31 Days: VENT your feelings
Posted by kathryn in Seasonal Health and Work life integration
Day two of 31 Days to Better Energy is all about getting rid of negative emotions. While lack of sleep and exercise are obvious causes of tiredness, most people underestimate the degree to which negative feelings can sap your spirit. Boredom, sadness, anger, anxiety, frustration and stress take a big toll on your vitality. If you’re feeling these emotions regularly, then it’s draining you of energy and wellbeing.
Today’s task
At the end of today, spend about 10 minutes writing a summary of your day. It doesn’t have to be well written, it doesn’t even have to be in sentences. List the good things that happened today and also the not so good stuff. Then spend a few minutes problem solving. This can seem daunting, but ask yourself the following questions:
- Does the bad stuff seem as important now you’ve written it down?
- Are there ways you could have reacted differently to situations?
- How did the good stuff make you feel?
- What can you do to change your circumstances?
There’s always going to be stuff that happens in our lives which is out of our control. However, while you might not be able to fix every problem, there are often simple things you can do to alleviate some of the stresses in your life. Plus, knowing you have a plan for tackling problems is an achievement in itself and allows you time to relax and calm down from your day.
This post is part of a series I’m writing over August 2007 – 31 Days to Better Energy. For more information, take a look at the introductory post.
02 August, 2007
Comments
I wrote my little journal just now and it took me 15 mins. Basically I had a great day and a very successful cooking class last night although a few small hiccups occurred during the day that could easily have been avoided. Reflecting upon the day I realise I need to try and be organised earlier and not procrastinate leaving “easy” things to do at the last minute. I decided next week I shall have certain aspects of the class completed the day before allowing me to go to class in a less frantic state.
Thanks so much for reporting back Mariana. The daily journal is such a good way of providing perspective on your day. So much of what we do gets lost in the whirlwind and we don’t take time-out to reflect. Starting your class in calmer and more together frame of mind, sounds like a good goal – much better than “frantic”.
Journalling has been an on-and-off feature of my spiritual life for nearly 20 years. In fact it’s probably the most meaningful form of “prayer” that I have. I highly endorse what you’re saying here, Kathryn. It’s a great way to defrag, debrief, de… louse … as well as refocus, refresh, relieve ….
What a great series!
Dear Kathry
From the first time 20(?) 30(?) years ago I picked up John Downe’s ground breaking cook book “Natural Tucker” I have often, if not always (with red wine in the world . . . . . .) had my eye on a reasonably healthy diet. With the late-ish life arrival of two children it did not occur to me I might one day watch my well developed food philos begin to unravel at the edges due to the constant pecking of my little ducklings . . . . . . .your website is a BLESSING for both myself personally (I have become rounder, but sadly, no taller) and the family meals I prepare. Thank you again for the generous, beautiful, clear, informative website.
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