I have many things to be grateful for this holiday season. From becoming newlyweds with the love of my life this past October to celebrating my favorite triage of holidays (Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas), I possess a bounty of current and future blessings that make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I must admit, however, that I have quite a bit of dislikes that drain me. For example, I’m an introvert with PCOS (if you know, you know) working a job in retail, a largely extroverted industry especially this time of year. I’m balancing the immense appreciation of being employed with the physical and mental struggles of the holiday season: one of the many things that can honestly make me feel like garbage. Perhaps you, too, have a mirage of things going on (probably much more significant that being tired from retail) that make you feel like, well, spewing out a grawlix or two. Therefore, here is a list of several things based on energy level that I do (that you can, too) when I feel like “#$%^@&!.”
Clean Your Space (Energy Level: Low- Medium)
This may seem counterintuitive to some, but very few things make me feel better like giving my space a good clean up. Before getting into the why of cleaning, I need to clarify what I mean by “space.”I define space as your immediate physical surroundings, which could be as small as the bed you lay on to as large as your entire apartment. Now, I’m not suggesting to manically clean your entire house from floor-to-ceiling so it looks like no one lives there. On the contrary, I myself had to implore some self-control when taking on cleaning my space because one simple project can turn into a never-ending to-do list of cleaning tasks (which will inevitably increase the “#$%^@&!” feelings). However, a simple making your bed, doing the dishes, wiping the kitchen counters or folding that pile of laundry that’s been sitting there for a week can qualify as cleaning your space. In regards to the “why” of it all, I feel like my environment and the organization thereof is an indirect reflection of my mental state. My immediate surroundings, in short, look like garbo if I feel like garbo. Similar to taking medicine for the common cold, taking some time to organize my surroundings helps me to feel at ease. This isn’t just a feeling, either: the link between improved moods and cleaning your room is scientifically supported. Cleaning your space can lower your stress hormones, give a dopamine boost and improve your quality of sleep (amongst other benefits). If you have the capacity, give a shot at cleaning your living space.
Play a Comfort Game (Energy: Low)
I highly suggest playing a comfort game for those individuals who like gaming, currently have low energy and are dealing with the cooler temperatures. Admittedly, I wouldn’t describe myself as the traditional gamer. I don’t own the newest games or know what are the new gaming trends. However, I have some go-to classic games that, no matter how much time has passed, I inevitably return to from time-to-time. One of these games is Neopets, a browser-based virtual pet game that’s free to join with options to have in-game purchases. If you’re not familiar with Neopets, I unfortunately can’t explain it all here and I’m not sure if an entirely new player will enjoy it. I’ve played this game on-and-off since I was a child and, as a nostalgic millennial with a soft spot for anthropomorphic, fantastical animals, it’s a perfect comfort game to play during the holiday season. Additionally, I will also occasionally return to Animal Crossing New Horizons, Tekken, Pokemon and SMASH Bros. Everyone’s gaming tastes are different. While I can’t recommend a perfect cozy game for your tastes, I’m sure there are plenty of videos suggesting some titles, including this video Un-Cozy Games that Are... Actually Cozy? 🤔 7 Unusual Cozy Game Recommendations. Likewise, it can even be a non-digital game (UNO and Skip-Bo are some of my personal favs). My point being is that games can be a relatively low-energy, cost effective way of turning that “#$%^@&!” funk around.
Exercise (Energy: Medium to High)
Exercise is an activity I struggle with consistency, yet I know it almost guarantees me getting out of a funk. As another average American, there are few things I’d rather not do that get up and move when I’m not feeling my best. I worked late last night, my muscles hurt, it’s too late in the day, there isn’t enough time… I can think of every excuse to refuse to exercise. Despite my reasons to skip a workout (most of which, if I’m being honest with myself, aren’t valid), I can’t refute how wonderful I feel after completing a solid exercise routine. My favorite workout day (and the one I usually return to after a hiatus) is lower-body strength training at the gym, specifically partaking in deadlifts, leg presses and various squats. Not only do I get an ego boost due to my legs being the strongest part of my body, but I relish in the scientifically-backed serotonin rush after working my body. With this being said, a workout doesn’t have to be a session at your local gym. I primarily alternated between strength training workouts (with much lighter weight) and Just Dance cardio sessions as my workout routine for a good decade of my life. Was it difficult? Not all the time. However, it was fun and got my body moving. Find a way your body can move best, dedicate at least 30 minutes of your day and exercise!
Take a Nap/ Just Rest (Energy:Low)
It may seem like a common, easy task, but many of us struggle to rest. While I can’t speak for the rest of the world, I can speak as a millennial American woman exposed to corporate culture idealization: there seems to be an underlying cultural pressure to constantly be doing something. This evidence is anecdotal, however, many people in my circle relate to this exact feeling. Combined with the guilt of not being enough and the need to prioritize everything, it’s no wonder we can experience hesitation to rest. I’m all for giving yourself a good push, just “doing the thing,” and working towards your goals. However, we are human beings, not machines. We’re not LLMs pushing out on-demand paragraphs of explanations derived from one question, yet we live in a culture that arguably wants us to be these exact things. We are living, breathing organisms that possess a finite level of energy, and, sometimes, the answer to replenish that energy is rest. I’m using the word “rest” in this context as “inactivity,” meaning that the only goal is to replenish our physical, mental and/or emotional state. Personally, I love a good nap, but you don’t need to be asleep to rest. If you’ve ever struggled with the concept of resting, I hope this is at least a nudge for you to consider taking a resting period.
I don’t have the magical cure for the “#$%^@&!” feeling, however, I hope these suggested solutions can be of help. Whether you decide to clean your room, play a cozy game, exercise or simply rest, the important thing is that you are doing what is best for you. I think all of us could benefit from giving ourselves a little grace, particularly as this season tends to demand so much. Always remember you’re allowed to have a “#$%^@&!” day without having a “#$%^@&!” life.
