How to Deal with Days When You Just Don’t Feel Good Enough

I had one of those days when before I even got out of bed, I wasn’t feeling good. Not physically, but more just in my mind feelings of doubt were swirling in my head about my ability to do the things I dream about, to do things with meaning, and with value. Basically, I just wasn’t feeling good enough.

I had another blog post scheduled for today but then it never felt “right” to write about it, especially when this was on my heart. I don’t mean to sound dramatic or anything but I think we all have these days once in a while, so I thought I might share some tips for how to deal with days when you just don’t feel good enough.

Time with God

The first thing I do in the mornings before I start my work is I read my daily devotionals, the Bible, and spend time with my prayer journal. (I have a post coming soon on all the different ones I love & use each day.) I am so grateful I have worked to make this such an essential part of my day because it really does help me instantly put things into perspective. I believe God always gives us what we need, and He knew what I was struggling with this morning. The main message in today’s was “no matter what I do or don’t do, I will always have God’s love and grace.” That’s a pretty comforting thing in my opinion.

Take a Break from Social Media

This is hard for me to do mostly because I feel guilty I’m going to “fall behind” on social media or something since it’s so engrained in my work and my success. But I wholeheartedly believe that you should take days off from social media even if you aren’t having a day like this. But you should especially take a break from social media if you’re having a day like this. The constant highlight reel of everyone’s life makes it seem like everyone else has it all figured out, that no one else has any problems and that you’re the only loser feeling like a, well, loser. And the saying “comparison is the thief of joy” could not be more appropriate in this case. When you’re already feeling down, comparing your current feelings to everyone else’s highlights will only make you feel worse. So if you’re susceptible to that, definitely take the day off social media. If you DO get on, actively seek out accounts that always make you feel good. For me, I love Grace Allen’s account and she always shares great quotes and perspectives.

Unfollow Accounts that Don’t Bring You Joy

This is more of a life rule, but remember you’re under no obligation to follow anything or anyone on Instagram or (insert social platform here) that don’t bring you joy. If they don’t somehow inspire you, bring you value, make you happy or make you laugh, then seriously…BYE. I have unfollowed plenty of accounts that are “fine” but if some of their content starts making me not feel good for one reason or another, well then it’s time to go. Doesn’t mean they’re a bad person, but they just aren’t a good fit for you.

Do Not Create Fears and Insecurities

Speaking of Grace, today she shared this: “Fears and insecurities are unconsciously created by you. If you do not create them, they do not exist.” Amazing right? My mind was kind of blown. It was sort of exactly what I needed to hear too, because not feeling good enough is essentially rooted in fear and insecurity.

Be Around People Who Lift You Up

Either in person, over the phone, or some other means of communication…spend some time with a person that lifts you up. Maybe it’s your mom or your husband or best friend or a sibling…but for me it always helps to just talk to someone who knows you and your heart and loves you no matter what. On days when you aren’t feeling good enough, you need to surround yourself with people who love you unconditionally and pass no judgement on you. You’re already doing that enough yourself. (Also- stop doing that.)

Give Yourself a Break

Know that it’s okay to have days when you’re feeling off. We are all human, and our emotions can be all over the place. Give yourself a break…let yourself feel what you’re feeling but just remember that you’re an amazing person with so much to offer. Get yourself a cookie or a smoothie or something else you love and just treat yourself, because you’re still deserving even on your down days!

Focus on the Amazing Things in Your Life

A lot of times when I’m having issues of any kind, perspective is my answer. It’s all about perspective and ultimately when I’m feeling down or not good enough, I try to put that into perspective. Maybe this isn’t perfect, or that isn’t perfect, but I have so much to be grateful for, and those are the things I like to really focus on.

Move Your Body

Last but not least, move. A sweat session 100% of the time always makes me feel better. But even if it’s not a full on workout, just get some movement in. Take a walk in the fresh air. Let the endorphins work their own magic. I highly recommend it…and generally speaking, the days you least feel like doing it are the days you probably need it the most.

That’s all for now. I’ve tried my best to take all my own advice today and I’m feeling much better. Once the husband gets home from work I’ll be doing more of that “spend time with people who lift you up” thing. If you have any tips, I’d love to hear them or any of your thoughts below.

xo,

Bess