Anyone who never feels blue needs to get in touch with reality.
You feel blue when:
- Responsibilities weigh on you. This type of sadness often reflects loneliness.
- You poured yourself into a project and succeeded. Mountain top experiences may be followed by valleys. Add guilt if you feel blue after winning.
- The “shoe drop” syndrome sets in. This happens when you live with nagging fear that something bad is going to happen.
- Overdoing it. Drinking and eating too much feels fun during and yucky after.
- Nagging problems feel like anchors. Working without making progress drains energy.
- Your inner critic goes on a rampage.
- “Spinning wheels” describe your current situation.
5 ways to cheer up when you feel blue:
#1. Lift up your head and throw back your shoulders.
Eight years ago I noticed that I look at the ground when I think. Apparently, thinking causes poor posture. The simple act of lifting my head changed my attitude.
Good posture feels better than face dragging.
#2. Take a few deep breaths.
I hesitate to make such simple suggestions. But if you’re blue, simple is all you can do. I’ve read research that suggests this really helps. It’s not the solution. It’s a help.
#3. Wrestle the bear.
Begin a tough conversation you’ve been putting off. Notice the word “begin”. A beginning lifts your spirits. Reject the idea that one conversation will completely solve a nagging issue.
Agree on the outcome you’d like to achieve and take a step to get there.
#4. Aim lower.
Settle for progress.
Solutions may be distant dreams. Progress IS the solution – at least for today.
#5. Ask a respected colleague if they ever feel blue.
When I’m blue, I enjoy hearing others talk about being blue.
How might leaders cheer up when they’re blue?