Terrible Day Strategies

Do you know how to reset yourself when you're feeling “off” or are upset after an unpleasant interaction? Using tech language, can you 'click refresh' when you need it? Some days are truly terrible and we need strategies that help us turn around and start again.

So much of our life is recovering from setbacks. Sometimes big, sometimes daunting, other times small or (seemingly) insignificant, we all have moments each day that make us feel disconnected from our best selves. 

Do you know how to pivot from these soured places?

This is one of the hardest tasks I’ve had to engage. I come from a line of long-held grudges, embedded relational tension and generational trauma that sinks its way into the marrow. This has led to oddly finding comfort in feeling pain, because if I’m in pain, maybe I’ll receive care. Is this sometimes true for you, too? Resetting does not come naturally to me. Taking care of myself AND trusting that I will receive care relationally, too, is sometimes my bravest work. Back flopping into my brittleness has been historically easier, especially early in my marriage. 

Can you see the 'cracks' in your behavior as worthy of love and belonging?

Tending directly to the places that are hurting via therapy is often a great choice, though sometimes it's not accessible in the moment. Keeping a short list of things needing emotional care, and then bringing this list to your therapist (or to your journal!), can bring relief. 

Otherwise, start developing a secondary short list to jumpstart healing when you need it fast. What’s on your list? If you don’t have one, here are some possible ideas: 

• Cat naps

• Green tea 

• Physical movement (walks in the elements (rain or shine) or a workout)

• Protein

• Hugs 

• Dancing

• Journaling 

• Electrolyte water

• Saying, "I'm sorry. Can we re-do that moment?"

GTG get a hug and a protein snack!

Hope you find a multitude of ways to refresh in your daily lives.

Be Well,

Tricia

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