*Disclaimer, this post was written two weeks ago*
Every year, around this time of year I will feel the exact same way as the last. Every year, without fail I will feel particularly low about myself for reasons that I can't put my finger on... At first.
I'm not sure if it's just me, but I find this time of the year to be a bit of a Debbie Downer when it comes to, well, EVERYTHING!
The days are darker, the nights are longer and my mood get's down right shittier!
I think we all have these moments, times when our moods just aren't on point.
When nothing we wear, think, see, say or do can shake off this funk. It's all part and parcel of being human and perhaps more specifically being a girl. I believe the media has the biggest role to play in this feeling of uncertainty that washes over us in huge, overbearing waves, perhaps I am included in said "media" to some of you (I do hope not) but sometimes it's really bloody hard to stay on top of your A game, to see through this moment as "just a phase" and to think clearly.
The past month has been a rocky one for me, I've just not felt like myself.
Everything has riled me up and ticked me off whether that be my uninspiring work-in-progress winter wardrobe, my skin, the extra layer of winter fat I seem to have accumulated suddenly or my weather affected dry hair... It's all been peeing me right off. And this, in turn, has effected my productivity levels I seem to believe.
So with a month or so of being a right misery guts, I've picked up some little tips and tricks for escaping the mood of doom and for cheering myself right up in a matter of minutes, tips that I thought I'd share with you lovely lot as PLEASE TELL ME I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE!
DRINKS WITH YOUR BESTIE
First up I'm going to throw out a little disclaimer, these "tips" may seem a little obvious to some, but when you're in the deepest, darkest whole of self pity, sometimes it's easy to forget the kind of things that make us happy
So my number one tip for de-funking your mood is to go and get a good bottle of red wine with your best friend. Find a table tucked away in the corner, crack open the wine and VENT!
Vent, chat, spill and natter your way through the bottle of wine and I can assure you, after just one glass you'll be feeling back to your normal self... And I don't mean drunk. Just getting your mood off your chest to someone who understands will make you feel so much better. Sometimes, there is no point in confiding in your boyfriend about how down your wardrobe is making you... He just doesn't get it. However, your best gal pal does; so drop her a line and book a table in your nearest bar 'cause let me tell you this is one tip you don't want to miss.
THAT NEW SONG
The power of music never ever fails to astound me.
How a song can evoke feelings within you really is something quite extraordinary indeed. There is a song for every single mood the human mind can go through and, although it's easy to throw on an album full of sad, heartbreaking songs to wallow in self pity too (this is my usual approach) this year I found myself opting for the most upbeat and most empowering of songs to quite frankly, kick my bad moods butt with!
This song was by Little Mix of all people, a bunch of girls around my age that are advocates for being weird! Now that already resonates with me. And to some this may seem totally lame but I'm not ashamed to say that these ladies completely inspire me. They're such a great group of role models for young girls and their latest hit "Shout Out To My Ex" is my absolute song of the month!
This song was on repeat for a good two hours when I was at my lowest on the mood scale and boy did it help! It's such an up-beat, empowering, fun and girlie song with the catchiest of chorus' that it's pretty impossible not to smile when you hear it.
Go on, the Spotify link is below, give it a listen and tell me it doesn't make you want to jump around!
A PAMPER NIGHT
No srsly the power of the pamper night is that of a strong one!
I look forward to my pamper night each and every week, sometimes throwing in an extra one throughout the week if neccessary as I feel like a new woman when I come out of the other side.
Taking some time out for you can really help centre yourself and bring you back down to a cool and calm reality. A hot bubble bath, a good book or some YouTube videos resting on the toilet seat is all I need to escape to somewhere else for just 45 mintues. Throw in a hair mask, face mask, a coffee scrub and a bath bomb and I step out of the bath a new, more positive woman than I was before.
There are only few things in life that can fix everything and like that of a milky cup of tea, I believe a solo pamper night is one of them. So find time in your busy schedule to just do you and I promise you will feel as good as new in no time.
Side note: Let me know if you'd like to see my fave pamper products to make a bad day better
WEAR THAT FAILSAFE
I've mentioned countless times about that failsafe combination or piece that makes you feel awesome; in fact I discussed this again only a few weeks ago (read it here) but my goodness the feel-good vibes that a favourite outfit can do is pretty spectacular indeed.
Throw on your favourite get-up or even better go out and treat yourself to a new version of your favourites and that little splurge will have you feeling back on your A-game in no time.
A shopping spree combined with all of the above are what I call my de-funking tactics and I would highly suggest you take them on board for when you're having a down couple of days.
So thats just four rather simple and some may say rather obvious tips for getting out of the dreaded girl mood that hits us like a tonne of bricks for one reason or another.
I know I have a lot to be thankful and greatful for and please, I know that there are people going through some much worse things right now, but I wanted you lot to know that I'm human too. I have down days, week's and sometimes months and as I've just come out the other side, thought I'd share four things that have really helped to combat my mood.
Let me know if you have any mood-changing tips, leave them in the comments below as I would love to hear them... Just incase the girl mood hits me unexpectedly again soon... PLEASE NO!
x M
Hey Megan, really loved reading this! I’m actually lying in bed with the most horrific cold at the mo haha and this has cheered me right up! 🙂
Funnily enough, I’ve actually been doing most of these this month too – nothing beats a warm bath or a catch up with a friend, apart from maybe a good book or maybe the odd bit of baking…it’s such a cosy season so I’ve been doing all the cosy things!
(p.s. the photos are gorgeous and I’d be interested in which pamper products you love as I’m nosy haha!) 🙂 xxx
Love this, I needed it! After moving to NYC from LA, seasons are starting to hit me and I’m a little stuck in a rut. Thanks so much!!
xx Alyssa
VISIONS OF NYC // @alyszsa
Beautifully written Megan. I can totally relate and believe that music really helps during these low times too.
Brave to write about and you look beautiful as ever.
Lexy xx