What to do on days when you feel just done with everything

An exceedingly overwhelming day at work, mid-week exhaustion, a fight with a close one or just those days where nothing seems to be going right. We’ve all had them—the days when you just can’t. So, here’s the thing—Don’t. Even Jaqueline Carlyle from the Bold Type once said, “You need to catch your breath, fall apart and come back.” Here’s a pro tip: Take the day off, spend your time doing the things you’ve been putting off for days, spend your time doing nothing at all—take your pick and don’t feel guilty. Here’s what we would recommend on days when you just need some tender loving care:

Go for a spontaneous road trip

For all those who long drives, your favourite playlist and hot chocolate are as good as therapy, a spontaneous road trip may be just what you need. Amidst the city chaos, office phone calls and a buzzing social calendar, a trip may take ages to plan. If you’re in the mood for all things crazy, impulsive and adventurous, here’s your cue to pack your bags, call up your best friend or even better land at their house and set off on that trip you’ve been planning. Breathe, go with the flow and have a blast! 

Stay in, put on your most comfortable clothes and re-watch your favourite TV show 

For all those in the midst of their eighth rerun of How I Met Your Mother or those who would much rather get into their oversized Disney graphic t-shirt, cosy up in a blanket, and rewatch their favourite TV show, than attend yet another social engagement or party. On days you feel overwhelmed, anxious, stressed or even tired—reruns of familiar shows are the perfect thing to watch. And here’s why: in an article in Time, writer Anna Goldfarb speaks of how re-watching old shows is a form of taking a break from decision-making and can replenish your capacity for self-control. Familiarity often gives the reassurance that a new experience, show or film may not offer. While you’re at it—make the popcorn, order that dessert and satisfy your cravings.

Hug your favourite person 

American author and family therapist, Virginia Satir once said, “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.” On days you don’t feel like yourself or feel low and lonely, go and give the tightest hug to your favourite person, we promise it’ll help. According to scientists, hugging increases the level of oxytocin, also known as the love hormone, in our body and reduces levels of norepinephrine or the stress-inducing hormone. Spend your day cuddling in bed with your partner, squish your furry friend or go give your mother a warm hug! 

Get those endorphins flowing

Sometimes we need an outlet to vent out the frustrations that have been piling up, day after day until we’re on the verge of a breakdown or a full-blown rant. On such days, the best thing to do is to get those endorphins flowing. Put on your favourite workout playlist, get into that cute workout outfit tucked in the back of your closet and go for a run. Take out that dusty racket and head over for a game of tennis or badminton or let go of those inhibitions and join that dance class you’ve been pondering over for months. Working out has several physical and mental benefits including improving blood flow, reducing the risk of disease and reducing stress levels. Go get those feet moving and crunches going! 

Go for a night out

A night out could mean different things to different people: If you’re in the mood to let your hair down and have a wild night, this is your sign. Call up your friends, put on your most stunning outfit, head to your favourite club and dance the night away. For those who aren’t your typical partygoers, take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone. A night out could simply mean driving down to your go-to ice cream parlour and drowning your stresses and sorrows in bucket loads of ice cream or having a much-needed heart-to-heart with your person in your favourite corner of the city. 

Snooze away 

There’s nothing like spending the day sleeping and lazing in bed on your days off or off days. Chances are that if you’re feeling too tired, groggy or angry, you aren’t getting enough or good quality sleep. You must sleep it out—give your mind and body the rest that it needs without being on edge and anxious all the time. We promise it’ll give you all the energy you need to deal with everything that’s on your plate. It will also improve your mental health, efficiency and productivity at work. Sweet dreams!  

Get your dose of some TLC

We’re all up for some good tender loving care, especially on the not-so-good days. Have a cute date night at home with all the works—movies, blankets, fairy lights or put on some good old Louis Armstrong or Frank Sinatra, sip on a bottle of wine and cook yourself a meal to de-stress. You could also set the tone for your evening by lighting some of those stashed scented candles, and pamper yourself with face masks and bath bombs!