Writing · Wisdom and life
Battling the Blahs
By Richard K. Marshall · Originally published
Some days everything feels slightly off, like your favorite song playing at the wrong speed.
That's the blahs.
It's not depression. It's not happiness either. It's the emotional version of a grey, overcast day where nothing sparkles.
I get them too
I've had my share of blah days. Sometimes it's the crash after a high-energy week. Sometimes it's just a reminder to slow down.
Recognizing the blahs is half the battle.
The other half is shaking them off, or at least living with them until they leave.
Five ways to shake them
Move. When I feel the blahs creeping in, I move. It doesn't have to be a marathon. A walk around the block can shift your energy. Think of it as a reboot.
Make something. Write, doodle, play an instrument. Creativity is a splash of color on a grey canvas. It doesn't have to be good. It just has to be.
Get outside. Nature puts things in perspective. Even sitting in a park reminds you you're part of something bigger.
Keep your routine. When the blahs hit, routine is a life raft. Stick to your morning ritual, even if it's just making the bed. Small wins count.
Reach out. Sometimes the blahs are loneliness in disguise. Call a friend. Talk to a colleague. You're not the only one who feels this way.
The blahs can teach you
Here's a different way to see it. A blah day can be a gentle nudge: maybe slow down, or maybe it's time to try something new.
They're not always the enemy. Sometimes they're a guide.
Try one today
If you're feeling the blahs today, don't fight them with frustration. Pick one of these and do it.
Even on the greyest day, there's sky above the clouds.
— Richard K. Marshall Lexington, Kentucky
Originally published on X: https://x.com/RichMarshall/status/1831334229138964703 · . Refreshed .