20 ways to get through the bad days

I write a lot here about staying creative in spite of having limited energy, but there are some days when there just isn’t enough energy for much of anything, especially being creative. These “bad days” need to be acknowledged (and got through as smoothly as possible). There’s no point either pretending they don’t happen, or being defeated by them (though that’s not always easy!).

Bad days about resting, relaxing and keeping things stress-free

Bad days are usually about resting, relaxing and keeping things as stress-free as possible. They are not usually about achievement, but I have noticed that even one (very small!) something that gets finished can be a big boast to my mood and even my energy levels.

Generally the things that make me feel better are all about the present moment, not about planning (which can be exhausting) or thinking too much (which at times of very low energy can be depressing!). However planting small seeds (sometimes literally) for the future can also be a boast to both mood and energy levels. I just need to remember to keep things very simple on these bad days, so a small step on a manageable project is far better than starting something ambitious and probably ultimately unachievable.

20 things to help with resting, recuperating and mood-boosting

Here are twenty of my favourite things to do on bad days to help me rest, recuperate and even boast my mood and energy levels at little. They are all things that can be done at home, because on bad days I don’t usually have the energy to go anywhere (I only do one or two of them on any particular bad day and spend a lot of time simply resting!):

1. Listen to a radio play.
2. Watch a favourite film or TV show.
3. Read a favourite comfort read.
4. Finish one (very small!) thing.
5. Bake a cake.
6. Make bread in the breadmaker (the breadmaker option is less effort thank baking a cake and still provides a wonderfully cheering aroma).
7. Eat hot buttered toast.
8. Spend ten minutes on my yoga mat (not necessarily doing any yoga!).
9. Drink tea made in a teapot (preferably made with loose leaves).
10. Make a small drawing. 11.Take a nap.
11. Invite a friend to visit.
12. A ten minute declutter/tidy/throw-away (set a timer and move slowly but deliberately).
13. Twenty minutes on my current Important Work project.
14. A short walk around the garden.
15. Planting/potting on/watering a plant.
16. Make a short list of five or so things I’m grateful for.
17. Knit.
18. Do a jigsaw puzzle.
19. Write 750 words at 750words.com.

What things do you like to do and low energy days?