I had one of those weeks where you just feel totally unproductive, mentally tired and everything seemed unachievable. I feel like I was experiencing premature post-graduate depression and it was sucking all my happiness out like a dementor.
As advised by my partner, I decided to take the days slow and do things I enjoy. So here’s a few activities that I felt were good for my soul.
1. Reading fiction books
Some people say reading fiction books is a waste of time and it’s better to just watch a movie and be done with it. I disagree with that, even though I mostly read non-fiction books. During this time I picked up a fantasy book and I probably haven’t read anything beyond Harry Potter in my life. And that’s exactly what I needed. I didn’t want a reality check by some self-development book, I was already feeling exhausted by trying to keep myself positive. I needed that brief escape from reality, filled with mages and romance.
2. Scrapbooking
Another activity that some people consider a waste of time and paper. What’s the point of that? Oh boy. It’s soul food. Flipping through newspapers and magazines to find something nice, arranging dried flowers and cut-outs is very relaxing. When you’re mentally tired from everything, this activity that doesn’t require any artistic skills or a lot of thinking may put you to ease.
3. Taking walks
This is self-explanatory. It’s pretty chilly outside and sometimes I need to collect all my willpower to put on a few layers of clothes and go for a walk. But it’s totally worth it. Especially if you can take a walk in nature, it heals you from the inside.
4. Journaling
Writing your feelings down may not make you immediately feel better, but it’s not going to make it worse. Laying my thoughts in a notebook helps me get some clarity and understand my feelings better.
5. Making art
Inspiration is lurking everywhere – books, movies, nature, your morning coffee. Even if you think you’re not artsy (it’s a lie), you should try it. Try sketching, watercolor painting, or just doodling in your journal. The sheer joy of creating something will make you feel better. It doesn’t have to perfect and you don’t have to show it to anyone. It’s still art and you’ve made it.
If you feel like you are mentally exhausted and need a small break, try these activities. Or anything really that makes you feel happy. Even it’s binging Disney movies or playing video games. You deserve to have a break. And if it gets too hard don’t forget to reach out for help. There are always people that will understand you and are willing to help.
Great post, I do 3 out of the 5. Making art can include creating content, regular walks and journalling 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾. I apologise to all the trees for the many pieces of paper I write on
Thank you! Definitely!! Art can be literally anything and that’s why it’s so great. Notebook made from recycling paper could be a solution haha
Scrapbooking is fun and so therapeutic! I’m sure none of us have anything from 2020 that can go into one though haha
Totally is! Hahaha true that.That’s when washi tape and all other Instagramy stationary can help hihihi
Reading fiction (particularly crime/thriller novels) and working in coloring books are such soothing activities for me. They have definitely helped me get through the pandemic and all of the chaos.
That’s awesome!!
I know exactly that feeling..I felt this after Blogmas. And I still do just a bit but I have been trying to stay on the good side of things mentally. Sometimes a break and recharging yourself is so necessary.
So true! Rest is a must when you feel overwhelmed. Hope you feel better soon!
I do feel better…thank you🤍
Love all these ideas! I love reading a book to take my mind off reality for an hour or two ❤️
I love that too!
I find scrapbooking so calming. And you’re right, you don’t need to be artistic to do it either. Pre-lockdown I was an avid theatre-goer and one of those people who collected tickets and then just stored them in a box. I could never bear to part with them, but also they were just collecting dust stuffed away in the corner of my wardrobe. But over the past year or so I have taken the time to put them all into a scrapbook. I had tickets dating back to 2013 so it was a huuuuge job, but I had such a fun time doing it. And now I have a nice little scrap book of theatre memories 🙂
Oh my, that sounds so good!! I bet it looks so pretty. Hopefully soon enough you can go back to visiting theatre regularly and fill another scrapbook hihi
I do 2 out of 5 in your list haha as I am not really the creative student even back in high school lol. But I do agree that scrapbooking and doing things that spark creativity is something that keeps you in the moment and drifts you away from your mental frustrations and negative thoughts. I love to walk and watch movies when I feel mentally tired. Haha thanks for sharing these beautiful tips, Toma. 🙂 xx
Thanks a lot for reading! I think watching movies is great too! Especially romantic comedies for me haha
I want to get into scrapbooking again. I used to do it when I was younger but now I’ve stopped. I also use to blog and I’d stopped but now I’m back into it again! So, hopefully I can stay in touch with a few lovely people like yourself! 🙂 I love your blog btw! Talk soon!
