So, a few weeks ago I talked about why it’s necessary to take a break. While that is the ideal option when you’re feeling drained or overwhelmed, it’s not always possible. What do you do when you’re having a rough week and you still have to show up to obligations like work or school? Today, I’m going to share a few tips that I’ve found helpful over the past few months. When I’m feeling mentally drained and have to sign in to work, there are a few small adjustments I can make to the day that put me in the right mindset.

Outfit Details: Forever 21 top | Target denim | Steve Madden heels

Get (Over)dressed.

As someone who is very much into personal style and fashion, I firmly believe that a good outfit can help boost your mood. Even when it’s something as glam-free as going to the gym, dressing the part in a matching outfit is a small way to put me in the right mood. I recently shared a fashion haul that focuses on office and weekend pieces that can also comfortably be worn from home.

If you have a remote job or you’re temporarily working from home due to the pandemic like I am, it can be easy to lounge around in PJs or yoga pants. Here’s the thing: Loungewear will put you in a lounge mood. If you’re mentally drained, your mind is likely already in a “checked out” mood. Getting dressed for your day will help shift that mindset so you’re ready to work. I’ve instilled a casual Friday and a no-camera day in my workweek to help alleviate the Zoom fatigue that can often hit with this new lifestyle. The remaining days of the week are spent in full workwear. When I look good, I feel good.

Start the morning with positive affirmations.

Have you ever heard that there’s power in the tongue? When you’re exhausted and can’t find it in you to take care of obligations that you know you can’t get out of, try starting your day with some positive affirmations. This can be as simple as verbally saying you are going to have a good day, or you can delve a bit further and recite a few phrases.

While this doesn’t mean you won’t encounter frustrating moments throughout the day, it does mean your attitude in handling them will be more positive. I’ve mentioned this before, but I strongly recommend keeping affirmation cards at your workspace. My coworker and I use them as a reset when the workday is challenging us more than we’d like, and the deck we have is infused with a bit of humor so we always get a chuckle out of them.

Journal out your thoughts.

Along the same vein of positive affirmations, another way you can show up when you’re mentally drained is simply to release all the thoughts that are causing you to feel so drained. What’s on your mind? What are you feeling? Keep a notebook on your bedside table so you can grab it in the morning and write out how you’re feeling. Sometimes it may not feel appropriate to share your mood with others, and other times you may not have an explanation of why you feel that way. This is when journaling comes in handy.

What tips do you have for showing up when you’re mentally drained?