How to 'show up' even when feeling down

​These are difficult times for so many people around the world. COVID-19 continues with a relentless grip on society. How are you supposed to show up each and every day and lead your team when there are days that you want to hit the alarm button and pull the bed sheets over your head? It isn't easy but it's doable. I know from experience.

Just the other week I wasn't feeling like myself. Many of you know, I'm an optimist. I know of the glass half empty view of the world but without thought, I'm the half full kind of woman! Nine months and counting, the pandemic has challenged even my spirit. I woke up on a Monday and was grateful to rise for another day but truthfully, fierce friends, I was not loving the day. It turns out, I didn't love Tuesday or Wednesday either. My challenge was that I still had a calendar full of meetings, a team to lead, and work that needed to be done. Here's how I am able to 'show up' and do so authentically even when my mental health is in need of resuscitation:

1. I prioritize my mental health. Taking care of my mental health is one of my priorities. I exercise regularly, meditate daily, and focus on doing activities that I enjoy. However, the ongoing COVID-19 situation challenges even my best effort. When this occurs, I focus even more on giving my mental health what it needs. I make a point to start my day in nature, to listen or watch something uplifting that interrupts my current thought process, and do my favourite workout at whatever level I am able to output.
   
   
2. I'm transparent. There's still a stigma around mental illness and our feelings so many still feel a need to pretend that they're "okay" even when it may be the furthest thing from the truth. I don't buy into that script. It's one thing to have a moment of struggle and it's another thing to have a difficult day or series of days. On those days, I first tell my husband and then I let my leader and/or team members know. What's the point in hiding it? The beauty in my openness and authenticity is that we've created a culture among us where they are comfortable sharing with me when they're having a difficult moment or day. That level of realness can't be taught, purchased, or demanded by a leader. 
   
   
3. I connect with my support system. A quick, random Facetime or phone chat with my husband, mom or best friend has a way of bringing peace to my soul. It's remarkable the impact of connecting with those that are good for my soul has on me. I cherish those relationships.
   
   
4. I practice gratitude. There are many experts who speak of a gratitude practice and I lean into mine when life is throwing lemons at me. Gratitude has been shown to provide positive emotions, better sleep, compassion and kindness, and stronger immune systems! I take moments to press pause and express what I'm grateful for in my head, aloud, on paper, and to others.
   
   
5. I break big tasks into small steps. There are few things more overwhelming when I'm not feeling my best than having a big item on my to-do list. To prevent the overwhelm which is easier to occur when I'm not on my game, I break them into ridiculously small steps and reward myself with a checkmark each time I complete one. The work gets done and I do it without any adverse impact to my headspace.

​Perhaps you woke up today and feel like I did the other week. Know that it's okay to feel that way. Try some or all of my approaches to help you through the day. Although I am not a counsellor nor should my experience be viewed as giving medical advice, if you find that you're having less good days than bad, feel depressed or need to speak with someone, seek the support of your organization's Employee Assistance Plan or other professional services in your area. If you are having thoughts of self-harm, immediately call 9-1-1.

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Michele@TheLiveFiercelyCoach.com 
www.linkedin.com/in/micheledcameron 
​@thelivefiercelycoach.com