Feeling Like Crap: Surviving Personal Down Cycles

There are days and sometimes even full weeks or months where you just feel like crap. Low energy. Sad. Maybe even depressed. This is normal when you lose your job, facing economic issues or even socially isolated like many of us were in the cursed 2020 covid lockdowns. 

But what is really strange is when you feel like crap with no real reason for it. I found myself feeling down earlier this year. And there really was no real reason for it. No clear direct cause for it. Business and finances were pretty good. My family situation overall at the time was good too. Directionally, things were good overall. Yes, admittedly we are in a financial downturn and more so here in Silicon Valley. But for the most part, was not directly impacted. 

I’ve realized that it’s normal. And probably expected at some point in our lives. All of us have our own cycles, upcycles and downcycles. Our own sometimes unrealistic expectations cause us to naturally feel bad when we don’t meet them. Or sometimes you just feel like crap for no real reason. Life is not one unending party and newer constant levels of happiness as we see on social media. There is no light without dark. 

When these moments of sadness or low energy happen, it’s okay to wallow. Or even take a short break to get your energy back. Stress on “short break.” Thankfully, I run my own show so I can control my schedule and use my time in whatever way I feel like. 

I take some time off. I go to do my meditation, reviewing my mission statement and Vision board and increase my gratitude practice. I also try to exercise more: weights and cardio. No one ever regrets going to the gym. I know how deeply affected I am by the weather so getting more sun is important, which can be tough in San Francisco. That and getting my sleep in order and taking naps. In these times, I also watch standup comedy or watch some motivational talks from Jocko Willick or David Goggins. 

I find this process absolutely key to my mental recovery. As they say, it’s mind over matter. And in the end, it’s fixing your mindset and morale that allows you to stay in the fight. You just have to last and get through it. Good times eventually follow bad times.