YOU

NOT FEELING GREAT??

Sometimes in life we go through moments where we feel we are going down the drain turbo-boost. Lack of sleep, financial worries, problems in relationships, a baby who never seems to sleep or other problems seem to unplug all our energies and send us spiralling into a dark pit. We feel totally overwhelmed, buried in a pit of sadness, seeing no hope at the end of the tunnel. Our pessimistic feelings seem to rule the roost. We may feel we are at the end of the rope.

Hang on. There is hope. People care deeply about you. Your sense of happiness is important to them. Grab the bull by the horns and pull yourself out from the pit. Strengthen your good desires. You are tougher than you think and God will not abandon you. Here are some things to consider.

1. Try to get more sleep. Whether you go to bed much earlier one night a week, or just ½ an hour earlier every night till things blow over, get more sleep. Your body needs it when you are going through stressful times.

2. Make sure you take your vitamins. Pregnancies and stress have depleted your resources and you may need a boost. Talk to the pharmacist to find out what's best for you. I wouldn't go through a day without them.

3. Eat properly as grandma would say. You need good wholesome food to keep your physical gas tank full. Check out a good nutrition book at Chapters and see how you can balance your meals better.

4. Everyday go for a walk or do some sort of exercise, either by yourself, with a family member or a friend. A good cardio workout for just 15 minutes a few times a week, can help you feel much, much better. It will help you have a higher tolerance for the chaos of kids and strengthen your nerves.

5. Make an effort to call, write or email a friend each day. You need the enrichment they can provide. We women all go through emotionally challenging moments. Don't be afraid to confide in another woman. You are not supposed to be superwoman. We need each other. Sometimes just sharing your hairy-scary day helps you to laugh, gain perspective and feel accompanied. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Be concrete. Ask if they can take your kids for a bit, go for a walk or just pray for you. That's what friends are for. They care about you. You need them now. Let them give you a hand.

6. Focus on the positive. Stick a piece of paper on the fridge or wall of your kitchen. Write down everything and anything that goes right in your day—the sun came out and it didn't rain. The kids said good morning. A friend called. Whatever. Start keeping track of all the little good things happening. When you feel you're at rock bottom, read them. Get your kids to add to your list. Help drown out the yuck you are feeling, by the good that is really there.

7. Be proactive and create good memories. Make a big effort to find chunks of time to do things that you enjoy—reading a good book, going out for a great movie, hiking, getting a babysitter, shopping, date with your husband etc. etc. Get a makeover, go to the hairdressers, go out for lunch with a friend. Treat yourself and find ways to up your mood. Start filling your gas tank with smiles, good thoughts, happy moments. It will make a big difference.

8. Keep a schedule. Don't let tough times paralyze all the good you can do for others. Keep yourself moving. Write down things to do, people to visit, responsibilities to be fulfilled. Find ways to make other people happy – writing a letter, sending a card, popping in for a visit, volunteering, making a meal for someone. The list is endless. Focus on brightening people's lives by little good deeds. You'll see that it won't take long and the happiness will flow right back to you.

9. Most importantly pray. When your gas tank is running on near empty and all that you do seems pointless, don't forget how much God loves you. He made you. If he stopped thinking about you, you'd cease to exist. He is thinking of you right now and he has permitted these circumstances for your personal growth. You may not see it now, but one day you will. Go to Him. Tell him how your struggle is going, how much you need his help, his guidance, his strength. Keep at it. You need to let your spiritual muscles grow big time and this is the moment. Prayer will help strengthen your hope and willpower to face the moment with optimism. Learn to let go. Let God. With him, everything is possible.

If you find you are going through a prolonged period of sadness, depression or stress and nothing seems to help, see your doctor. We all pass through challenging moments. You may be facing post-natal depression, hormonal imbalance, burn out or some other malady. This is normal for many women. You are not alone and you need help. The advice you get from the doctor may go a long way to recovery. Take care of yourself. You are an irreplaceable and highly valuable individual. There is no one else like you. So many people would like to see a smile on your face. Don't neglect to do all it takes to put it back on.