Things You'll Need:
- A desire to bounce back from a negative space.
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Step 1
Understand the Negative SpaceUnderstand and accept the negative space. We cannot always explain why we are in a not so positive state of mind. Most common causes can be stress, feeling unappreciated, being over-worked and sometimes just old fashioned fatigue! Know that it is OKAY to have negative days - that some days we are the pigeon, and other days, the statue!
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Step 2
Communicate FeelingsAfter you have accepted the negative space, communicate it with others such as your spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, parents, children, friends etc. By communicating with those closest to you, it will often do one of two things - they will want to help and will listen, or they will just stay out of your way until the mood passes!
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Step 3
Step Away!Step AWAY from what is giving you negative feelings. Is it the house/yard work (laundry, dishes, making beds, pulling weeds, mowing lawn)? Or perhaps it is your partner/spouse/significant other or the kids? Is it work or the office? Once you have an idea of what is either the cause or adding to the negative feelings, STEP AWAY! Leave the house and walk the family pet. Leave the office and the computer, or hire a sitter to watch the kids.
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Step 4
Take the Day Off!IT IS OKAY TO TAKE A DAY OFF!!! And it is even better if you take a day off from the office to NOT stay home and do housework! If you take a mental health day, schedule something fun - whether it be a day of golf, a day at the spa, or even window shopping. Days off should be fun, not a day off to do all of the chores you couldn't get done any other time.
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Step 5
Trade Kids' Games w/SpouseTaking the day off with kids - I believe, that as parents (although I am NOT one), you may often feel that even missing ONE of the kids games (baseball, soccer, tennis, swim meet, etc.) is bad parenting - or that you're failing the kids in some way. You are STILL allowed a day off. If you have a spouse or significant other, trade various weekend or afternoon/evening games. It gives both parents an opportunity to have some time to themselves and makes the kids feel like both parents are involved with their extra-curricular activities.
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Step 6
Change Negative to PositiveTry to turn negative energy into positive energy. Go for a walk or run, take the family pet to a pet park, coordinate a physical activity with family or friends, take a picnic lunch and a good book to the beach, or maybe even escape to your local library and read the newspaper undisturbed!
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Step 7
Call A FriendFind a friend from outside the situation and ask them to coffee (meal, whatever) and confide in them. You might want to warn them first and say that you really need to spend some time away and share what is going on in your world so they have an opportunity to prepare for a potential onslaught! But most of our friends are there to listen and not judge us.
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Step 8
RELAX!I think that you'll find by simply removing yourself from the situation for a day (or even two if you have to) will assist you in regaining your focus and drive you back to doing what you need with new life. Although this is not rocket science to anyone, sometimes we just need to remember it is OKAY TO RELAX!!!
Comments
klnygaard said
on 11/20/2008 great info--i actually needed a focus toward positive and motivation today--thanks
RENorton said
on 9/30/2008 Excellent article. A very well-written and informative piece. Thanks for the helpful tips!
cookvegan said
on 7/18/2008 Thanks for this article, focusing on the positive little things in life and maintaining a calm manner makes for a much happier you.
savemoneycenter said
on 7/1/2008 Guilty! I am always looking for the next thing that needs to be done. We all need to step back as you said and take a realistic look at free time and how we spend it. Great article.
iKickback said
on 6/25/2008 perfect timing! Thank you for your article.