Let us talk about those days when you know that nothing is wrong, but still you are stuck in a bubble of inertia. Beginning with getting out of bed to taking a shower, everything seems herculean. But, on other days, you might see that you work efficiently and comfortably. What causes this? Some everyday factors like lack of rest and sleep, lack of nutrition, and stress, could cause these days, where you are “burnt out.” However, frequent and intense episodes of this inertia are a cause for concern. Especially when you see no immediate cause like work stress. You might be suffering from hidden depression, anxiety, insomnia, or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. In the latter case, you need the attention of a medical/ mental health professional.

TIPS TO DEAL WITH BAD MENTAL HEALTH DAYS:

Stress or other mental health issues, even when treated, can contribute to bad mental health days (Usually, less frequent and less intense with treatment) However, there are a few tips and tricks that could help you survive this day, though not stop it on its tracks.

ACKNOWLEDGE AND ACCEPT:

Despite the common perception of the society, bad mental health days are not characteristic of a “lazy” person. Lazy people usually do not feel guilty about themselves, they do not push themselves and they often have a “choice.” Everyone, whether lazy or not, can go through a bad day. But there is a difference between laziness and a bad mental health day. Hence, try to acknowledge to yourself that you are not lazy when you have a bad mental health day. (You know this when you see you “want” to do something but “cannot.” on the other hand, if you are lazy, when you “can” do something but “do not want” to.)

Then, come to a state of acceptance: “I am having a bad day and it is okay”

SUSPEND JUDGEMENT:

On a bad mental health day, you need to silence your critical inner voice that berates you for going through difficulty. Instead, listen to the voice that helps you survive and yet do something on a bad day. Positive self-talk is important. Use sentences like:

“I know that it is difficult today. But, I will do what I can do with what I have.”

EXERCISE AND MEDITATE:

Time and again you have read this. But, reiteration is very important here. Sometimes, the calm of the mind that comes from meditation and the stimulation of the body that comes from exercise, help you to work better. On a bad day, it might be difficult to do something intense, hence, exercise every day and on bad days, lighter: say, walk for 10 minutes or do a guided meditation.

WRITE A JOURNAL AND/OR TALK TO A FRIEND:

Sometimes, getting out what is in your mind and trying to understand your troubling thoughts and emotions when you vocalize them or write them, can help you process them efficiently. Talk to someone you trust, or write on a paper what you feel or think. Usually, naming an emotion or writing down a thought and giving it a shape, takes away the control it has over you. Hence, you can analyze them objectively.