How to Snap Out of a Negative Headspace

How to Snap Out of a Negative Headspace

Coat: Revolve; Jeans: Zara (similar here and here); Hat: Zara (similar here and here); Shoes: Office

If you guys watch my Instagram stories, you’d have seen that yesterday, I fractured my ankle. While I usually try to be a positive person, I’m not going to lie to you, it sucked. I started bawling, right in the middle of the streets of London when it happened. A stranger had to help me up because I legitimately could not move. It wasn’t my finest hour.

As I sat in the Uber on my way to the hospital, blubbering nonsensically on the phone to my mom, every negative thought ran through my mind. The fact that I had pack 2 massive suitcases. That my flight to Budapest was in 2 days. That I had over half a dozen contracts to wrap up. The list was endless. I was having a full-blown panic attack.

In the hospital waiting room, I was a mess. But then, I realized I couldn’t just wallow in my misery and let the circumstances control my mood. So I wiped my tears, got a pack of Oreos, and decided to turn the situation around. And although the world felt like it was crumbling, I managed to snap out of it. I wanted to share with you the things I do when I’m feeling down in hopes that it’ll help you feel more positive the next time you’re having a shitty day:

1. Breathe
Breathe deeply and fully. It has a way of grounding the body and slowing down the mind when it’s going at 10,000 miles a minute!

2. Grab a glass of water (and maybe a snack)
Water has a way of nourishing our bodies to help us think clearer. If you haven’t had anything to eat in a while, your negativity may also be amplified due to hunger. Get something to eat, it’ll clear up some of that brain fog!

3. Prioritize
When something bad happens or you’re in a negative headspace, I think it’s pretty normal to feel overwhelmed and think about a million things at once. It’s a smart idea to prioritize. If you have a journal around, maybe write down your thoughts about what you have to do. Once you make a list, it starts to feel a lot more logical.

4. Smile
It’s really, really hard to smile in a negative situation. Because wtf is there to smile about?! That’s something you do when you’re happy! Yes, we smiling is a result of happiness, but happiness can also be triggered by a smile.

5. Know it could be worse
Let’s be real, the likelihood of this being the worst thing that has ever happened to anyone is pretty low. Put things into prospective and think about how lucky you are. Which brings me to…

6. Gratitude
The situation you’re in might suck, but think of all you have to be grateful for. Write them down or say them out loud if you’re alone. Gratitude is the best way to start feeling positive again.

7. Start moving
…If you can. Go for a walk, go to the gym, go for a workout class, anything that gets your blood flowing. Movement automatically gets endorphins flowing and puts us in a better mood.

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22 Comments

  1. December 1, 2017 / 11:03 am

    How is your ankle doing ? I fractured my toe and it was the worst pain ever and I couldnt walk for 3 weeks, but yes POSITIVITY is key, it also helped me πŸ˜‰ xx

  2. Britta
    December 1, 2017 / 11:56 am

    I am so sorry Sif!!
    Hope your ankle will be better soon!
    Stay positive and everything will be okay!
    Xo
    Britta

  3. December 1, 2017 / 1:18 pm

    Dude, at first, I would freak the hell out too! Just knowing the amount of work contracts I have, I would hate to fall behind. Actually, that is probably one of my major issues at the moment, that I have taken on a lot and am now trying to keep on top of it. Even catching a cold is not helpful. But you are so right, these things happen, could be a LOT worse and I am so so glad to hear it was not worse. I hope you can rest and heal quickly, I hope it isn’t too painful. Will be thinking of you, but good on you for calming yourself and getting through it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help either!
    xx Jenelle
    http://www.inspiringwit.com

  4. December 1, 2017 / 9:11 pm

    Oh no!! Hope you get better soon, Sif! As always your tips are always on point! Side note loooove your coat.

    xo | Cindy Elena
    http://www.boringclothes.com

  5. Jessi Malay
    December 2, 2017 / 6:16 am

    Aw babe!! I hope your ankle gets better..that sounds like a horrible situation! Glad a stranger was able to help you out πŸ™‚ And love that you were able to turn this into a learning experience..thank you for sharing πŸ™‚

    XO, Jessi
    https://www.mywhitet.com/best-sheet-masks-skin-type/

  6. December 2, 2017 / 2:49 pm

    My mom always tells me: whatever happens, it’s always for something good. I am so sorry for what happened to you and I am sure it was extremely stressful to come to think home many plans have just got blown away. But I am also sure that you are alright and will take the best out of this experience.
    Get well soon! :*

    xo Corina
    http://unbouquetdamour.com/dress-for-job-interview/

  7. December 3, 2017 / 12:04 am

    Sorry to hear about your ankle! Hope it will heal in no time, as for your outfit, adore the coat and those booties are gorgeous. Wishing you a great weekend! xx

    Andreea,
    http://couturezilla.com

  8. December 3, 2017 / 6:05 am

    These tips are so amazing and so relevant, it’s hard to get out of the negative space sometimes so learning to get out if it is a vital life skill! Thank you for sharing these tips!

    Your outfit is so stylish–you look GORGEOUS, Siffat! <3

    http://www.SHVETA.com

  9. December 3, 2017 / 10:25 am

    Love this post, so helpful! The moving tip is definitely my favourite, I find getting fresh air/doing some exercise always helps to clear my head. In love with your coat! x

    Georgia Megan

  10. December 3, 2017 / 8:13 pm

    These are some great tips to get out of a funk. I think while the holidays are wonderful and bright, it also tends to have a negative effect on people with winter blues. These tips are so helpful and totally true for anyone who is just down. I like to hit the gym sometimes as it makes me feel better about myself and also listening to holiday music also instantly lifts my mood. xoxo, Christine
    http://dailykongfidence.com/

  11. December 4, 2017 / 6:03 am

    I saw the Budapest videos so I know you made it there and that you’re better now thankfully! Hopefully your ankle fully heals soon!

    -Didier
    http://www.didieryhc.com

  12. December 4, 2017 / 9:59 am

    Smiling helps me a lot too, laughter is so addictive. Usually I go out for a walk, fresh air helps a lot to clear my thoughts. Your jacket is so gorgeous!

    xx Simone
    Little Glittery Box

  13. December 4, 2017 / 10:55 pm

    Such awesome advice for staying in a positive state of mind, I think gratitude journaling works so well! Hope you are feeling better soon too!!
    x Rubi
    Pose & Repeat

  14. December 6, 2017 / 8:10 am

    Oh no. I hope you’re feeling much better. I’m annoyingly prone to rolling my ankle so I can somewhat relate. Getting injured or sick in anyway can really bring you down. You don’t realise how much you take your health for granted. That in itself is something to be incredibly grateful for. Health. BTW this outfit is KILLER! I am loving that jacket. Stunning.

    Sxx
    daringcoco.com

  15. Julia R
    December 6, 2017 / 6:04 pm

    So sorry to hear about your ankle, Siffat. Hope it heals quickly.
    On another note, I love your outfit – that coat is stunning and I love your booties
    Julia x
    http://www.thevelvetrunway.com/

  16. December 11, 2017 / 5:44 am

    It is so easy to go into a downward spiral if you welcome any negative thoughts. These tips are so handy!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

  17. Anny
    December 14, 2017 / 11:16 pm

    Hi Siffat, so sorry to hear about your ankle. Hopefully you must be on the mend now. Loved the article and the tips!! Thank you for sharing and you looked stunning babe! Loved your outfit!!

    • siffat.h91@gmail.com
      Author
      December 15, 2017 / 5:53 am

      Thanks Anny! I’m resting it, so thankfully it’s getting better πŸ™‚ So happy you enjoyed the article!

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