Everything Is AWFUL and Iām Not Okay: Questions to Ask Before Giving Up on Yourself
If not, have a glass of water. Dehydration can mimic or increase feelings associated with anxiety and a well hydrated brain functions optimally. Avoid excess caffeine.Ā
Have you eaten in the past three hours?Ā
Donāt be a victim of hanger! Get some foodāsomething with protein, not just simple carbs or high-fat. Nuts, hummus, and veggies are great options to feed your studying brain. Keep healthy snacks within reach to avoid mindlessly chowing down on sweets.Ā
Have you stretched your legs in the past day?Ā
If not, do so right now. If you donāt have the energy or time for a run or a trip to the gym, just walk around the block or building. Even minimal exercise preps the mind for learning so that you can focus better and recall things easier, plus itās good to get a change of scenery.Ā
Have you said something nice to someone in the past day?Ā
Do so, whether online or in person. Make it genuine! We bet your study partner would appreciate a compliment.Ā
Have you moved your body to music in the past day?
If not, jog for the length of a song at your favorite tempo, or just dance around your bedroom for the length of an upbeat song (singing along is a bonus)Ā
Have you cuddled a living being in the past two days?
If not, do so. Donāt be afraid to ask for hugs from friends of friendsā pets. Most of them will enjoy the cuddles too; youāre not imposing.Ā
Have you started or changed any medications in the past couple of weeks, including skipped doses or a change in generic prescription brand?Ā
That may be screwing with your head. Give things a few days, then talk to your doctor if it doesnāt settle down.Ā
If daytime: are you dressed?Ā
If no, put on clean clothes that arenāt PJs. Give yourself permission to wear something special, whether itās a funny t-shirt or a pretty dress.Ā
If nighttime: are you sleepy and fatigued but resisting going to sleep?Ā
Put on PJs, make yourself cozy in bed with a teddy bear and the sound of falling rain, and close your eyes for fifteen minutes while focusing on breathing deeper with every breath- no electronic screens allowed! Adequate sleep is a necessity for stress management.Ā
Do you feel ineffective?Ā
Pause right now and get something small completed, whether itās responding to an email, loading the dishwasher, or tidying up your room. Good job!
Do you feel unattractive?Ā
Take a darn selfie. Your friends will remind you how great you look. You are always insta-worthy.Ā
Do you feel paralyzed by indecision?
Give yourself ten minutes to sit back and figure out a game plan for the day. If a particular decision or problem is still being a roadblock, simply set it aside for now, and pick something else that seems doable. Right now, the important part is to break through that stasis, even if it means doing something trivial.Ā
Have you over-exerted yourself latelyāphysically, emotionally, socially, or intellectually?Ā
That can take a toll that lingers for days. Give yourself a break in that area, whether itās physical rest, taking some time alone, or relaxing with some silly entertainment for a little. Time spent refreshing yourself is never time āwasted!āĀ
Sometimes or perception of life is skewed, and we canāt even tell that weāre not thinking clearly, and thereās no obvious external cause. It happens. Keep yourself going for a full week, whatever it takes, and see if you still feel the same way then.Ā
Youāve made it this far; and you will make it through. You are stronger than you think.
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