Earlier this month I got some bad news while at work.

It wasn’t bad like, “You suck at your job we’re firing you, Danielle” but it was more like “You’re doing a great job but we have to cut your hours, Danielle.” To be honest, the latter sentence was actually the bad news. The minute I heard the words from my manager my brain accepted the information, transcribed the words, communicated it to my heart, and a frown appeared on my face. Reason being, I like my job and I equally like making money to pay my bills. Seeing that I would spend less time doing something I enjoy and simultaneously not making money is extremely disappointing. To say that affected me strongly last Friday is the truth and exactly what happened. While I thought I could bounce back an hour after my manager talking to me and focus on blogging, that wasn’t the case. Instead, I took it a bit too hard and was bummed much longer than I expected. Knowing my history with depression, I’ve learned a few ways to get through a hard time and stay motivated.

Want to read them? Here they come!

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This one is fun because it requires you to think about what’s bothering you and basically relive it. Please note, when I used the word ‘fun’ that was pure sarcasm. It’s never exciting to have your mind run through an experience you didn’t enjoy the first time, but when it comes to getting back to your normal motivation and work pattern it’s important to do it. When I suggest that you be honest about the situation I’m suggesting that you look at what happened and assess it from start to finish. How will it affect you in the short term and long term? What will you need to do differently as a result? Is there a possibility that this is a blessing in disguise? Can you take the day to reflect and then bounce back tomorrow?

Honestly, whatever your answers are to the previous questions and others that may arise you have to do your best to bounce back. I know: it’s easier said when you’re not in a difficult situation, but you have to try. Once you can look at the situation you’ve been presented with, you can make a realistic plan to get to a better place and move towards your good ol’ mojo that you had before.

This one is going to be just as hard as the previous because it requires that you be open with someone else. You were open with yourself in the last one, now you’re being open with someone else. Here you should find a person whose opinion you value and who speaks to you in a manner you can both receive and accept. In that last part I really want to emphasize that you don’t talk to the person who talks to you negatively or puts you down as a way of motivating you. “Um, that’s cool but very ineffective Thomas.” Instead, grab the friend or family member who you feel comfortable with. Talking about a problem you’re having with another person will give you an outlet for your stress and potential solutions to your situation. Knowing that I can talk to my sister or a few of my friends really helps me get through a hard time. Even more, because they know that I’m a creative they offer ways for me to return to my blogging zone when I find it’s hard to do so. Talking to people that know you allows you to connect and open up to those who can help you through a difficult time, give you relevant suggestions for you to get back to your normal self, and then check in on you when needed. Although it can be hard, it’s great to open up to someone you trust because they’ll be supportive of you the entire time.

Staying in the house is the perfect way to hide under the covers and sulk about the situation. While I’m a fan of sulking, I know it’s not always the best thing to do when work needs to be done. Instead, do your best to get out of the house. Go anywhere and do anything, just get out of the house for a bit. Go to a restaurant, catch a movie, walk around a garden, sit at the mall like an old person, go anywhere that will keep you from staying at home for a while. Doing this will give you the chance to occupy your mind and thoughts with something else and to simply be distracted by all that is around you. At the same time, seeing something other than your 500 thread count sheets is good for your brain. The time away from the place where you normally wallow will allow you to inhale fresh air, open your eyes a tad, and change your thoughts. It’s nothing huge or major, but if you need to get closer to your motivated self this is one small step that can lead to helping you get closer to your regular self.

I never used to be the type of person who actually enjoyed working out. But that was because I was doing cardio, yoga, and lifting weights when honestly I dislike all of those. It wasn’t until I found an exercise that I truly enjoy that I realized what worked for me. When I stepped into my first boxing class and I hit the bag I felt like I could release my frustrations. I could punch, elbow, knee, and kick the boxing bag or my trainer holding mitts. Once I discovered a routine that fit my personality I found a way to let go of whatever I was dealing with. Whether I’m frustrated by bad news from work or family issues, working out allows me (and yeah, you too) to release endorphins and destress. I highly suggest that if you’re struggling with a situation to spend some time doing a working out you like to do. Take a jog around the block, lift weights, go for a swim, or hit a bag. Whatever you choose to do, make sure it’s something you enjoy because it’ll help you relax and get you closer to staying motivated.

Part of the problem when it comes to needing motivation is your brain shuts down and creativity is the last thing on your mind. To jump start your head into action, you have to try your best to do something that will jolt your mind. One way to do that is to do something creative. What counts as creative for me will be completely different for you and the next person, but I believe if you’re a blogger then you already have an idea on what that could be for yourself. Not sure what to do? Then you could draw, write poetry or a song, take photos of something you find inspiring, wander around a museum, listen to music while editing graphics, do anything but make sure you’re doing something. Doing this will help get your mind focused on something other than what’s bothering you, it’ll help you redirect your thoughts to work in a zone you already know, and it’ll eventually inspire you to get back to what you enjoy doing.

If you’re a blogger who is experiencing a hard time in your personal life, being creative is probably the last thing on your mind. Taking photos of your food, writing witty captions, and engaging on social media is no where on your to-do list, but if you’re trying to get back to doing those things there are a few activites that you should do. Looking at your situation, talking to someone, getting out of the house, working out, and doing something creative are just a few options I suggest to help you feel closer to yourself. Sure it’s not a cure for the situation you may now be in, but it will help. Consider these baby steps to getting better and sometimes, baby steps is all you really need.