling so low.
And so I think it’s time for some pick-me-ups.
Usually the first thing I try is exercise. It may be all the
endorphins rushing around, but generally after exercise I tend to feel better
about myself. Not only do I find it easier to let go of problems in my heart, I
always tend to think I look better physically too. For me personally though,
the exercise has to result in a lot of sweating—if I just do light walking or
stretching I don’t feel the benefits very much. And because I’m usually feeling
bad about my self-image when I need a pick-me-up, I will work out at home to a
video that consists of mainly cardio and partly resistance exercises. (Home
workouts are things that I want to talk about in a future blog post, so stay
tuned!)
Food is another of my go-to feel-good item. Usually when we
feel down we tend to go to “comfort food” like chips, chocolate, cake… I always
have a soft spot for mash potatoes drowned in gravy. However, while comfort
food gives the heart what the heart wants, after indulging the heart usually
starts to feel guilty and regretful, which contributes to further depression
and low self-esteem. So for edible pick-me-ups I would recommend things that
are less guilt inducing—and usually that means more nutritious if not healthier
altogether. If I really want to eat something sweet, I would have some
fresh/dried fruit (especially berries), which have anti-oxidant properties. Flavored
Greek yogurt is also a very healthy and nutritious option. Dark chocolate is a
favorite of mine; not only does it taste good, releases feel-good endorphins
into your blood stream much like exercise, it can also lower blood pressure and
cholesterol. When I’m in the mood for savory food, I turn to three things:
cheese, avocado, and hummus. Cheese is yummy and nutritious (albeit somewhat
fatty), and there is a huge range to choose from; my favorites are goat-cheese,
brie, and medium cheddar. Avocados are so easy and convenient—just slice in
half and season with salt and pepper! It is also packed full with healthy fats,
vitamins, and anti-oxidants. Hummus is a delicious, versatile dip that works on
biscuits, sandwiches, and pita rolls. Chickpeas, what hummus is made of,
contains a lot of proteins and fiber, so that it literally fills you up and you
won’t have room to eat junk food.
While food for the body nourishes the physical self, food
for thought can also be a way to encourage the mental/spiritual self. I’m
religious, so I tend to turn to my Bible or devotional materials; but I also
like going online to be inspired by other people’s experiences and wisdom.
There must be billions of funny/thoughtful/motivational quotes available so
just take your pick. Not only can you get something out of it, share it with
someone else or on social media; you may end up brightening someone else’s day!
When I think of pampering, bubble baths come to mind. I love
them. But probably not when I’m feeling fat and gross… A hot shower would
probably be better, followed by some aromatherapy. I’m a big believer in
aromatherapy. There is something about rubbing oil into the skin that is so
soothing; not to mention your muscles get a mini massage and your skin gets
moisturized at the same time. Ideally someone else should do it for you, but for
a fraction of the price, one can still pamper oneself with some simple
equipment (rollers, massage brush etc.). I use peppermint essential oil for
muscle soreness, sandalwood or lavender for relaxation, and citrus for feeling
fresh and revitalized. I also like to spray myself (or the room) with Relax
fragrance from Shiseido, which smells very light and calming.
Music is good. I’d say whatever music you enjoy would be
good, as our tastes are all different and to each his/her own. Personally I
find the Oh Wonder album and anything by Massive Attack to be very soothing and
also very pleasant to the ear. (It’s great for doing yoga to, too.) But the
music doesn’t necessarily have to be calm. Like I said, it’s whatever makes you
cheer up that’s best. Songs that you know and can sing to usually fits the
bill.
My biggest secret weapon of a pick-me-up is probably going
out to get my hair done. There is nothing quite like a new hairstyle or freshly
blow-dried hair to cheer one up. Even when I feel extra ugly and gross, after
getting my hair done I always feel better about myself, as if the cut hair
really took weight off my shoulders. And that’s exactly what I did! Do you like
my new style?
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| My old hair was getting to long and flat. |
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| My new hair--it's a lob if you can't tell? |
What are your go-to pick-me-ups? Let me know and I’d love to
give it a try!
