Social Interaction
Many of us take for granted how important our friends, family and other people are in our lives. What's the point in being human if we're not going to take advantage of our ability to communicate with one another and be there for each other during times of need? It's understandable that people want to isolate when they're feeling down, but the best way to get out of that funk is by socializing with other people. You'll be able to get out of your head and possibly get another point of view on your current situation.
Having a Shoulder to Cry On
Sitting in self-pity or resentment doesn't get us anywhere. We can sit there and think about how people, places or things have wronged us or how it seems as though the universe is against us. All we do when we don't take action is let these emotions take control of us and snowball into a bigger demon. We give our emotions much more power than we know, so it's important that we talk to the people in our lives who understand us and may be able to help.
Sometimes our heads can be our worst enemy, so they'll make us think we're right when we're wrong or have a reason to be sad. Getting another person's perspective on the situation may give you a new point of view. They may say that one thing that allows you to switch your train of thought and realize that you do have a lot to be grateful for and that your current situation isn't nearly as bad as your head is telling you that it is.
Sometimes You Don't Need a Response
The act of venting is cleansing. Discussing your issues with a family member or friend allows you to take away the power of your emotions and your situation because you're putting them out on the table instead of keeping them locked inside. Many of us get upset when our friends or family members don't know what to say when we're feeling down, and sometimes we get even more upset when they say the wrong thing at the wrong time.
We all experience tragic events such as the loss of a loved one, a job or a significant other. Sometimes there are no words that can heal the pain that we're going through, and that's alright, but we mustn't get upset if the people we turn to don't know the magic words to instantly take all of our pain away. Remember to stay grateful that you have people in your life who are willing to just sit there and listen to your troubles when you're having a tough time. The simple action of telling them about your pain is sometimes the best therapy that you need.
Stick with the Winners
When you're turning to your social network of friends and family, you get to make the ultimate decision about who you go to when you're in need of a listening ear. Be sure that you go to those who have a positive outlook on life and are able to empathize with your current situation. They'll be the best ones to lift you up when you're feeling down. If you go to a friend that constantly has a negative outlook on life, they will most likely just feed into your bad situation, that will result in your bad day getting even worse.
The person or people you are going to are of no service to you if they simply tell you that you should be mad or upset with someone you feel has wronged you. Although you may want to feel that you're right in a situation when you're having troubles with another person at work or at home, you need someone that can offer you a different perspective. Someone that can play devil's advocate in the situation may be the best thing for you. These are the types of people who you should keep in your life because they aren't afraid to tell you the truth, but they understand why you're upset in the first place.
Being Selfless and Getting Out of Your Head
When all else fails, try to help others. This may be the last thing you want to do when you're having a rough day, but it can be the most beneficial. Do you want proof? Take a look at the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. For hundreds of years, people thought alcoholics were hopeless and could never recover from their addiction. A man named Bill Wilson discovered that the best way to stay sober was by helping others. He found that by sharing his experience, strength and hope with people when he was having his own problems allowed him to stay sober.
If you're having a rough day, call your friends and ask how they're doing. You may have a friend who is going through a divorce, lost a job or isn't feeling well physically. When you call or text them to ask them how they're doing, they'll be grateful that you showed that you care about their situation. You don't even need to tell them about your difficulties, but you'll find that at the end of the conversation how much better you feel about your day because helping others is an extremely rewarding experience that can be the best medicine when you're feeling low.