Three Ways to Recharge When You’re Not Feeling Okay
Lately I’ve been saying, “I’m okay,” but honestly, I’m not really okay. With everything going on in the world right now, it’s no surprise that many of you have told me you’re feeling the same way. Somehow, though, we still have to keep putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward.
I've been thinking and researching about how we can do that, how we can keep going without burning out or feeling completely overwhelmed. Here are three ways that have helped me lately, and maybe they’ll help you, too.
1. Unplug
This one might be obvious, but it really does make a difference. I try to take at least one day a week to truly unplug—no phone, no social media, no doomscrolling—and focus on the present moment instead.
Recently, we took a long weekend for a family trip, and I essentially unplugged for three whole days. It was incredible for my mental health, and guess what? The world didn’t end while I was offline.
Family time at the zoo
2. Connect
Once I’ve unplugged, I find that connecting with people helps ground me again. For some of us (myself included), being around a group is energizing. But I also married into a family of introverts, so I get that not everyone feels that way.
You don’t need a crowd, you just need one or two people who help you feel safe, seen, and grounded. This past weekend, I spent time with my husband, our son and his wife, and their toddler. Honestly, there’s nothing quite as rejuvenating as time with a little one, especially when the adult-to-toddler ratio is four to one!
The wonders of nature are all around us, if we only stop to look
3. Get Outside
One of the best ways to connect with others and with yourself is to get out in nature. During our trip to San Diego, we took the baby to the park, the zoo, and the beach, and we got to experience the world through the eyes of an 18-month-old.
When you slow down and really notice things—a crunchy leaf, a beautiful animal, or the magic of pouring sand from one container to another—your whole body starts to relax. It’s like your nervous system remembers how to breathe again.
I know not everyone can drop everything and take a long weekend. But you can unplug for a day. You can spend an afternoon with someone who lifts you up. You can visit a local park and let yourself see the world like it’s brand new.
You’ll feel a shift. Even a small one. And the key? Repeat as necessary.
P.S. Another thing that helps me feel better is creating something. Next weekend, I’m teaching a small group how to combine photo transfers with layered materials in mixed media artwork. You don’t need any special skills, if you can paint a wall and take a photo on your phone, I can walk you through the process.
There’s just one spot left, and we’d love to have you join us. I promise, it’ll be creative, nourishing, and yes, rejuvenating.
