How to Keep Working When You're Just Not Feeling It

You know that feeling when you just aren’t feeling it? When you think about work and everything seems to be falling into place, but there’s just a little nagging feeling left over from yesterday’s stressors? You know, like maybe this isn’t going to be a great gig and all of this extra pressure is just making you want to puke? Well, for some of us who struggle with chronic fatigue syndrome (or CFS for short), that’s usually not an issue. Depending on your exact disease, however, keeping working even though the effects have wear off can sometimes feel like a losing battle. Maybe you don’t feel like getting out in the sunlight or maybe working in a cool facility makes your legs feel like jelly. Whatever the case, it's important to keep at it no matter what - even when your day job isn't really happening any more. Because as stressful as it can sometimes be, working is still something we can do and enjoy when we're not constantly worried about whether our patients will love us or not. So here are some ways to keep working even when you can no longer remember how to breathe or when reality sinkes into your bones:

Quit Staying Home When You’re Just Not Feeling It

When you can’t remember how to do anything, everything starts to feel a little bit like a cross between work and a date. You’re probably tone-deaf or simply not in the mood to deal with everything that’s happening in your life. So, when you can’t do anything about it, you opt for that “why not” response and take a day or two off. This is a great way to clear your head and unwind. Plus, if nothing else, it gives you something else to focus on other than what’s happening inside you. You can probably think about how your day is going and how your nightlife is going, and what you want to do with your life. These are all feelings that will wash out over time, but at least you know you’re not in a rut.

Take a Day or Two Off

Most of us feel right stuck in a rut when it comes to our work and our lives, so it’s great to take a day or two off and let your system cleanse a little bit. You can probably find something you enjoy doing or something that will give you something else to focus on other than the inevitable stress you might attract once again. If you’re able to take one day off every couple of months, that’s perfect. Even if you don’t feel like working. Take as long as you need off, and don’t try to work at a desk for longer than you have to. For example, you can take a walk for a few hours every day if you’re comfortable with it and your body feels ok with it. Or you can take a 30-minute walk in the early morning and then take a short flight to the airport, where you can go straight back to work. Whatever works for you, and for your own sanity, you can always take some break somewhere during the day and come back to it again at night.

Put Your Phone away

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to technology and work. It can feel as if you’ve hit a rock and can’t move forward until everything is taken care of. That’s not the case. Just because you have to use your phone now version of Instagram or your email account for work, that doesn’t mean you have to use them for everything. Just put them away, and take advantage of the time off you have, or, if you’re dealing with mental health issues, take a break from social media and things that will help you come back to it quickly. It may be that you need to focus on work or that you need a break from technology. Whatever the case, put your phone away and take some time for yourself. You may have some problems with social media issues or mental health, so take your time and don’t try to force things on yourself.

Make Something Different Every Single Day

We’re meant to do what we love, right? Well, sometimes that means taking a break from our normal routines, something we might not otherwise do. For example, you might take a walk around the block every day, or take a short drive to the store, or take a short vacation. Whatever you need to do today, do it. It’s not too much to ask, is it?

Take a Break Every Once In A While

As much as we miss our jobs, we also crave a bit of downtime. We know we have a lot to do, but sometimes we just need to take a break from it all. If you’re dealing with stress or you just don’t feel like showing up for work every day, take a break every once in a while. There are many ways to do this, and it can be as simple as taking a short walk in the park or taking an ice cold shower. Whatever you need to do, do it. Besides, what's the point of working if you don't spend time with yourself?

Keep Reading: The Bottom Line

In the end, it will come back to you. Just as it does for everyone, you will have to choose to ignore that nagging feeling inside you that you know you need to work, and instead, focus on what you love about your job and what life is doing for you. Once you can’t remember how to breathe or when reality sinkes into your bones, it’s important to remember that you are working hard, and that you deserve to be happy. Remember to put your phone away, take a day off, and relax into your work life. Even when it’s a little bit uncomfortable, it’s still a valuable GIFT, and you won’t be able to forget about it for a while.