Feeling SHIT? Here’s what you did…

“I’m sleepy”

“I’m hungry”

These were the only two responses I had whenever someone asked me how I was doing. The other response was “I’m sleepy and I’m hungry“.

But as of today, there are two more feelings added to the repertoire of responses.

One being, “I’m effin sore“. And the other, “I’m depressed af“.

So, it’s time for my advertisement cue. Clears throat *ehem ehem*

Are you feeling Sleepy?
Are you feeling Hungry?
Are you feeling Irritated?
Are you feeling Tired?

What you are feeling is SHIT!

*Pats myself on the back for such a funny acronym*

So, how did we get here in the first place?

Every action comes with a reaction. 
Everything has a reason. 

What will you choose?
When all you do is lose?

Nothing. Doing nothing will not get you out of your current sorry condition. Yet, everyone does nothing even when things aren’t right! Disturbing the state of affairs leads to extremely unpleasant emotions which makes the change not worth going through. The ROI on doing something is less in the short term but is infinitely worth it in the long run!

Since not everyone *looks at myself* likes to change, at least noticing the conditions for getting into the SHIThole is a great starting point. And you get the optimal changes for free~ Lucky you!

Feeling Sleepy?

  1. You probably are lacking sleep. Go use the sleep, you need it.
  2. You probably worked out/moved too much. Physical exertion can make the body need more rest. Duh. Go use the sleep. But also, make sure to check other points, you could be dehydrated and stressed as well.
  3. Used your brain too much? Taking a relazy break might just cut it. Sleep if it’s not too late in the evening. Or just crash early.
  4. You’ve been sedentary? It might just be boredom. Move!
  5. Cooped up in your room all day? I see you! Get out! Sit in the sun(shade, k?)! Now!
  6. Stressed? Can’t fall asleep? Don’t count sheep. Do something simple and boring. Like philosophy 😉

Me get sleepy mostly when I actually need it or I’m bored…

Feeling Hungry?

  • It’s been an awful long time since you’ve eaten. Drink water (since you probably are dehydrated as well) and then go eat if still hungry.
  • You are just dehydrated. Read #1.
  • You ate 10 minutes ago. Stressed? Tired? Bored? SomeRandomStrongEmotion? You are craving food, you glutton. Drink as much water as you can. Move. Physical Time Out if needed.
  • Fed and hydrated, yet hungry? It’s not enough. Read #1
  • Stomach growling but not really hungry? It’s just an alarm. Can sometimes happen after working out. Drink water, eat if you want to, or just ride it out.

Personally, I’ve realised I don’t drink enough water even though I think I did. I definitely need to remember this, especially when I’m fasting.

Feeling Irritated? The new kid on the block.

  1. Check out everything from the previous two sections (Sleepy and Hungry). Sometimes, mental issues are physiological and physical cues.
  2. Meditate, breathe and relax your body. Get more sleep. More or MoreMore based on how irritated you are.
  3. Talk to people or journal. Venting is the best way to get it out!
  4. You’ve worked on a supra-human level. Chill for the day. Do something fun.
  5. You’ve worked out on a supra-human level. Chill for the next few days until the feeling goes away. Do simpler movement-based activities like walking, dancing or stretching. No need to sit inside all day.
  6. You’re either upsetti spaghetti or stressed depressed lemon zest. All the above steps if you can. Actively relaxing your brain and body otherwise.
  7. You ate something you shouldn’t. *Looks at the heaps of food and desserts*. No wonder you’re irritated! Stop being a glutton! Go back to the “Feeling hungry” section and correct yourself.

I tend to work(out) too much without a break and end up eating too much and end up with twice the irritation than if I’d just taken a timeout.

Feeling Tired? When are you not tired?

  • Check out all the above. Physical issues can be physiological cues and mental issues manifesting physically.
  • You’re tired from working out for the first time in forever. Take it slow!
  • You went hard at the gym. Recovery takes time, but you can release it faster so you can recover faster. Foam roll, stretch, walk, physical relaxation.
  • Stressed? Stressed and working out hard? Stress can make your recovery slow down. Go back to the previous section on “Irritated”.

This has always been a side effect rather than an isolated issue. Getting stressed and bad self-care = exhaustion.