I had another post planned for today, but after watching a few of my favorite vloggers tackle this topic, I decided to switch things up a bit.
Don’t worry, I’m not talking how to look better in terms of style, fashion or beauty (it’d be a really odd day on Earth if I attempted to tackle these topics). Today, I’m talking in terms of your outlook. How you can view the world, yourself and your blog better.This is probably a good time to take a moment and talk about why February was so tough that I had to take a month off from blogging.
Since this month is still so fresh and new, and these 49 degree temps are begging Spring to make an appearance, it seems like a good time to dig into this.
I’m going to keep it upfront and honest –during the entire month of February, I didn’t want to do anything. Not. A. Thing. If it required more than pressing play on the next Netflix episode, I really wasn’t that into it. Perhaps it was the freezing cold temps or gloomy winter weather that kept me down, but the more the month progressed the less I wanted to do.
When I did push myself to get things done, I never felt present in what I was doing. Everything seemed like to took all of the (little) energy that I had, and being around people expedited that process even more.
I’m a strong believer in doing the work and making things happen. Graduation is months away, the job search is pretty real, and I have so many things that I want to do with this space and beyond that the thoughts in my head and the work needing to be done all collided in my brain and made me shut down. I needed a break from it all to sort through my thoughts. To breakdown what I should do, what I want to do and separate that from the things I just think I should be doing…because everyone else is/tells me to.
Maybe it’s because it’s the shortest month, but February was more of a bridge to March than anything else for me. We spend so much time sprinting into a new year that by the time we finish the first leg of the race we’re out of breath and too tired to push on the other 11 months.
When I say I got nothing done last month, I truly mean nothing. At least nothing physical or tangible. But the mental break gave me time to recharge and refocus. And as a result of this, I’m seeing things –especially the work that needs to be done, in a completely different light. Things are looking better.
How to Look Better after a month of looking bad
1. Watch what you put into your body. This includes food, but definitely isn’t limited to what you eat. While laying in bed with my phone and iPad all day was nice, it wasn’t good for my body which translated to being bad for almost everything else. I wasn’t moving, which then meant I wasn’t cooking or exploring or reading. Put down the chips and guac, ease up on the binge watching of (insert show here) and make yourself a nice meal instead.
2. Keep your circle rich. Who you hang with matters. This is nothing new. When I was stuck in my funk I didn’t really make much effort to be around my friends (who are great). Be upfront with the people around you about what you’re working towards or going through, and make sure they’re the type of folk who will help pull you up. Don’t be afraid to reject new relationships or friendships that won’t benefit you, or let go of people who only hold you back.
3. Learn something new every day. Reading is truly the easiest way to keep your mind fresh and learning every day. I recently shared my reading list for the year, but you don’t have to stick to books. Listen to a motivational podcast (I’m really into Being Boss right now), or create a playlist of empowering songs to keep you pushing and thinking.
4. Get moving. Even if I don’t get to a few things on my list, if I manage to work out I feel super accomplished at the end of the day. What can I say, endorphins make you happy… But seriously, even a 15 minute workout in the morning or before you end the day will up your energy and help you take on the day.
5. Confront your fears. I’ll wrap this up with a quote by Maya Angelou: “What is a fear of living? It’s being preeminently afraid of dying. It is not doing what you came here to do, out of timidity and spinelessness. The antidote is to take full responsibility for yourself – for the time you take up and the space you occupy. If you don’t know what you’re here to do, then just do some good.”
Focus on the good, surround yourself with good people, and give yourself time, space and rest to grow. That, my friends, is how to look better.
Now that’s what I call an inspiring post.
Glad you’re feeling more productive and more yourself now, as March takes it’s stride. This has given me a merry little kick up the backside too : ) Much thanks!
Gemma
http://www.fadedwindmills.com
I very much enjoyed reading this thoughtful post. I know that for me, January – March is the toughest time of year, and my energy levels can seriously drop during these months. I think all you points on getting a better outlook are so true. Sometimes too, we just need to take a step away from things in order to come back to projects with a fresh view. xxx
Love this Amber!
Amber I was totally there in February too. But I believe you will accomplish a lot because of February even if you didn’t physically accomplish it in February—like putting together this post that I’m sure resonates so strongly with more than just me! xx
—Rebecca
wanderdust.co
Fantastic post Amber, and this totally hits close to home! I, too, had a hard time doing anything in February, and everything I forced myself to do felt just that – forced. Your tips and advice here are really fantastic and a much needed reminder of how important it is to give ourselves breaks, but also to take care of ourselves.
Thank you!
Such a great things of meaningful things to get anyone out of a rut and moving in the right direction. I appreciate that each item you’ve listed is relatively easy to accomplish, I know when I’m overwhelmed or stressed out everything feels more difficult than it truly is, so the idea of small, somewhat easy tasks to get back on track really speaks to me. Sorry to hear that February was a wash for you, I’ve been there myself at times – here’s to a fantastic March! 🙂
These are truly lovely words. I think what’s important too is to not give ourselves a hard time for wanting to do nothing. We’re all allowed that time when we just want to binge watch TV shows and eat great food and I think that’s necessary too. But like you say, just because you’re not doing physical things doesn’t mean your mind isn’t refreshing itself. Sometimes we need to take a step from things in order to grow.
Holly | http://abranchofholly.blogspot.co.u
I love this post, it really resonates with my own personal outlook. I go through similar times too, where I just don’t want to do anything. Last week, for example, after a long while of being the most productive and organised I’ve ever been, my brain & body just went ‘okay, rest time’. It’s given me unexpected time to think and re-prioritise which has been nice!
This list is perfect. I feel all the suggestions put me in the mood for challenging myself creatively. I hope your March is shaping up to be a fruitful time.
*refrains from shouty caps* I love Shameless Maya! She really is my inspiration to help 2015 be better.
This post is so awesome and something I really need to read. I’m taking a break from social media (other than blog post that are posted via Buffer) to help everything come together better (*fingers crossed*). I’ll also be taking some advice from here too 🙂
This was a really great post. I appreciate when bloggers can let their readers in so they can witness the struggle that is life sometimes. When I find myself in moods like that, I feel like it’s best to step away and not force anything. Your work is an extension of you and sometimes the flow stops– I’ve realized that that’s ok. As long as you don’t give up, which you clearly haven’t. I hope your March is extra sunny 🙂
xo
Mel @ http://www.MAREVOLI.com
This post came at the exact right time for me – starting to feel overwhelmed with everything I’m expected to do. You’ve reminded me to take a moment and remember what I need to do for myself. We all need some time to recharge and refocus! Thanks so much for your lovely post x
Sabine | ohgolden.com