Sometimes I have a case of the Monday blues. Not your, “I can’t believe I am at work, how did the weekend go by so fast” Mondays, but the kind where you find yourself sleep deprived, questioning your ability to take care of a home, or wondering if you are what each person in your family needs, let alone friends or those you are reaching out to. I’m talking about those kind of Mondays. As I’m writing this it’s a Monday and the very kind I’m talking about. Being home with baby and letting dull drum thoughts take over is easy and I can find myself in a rattled headspace. I know I’m not the only one. We can all go through times of loneliness, sadness, or simply the blues.

Here is my way to take the blues head on:

• Do something I love. For me, it’s writing, praying, or reading. Even if I only get 20 minutes it makes me come alive. Tapping into passion can so easily turn ho hum headspace into joy.
• Be with someone. I am a firm believer we are meant to do life together. Isolation is dangerous for the soul. Having friends over or packing up the baby to go see a friend can make all the difference.
• Encourage someone. The scripture, “those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed” is so absolutely 100% true. Encouraging a friend, someone you are mentoring, or anyone who pops in your mind is refreshing to your own soul. Building others up is deeply satisfying. I know there is always someone to encourage and we are each born to do it.
• Learn something. According to Strengthsfinder 2.0 I rank high as a “learner’ and it’s true. I very much enjoy learning new concepts, truths, and stories. I feel like I never have two hands free with two kids so I’ve taken to podcasts to be my source of stimulation. While I’m on down on the ground playing with the baby or if I’m doing laundry I try to have a podcast on.
• Listen. Music soothes the soul. German author, Berthold Auerbach says, “music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” My friends Corinne Bailey Rae, Adele, and Ingrid Michaelson fill my kitchen with their sweet hooks and melodies.
• Walk. I love walking my neighborhood. I push the stroller while gripping my favorite travel mug of steaming coffee with heaps of coconut milk. The fresh air bites my cheeks and I do my best to remember I love this life, this crazy hard beautiful life