Struck by Sadness

Let’s face it, no matter the reason (big or small), being sad sucks. At some point, everyone experiences that kind of never-want-to-get-out-of-bed, can’t-stop-crying sadness. And that’s okay, actually, it’s expected. I would be a little worried that you were part robot if that hadn’t happened to you. Maybe it hasn’t happened to you yet, or maybe that’s what your high school years were all about (we were all moody af teenagers, don’t lie). I am not afraid to admit that I have experienced that kind of sadness countless times, and this week I’ve got a case of the puffy eyes. I won’t tell you why I’m sad out of respect for the situation, but I also won’t apologize for the way I feel. I could grin and bare it, and force myself to write an upbeat, happy piece (which was actually really hard when it came to my Revolve post!), or I can be honest with myself and with all of you (which I bet really isn’t that many, sigh). I think that maybe this post comes at a good time in light of the current conversation on mental health. I cannot stress how important it is to take care of yourself mentally and physically, and to make sure you are checking in with yourself periodically to make sure you are okay. So, today, I have a different kind of post. I want to talk about the little ways that you and me, we can help deal with our sadness.

Firstly, it is absolutely okay to cry!

I think that we live in a society that is constantly putting people down for expressing their emotions. Somehow, crying has turned into a sign of weakness rather than just a scientific process that helps rid stress toxins from your body and aids as a sort of painkiller, if you will. And then, if you suppress your emotions too much, you’re crazy, blocked off, and have some sort of issue. It’s a lose, lose situation. So, here’s what I have to say, rid yourself of toxins people! Cry it all out! Get that natural painkiller! But really, it’s okay to be a mess sometimes.

Get in a good, sweaty workout.

I feel that I get the absolute best, ass-kicking workouts when I’m upset. My adrenaline gets pumping, and my body kicks into overdrive. Working out is proven to release endorphins that help relieve stress and tension, and give you an extra boost of happiness. So maybe you’re not exactly the type to workout. It’s okay! At least try to go for a walk around your neighborhood. A nice long walk is just as beneficial.

Eat chocolate.

I am absolutely a chocolate addict, so this is an easy one for me. Those same happy endorphins that are released during a good workout are released when you eat chocolate. On Monday, I ate a big slice of chocolate cake, and while it definitely made me feel a little bit better and put me in a food coma, it also gave me a stomach ache. My advice to you is to have a small slice of cake instead.

Get dressed up.

Well, not like fancy (unless fancy is your thing), but cute! I always feel so much better about life when I look good. Sometimes sadness hinders me from being able to put the effort into looking cute, but when I can push past the tears and put that waterproof mascara on, my day is just a tiny bit better. Same goes with my outfit. The better I look, the better I feel, and the less everyone else can tell that I’m actually a mess on the inside.

Try to get some sleep.

There are two types of people in this world. The sad sleepers, and the sad sleepless. I happen to be a sad sleeper (most of the time), but every once in awhile, I get lost in my thoughts and forget to catch Z’s. If you are a member of the sad sleepless club, I suggest picking up reading as a nighttime hobby, or some Melatonin from your local drugstore. Try to stay away from Nyquil or Zzquil. I had a friend that took so much of it once, he had hallucinations.

Stay busy.

Sadness seems to really creep up on you in the still moments throughout the day. And during those still moments, your thoughts seem to overload you, and then...come the tears (which are okay, but not necessary while you’re with your boss). In order to hide away from those still moments, keep busy. Browse online magazines, or text a friend. Anything is better than nothing at all. The busier you are, the less time you’re spending thinking about what went wrong.

Please don’t self medicate.

This one is really important. Very often when people get sad, they turn to drugs and alcohol, or sometimes worse, as remedies. I am a big proponent of dealing with emotions head-on without any aid, mainly because I’m a chronic drunk crier, but also because it never really works. Yes, it helps you escape for a brief moment, but as soon as you’re sober again, your sadness is still there.

Sorry if you’re now depressed from reading this post...It wasn’t my intention! I just felt the need to share how I was feeling with all of you, and how I cope with my sadness. Trust me, being sad REALLY sucks, but we all go through it, and we all get over it. Hopefully, some of these tips will help you out just a little bit next time you’re sad. On another, less sad note, have a happy hump day everyone!

xoxo,

Zoey Leigh