Tough Days. What can you do?

This might seem odd, but I wanted to tell you what a tough couple of days I’ve had.*

First, Monday, I was just really weak with all the things I try to resist – particular kinds of foods and snacks, checking the news, staying on track with tasks. I was slipping with all of them. (Except for Coke. Still avoided that. And that was pretty good because there’s one in the fridge right now. :-)) Other than that, though, it was a rough day. “High Gravity.” I was simply not able to resist the pulls I was feeling.

And why was that, do you think?

I was tired. It was just so obvious to me, when I looked at it. Just not enough sleep.

Getting sufficient rest is Job One for Focus. Once you pass a certain point of being tired, it’s very hard to stay focused. And maybe impossible.

So that was Monday.

Then, yesterday, I woke up and was just depressed. Heavy. Crabby. Short with the kids. Bothered by everything and interested in nothing. Just a very strong physical and emotional state. SUPER High Gravity. It was overpowering.

But, as any good Focused Graduate would, I was also noticing my state and thinking,  “This is just not acceptable. I have to do something about this.” So I got to work on it. 

I brought my thoughts back to Level Four.** I put my attention on my senses and the present moment. I switched my words from “I’m tired” to “I’m noticing strong feelings of being tired.” I worked on being present with the people I was talking to. And all of that helped. It got a lot better.

But here’s what really fixed it: going for a run.

Which, by the way, was the last thing I wanted to do at the time. :-)

The point is, finding something like that that works for you is a powerful ally in staying focused. It may not be running, but I bet there’s something. And if you can find it – and make yourself use it when you need it – you’ll be able to break free of even the heaviest Gravity days.

So there you go. I thought it might be helpful to hear the sort of struggles I have from time to time. I assume you can relate. :-) And also how, when you slip, if you have the right tools (and use them), you can always pull yourself back. That’s the key to not letting the tough days keep you down.

So, how about you? What sort of High Gravity days do you have? How do you pull yourself back? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear from you.

Thanks!

* Originally posted 10/2/13 ** “Level Four” is a term that comes from the Focused Every Day program. Next class starts Summer, 2014. Click here to learn more.