Beating The Blahs
by Laurie Glass
Do you ever just feel blah? You aren’t actually depressed and yet joy eludes you. Perhaps you feel restless or stuck. Maybe you even feel a bit stagnant spiritually. How can you beat the blahs?
For starters, think back to when you started feeling blah. Was there an event that put you on edge in some way and you aren’t passed it yet? If so, take this opportunity to pray and follow God’s lead in resolving the issue. You may even wish to seek some type of counsel about the matter.
Once you’ve addressed the cause, you can take the next step. Or perhaps you can’t think of anything that brought on the blahs, but they’re real to you nonetheless. What can you do? Let’s look at how developing an attitude of gratitude, having a good laugh, giving to others and encouraging others can help you feel better again.
•Developing an attitude of gratitude is a great way to beat the blahs. I Thess. 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Instead of dwelling on what you don’t have, be grateful for what you do have. Try writing down three things every day for which you are grateful. Developing an attitude of gratitude will help you refocus and should give you a lift.
•There’s nothing like having a good laugh to beat the blahs. “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Prov. 17:22 Watch your favorite funny movie or TV show. Call a friend who always seems to make you laugh. You may even want to buy a clean joke book. Make it a point to laugh every day, and you might be surprised at how much better you feel.
•Giving to others can help you beat the blahs. Think of that ministry you intended to donate to, but never got around to it. Or clean out your closets and donate some nice yet no longer used items to a ministry or charity. “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remember the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Act. 20:35 There’s joy in giving to others.
•Encourage others to beat the blahs. Reach out to someone with a kind word or action. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Gal. 6:2 Send a card or give a small gift to someone who’s going through a tough time. Offer to listen, to pray, or to get the person out for a break from current troubles. Offer to babysit, run errands or help with household tasks for someone who’s overwhelmed with circumstances and could use a boost. When you encourage others, you get your mind off yourself.
Developing an attitude of gratitude and making it a point to laugh every day will leave little room for the blahs. Getting your mind off of yourself by giving to and encouraging others should help send the blahs on their way.
What are some things that help you beat the blahs?