Scrapbooking can be really fun!! Glad you’re back to blogging and thank you very much for you kind words! Looking forward to read more of what you post!
Great tips! I read a lot of fiction to escape, and journal regularly, but definitely want to try scrapbooking too. It sounds like such a calming hobby to have 🙂
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
Thanks Anika! It totally is!!
I sometimes I feel a bit drained in the evenings, so I force myself to go for a walk or busy myself. These are brilliant tips for helping if you’re mentally or physically tired, and I love your suggestions x
That’s great! Thanks a lot! ♥️
Reading and walking definitely help me!
I’m glad that it does!
I was gifted a journal at Christmas 2020 and it is one of my new favourite things I love it!
Amber | The Unpredicted Page | https://theunpredictedpage.com
These are amazing tips Toma! I love the idea of journaling and going for a walk. Going for a walk has a way of making me feel so refreshed. Journaling makes me feel better too. I love journaling! It doesn’t completely solve my problems but it does help a lot. Amazing post x!
Thanks Ruth!! So good walks and journaling help you cope!! I totally relate.
That’s awesome! Such a nice gift as well!
Reading is such a good escape. Taking walks while listening to your favourite tunes also works wonders. I also love baking to get my mind off things. 🙂
Totally! I often get frustrated while baking haha but it does help to clear my mind. At least then I’m mad about dough sticking to my fingers and not anything else haha
SAMEEE! It’s like I convert my frustration into whipping or pounding on a dough! 😀
Walking and reading is my number one stress reducer. It’s how I wind down from a long mentally exhausting day.
xo Erica
Amazing ways to wind down!!
Thanks for sharing Toma! I actually am having a tough time today and I took the day off. Great post x
http://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
These are great suggestions! I’m a fan of reading fiction books. It’s a great escape for me and helps my brain disconnect and relax 🙂
You’ve just reminded me that I love scrapbooking, but haven’t added to mine in so long. Getting out for a walk is my fave, it’s amazing to get out in the fresh air and have a break from looking at a screen xx
Hannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/
Walking is definitely one of the best things to do when feeling mentally tired, or when I need a change of scenery. I also just recently fell back in love with bullet journaling and scrapbooking! This is what I do after work; I just feel like time flies so fast when I get lost into something I love doing so much. Thanks for sharing with us, Toma, and have a great rest of your week! 🙂
Anna Jo | http://www.helloannajo.com
Great post! I agree with doing creative activities as I find that really helps me feel a lot better xx
Love all these ideas! Reading and going for a walk are a huge help as well as painting sometimes. Thanks for sharing x
I love nothing more than a freezing cold walk – especially when I’m a bit irritable because I’m tired!
Rosie
Yes! Losing yourself into fantasy books. Amazing! By the way, How are you?
Hi!!! You’re back!!!! I’ve been thinking about you and where you are. 😁 I’m alright! How are you?
I’m good thanks! Was busy with life. Starting a new blog soon 🙂
Lovely post! I do a lot of journaling when I feel mentally tired, I always feel better after writing something 😊.
Journalling, art and reading are some of my favourite hobbies and help me so much when feeling mentally tired ❤ xx
Caroline | https://envirolineblog.com/
Love these ideas on things to do when you’re feeling mentally tired. I am big on journaling. This is one of the common things recommended by therapists! Just getting your thoughts out – why you’re feeling this way and what to do 🙂
Nancy ✨ mdrnminimalists.com
These are all really great suggestions! Personally what helps me the most is art or taking a walk- it’s really relaxing and lets you get out of your head for a little while.
I felt like I really needed this post! Lately I’ve just been feeling so burnt out. I definitely want to try doing some more creative things as well as go for more walks!
Eileen | yesmissy.com
Great ideas! I’ve just been relaxing in the bath while listening to an audiobook.
Great post! I love that you specified to read *fiction* books – these are all activities that help your mind slow down and be quiet for some time, and I find them sooo helpful when I feel overwhelmed! Thanks for sharing 😊
Great tips! I hope that you are feeling less overwhelmed 💕 I definitely know that feeling
Hope you’re feeling better this week!
I like to watch silly comedy shows and play some easy piano pieces when I’m feeling like that!
Corinne x