10 Things to Do When You Wake Up On The Struggle Bus

We've all been there. We've all had those days when you wake up and before your feet hit the floor your brain, body, and heart are not in tandem. Despite the pep talk you have in your head before you throw the covers back and get out of bed, "Just get up and get moving. Take your shower, have coffee, read your Bible. It's going to be ok!", you just can't get your head in the game. You can't seem to break out of the fog in your head.

What do you do? How do you make it through the day when you can't even focus on the morning?

I am no expert. All of my psychology classes in college do not necessarily qualify me in any way to give anyone proven or professional advice. However, sometimes we just need to talk together about how we navigate these days individually that gives us what we need to just breathe and walk through the day. Also, in no way am I saying that my suggestions are the only way. I get it. Sometimes it's not just a case of the mullygrubs (is this just a midwestern term for the blues, the blahs? Everyone still with me? Great.). So, for what it's worth...

1. Get Up

I know I wrote above that self-talk doesn't always work but you have to try. Go on! Tell yourself to just get up. Throw the covers back with intention, put your feet on the floor and stand up. Then, walk away from the bed. Many days simply getting out of bed and walking out of my room shifts my perspective. Try it.

2. Get out of your pajamas

Seems silly, especially if it's your day off or you woke up earlier than necessary but, put on real clothes. Some days the pj's are comforting and I live in them! And then some days just putting on clothes helps me refocus and I start to believe that I can face the day.

3. Take A Shower or Bath, Or Wash Your Face

Listen. Even if you're a nighttime bather, hop in and let the water wash over you. Maybe just splashing water on your face or brushing your teeth will have the same effect for you. There's just something about the process of literally washing things away that can give you feeling of washing THINGS away. Oh, and while you do, turn on music that speaks a positive message to your soul and mind. Maybe instead of music it's scripture or a podcast or a sermon from a preacher you really enjoy (ahem, Hillsong, Christine Caine, First NLR-Rod Loy, National Community-Mark Batterson, Annie F. Downs, Melissa Radke...you get it). Washing off, or freshening up, is so much more than a physical thing. Refresh your heart and mind, too.

4. Grab a mug

Maybe your morning choice is water, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, milk...whatever it is, grab a cup and have a sip. To make it even better, find your spot. It could be the recliner, the couch, the swing or bench outside...find it and enjoy. Oh! And the perfect mug doesn't hurt, either. I love my "Tuesday. You Ain't Cute." one. I've been known to write a different day on a post-it and cover up Tuesday before.

5. Got kids or a spouse? Hug them!

I know that physical touch isn't everything to everyone but good golly...sometimes a hug is all you need! I have 3 friends who are THE BEST at giving hugs. Liz, Christina and Debbie. None of them live in my town. Christina lives about 20 minutes away, Debbie an hour and Liz lives 4 hours away! I can't tell you how good one of their hugs can make you feel. I think it's a spiritual gift that just isn't mentioned in the Bible. I digress...The point is, find someone who loves you fully and well and that you trust and get a hug.

6. READ YOUR BIBLE

For Pete's Sake! God's Word is THE ultimate in getting through life. Any and every struggle and heartache, joy and celebration is in there. God's word is alive and active and sharper than any double-edged sword and while it is sharp enough to divide bone from marrow it is also sharp enough to cut away the negativity and sorrow and replace it with gladness and joy. Don't have a Bible? Maybe you just can't get into the translation you have? Download the Bible App and pick from one of the many versions available and read. There are also fantastic reading plans that are just through the Bible as a whole or topical. As Shia Labeouf would say, Just do it!

The only reason I like Snapchat is the filters.

7. Smile

Seriously. A simple smile can change it. It's hard to be crabby or moody if you smile. Try it. I dare you. Maybe just something to make you laugh! How about John Crist, Brandon Farris, Kristen Hampton or Tim Hawkins. The point is...find happy. Don't wait for it.

8. Do some self-care

Manicure, pedicure, and those don't have to be done at a salon. Do your own! Go get your hairs cut, see the chiropractor, go for a massage, have a facial, go see a movie, meet up with a friend for lunch or coffee...do something that you don't take the time to do often enough.

9. Go for a walk...or run if you're crazy

I have found that stepping outside of the front door and breathing deep can make a world of difference. Take in the sounds, sights, flowers, trees, sky, sun and then...

10. Say "Thank You"

What if you simply shifted the focus away from how you feel and place it on what you know. You're alive (even if life is hard it's better than the alternative). God has placed you in this place for this time and for a purpose. You've been given an opportunity to experience life through sights, sounds and emotions. Make a list of what you have to be thankful for. Family, friends, a job, a home, clothes, shoes, running water, food, a car or whatever mode of transportation you use...the list could really go on.

You know what? Maybe you just need to write about what to do to help you kick your bad attitude to the side. Speaking hypothetically, of course.

I love you, friends! Don't let the struggle bus take you far today. It's like Joanna says, "Today is a good day for a good day."

Make it happen!