You guys, I had a really tough day yesterday. My boyfriend called to talk to me halfway through the day, and I literally burst into tears.

Between the constant talk of COVID cases rising in Canada, to the very poorly planned vaccine roll out, any glimmer of hope that I had of returning to a somewhat normal life by the end of 2021, has slowly been ripping through my grasp.

Now, you have to understand, I am the queen of positivity, I never have a lack of it. So for me to suddenly be crying to the screen of a facetime call with my boyfriend, shocked both me and him (…sorry again Mike, but thank’s for listening as I snottily rambled about how I miss living).

I know this isn’t the first or the last time I’ll be upset over the state of our world that seems to be staying long overdue it’s welcome, so I wanted to share with you 6 things I do to combat negative emotions, to hopefully help at least one of you.

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WRITE IT DOWN

I journal every day. Every single morning without fail, I will list 3 things I am grateful for, and what my goal of the day is. Every single day. It takes less then 5 mins, and it really get’s my mindset in the right space to tackle the day. I have found that especially over the last year of living in this pandemic, this has really really helped my mental health.

I also find that I turn to journaling when I need to make sense of my thoughts, when I don’t understand what I am feeling. It’s never full sentences, it’s normally like jot notes of things in my head but I always leave feeling lighter.

WORKOUT

I shocked myself with this one! I have only really gotten into working out over the last year. For anyone who is hesitant on working out, or can’t seem to find the time – do it, and make time. I used to have really bad anxiety, and my anxiety still comes and goes from time to time, the one thing that seems to always ease it is moving my body. Wether it’s a 20 min pilates class or a 30 min HITT workout, it’s so mentally stimulating to workout.

If anyone is not sure how to get started when it comes to working out, I suggest start with some of the videos I mentioned in my quarantine workout routine

GO OUTSIDE

Another thing I am super embarrassed to even admit to – I never really used to spend time outside before this pandemic. I was always “too busy” always working or hanging out with friends. I never really walked outside unless I was walking to and from the train station for work. Yesterday when I was feeling super low the first thing I knew I needed to do was go outside, and go for a run. There is truly nothing that can compare to you running with a good song playing on your headphones.

Running for me is one of the least stressful things. Sure I want to get faster, stronger and build my endurance but I never put pressure on myself to accomplish all of that right away. I like the idea of slowly working towards something.

TAKE IT EASY

Now, I am aware at how silly this might sound. Of course you want to take it easy when you’re upset, sad, angry or just anxious – but take it from me there’s so many people who do the exact opposite. I love to throw myself into work, I love to continue to busy myself with tasks so I don’t have to face my issues head on. That’s not a good thing. It’s not a good thing to continue to run from things that are hurting you.

My advice, take it easy, have a bath have copious amounts of Nutella on a spoon, put that phone away and just be.

It’s not as easy as it sounds.

RELEASE IT BABY

You’re probably wondering, “release what Xandria, a fart? BURP?” (or maybe you’re not) No my friend, release those emotions. We hold on to so many emotions that truly do not serve us over the course of our lives. Childhood trauma, Teenage Trauma, Adult Trauma, Workplace Trauma, etc. even a situation that happened to you that you might think is “something small” like someone calling you ugly in the 3rd grade. Those things, those words leave a lasting impact on us whether we know it or not.

When you cry, let yourself cry.

BREATH, SERIOUSLY. JUST BREATH.

Honestly sometimes taking a deep breath is all you really need to do. Breathing deep is something I do when I start to get worked up or my brain starts to spiral. 3 deep, controlled breaths. I always start with 3 and if I need to do more, I will.

Deep breaths are honestly the difference between gaining and losing control.

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I wanted to remind you that it’s okay to not be okay sometimes, I need this reminder all the time. I forget that it’s okay to not always have it together and it’s okay to cry on facetime once in a while.

The world is not normal. We’ve never been to a place like this before.

Be kind with yourselves.

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