Overcoming Desolation

Dixya Poudel

What do you do when you are feeling desolate? Everyone is bound to feel low at some point in life. However, some are more prone to bouts of low moments than others. And it doesn’t help that emotions tend to fluctuate, either when triggered or without any apparent reasons. Especially moments that we feel melancholy and hopeless can weigh heavy on our mental health. Therefore, it can help to rely on certain tried and tested methods to get out of the funk.

First off is listening to music which can be relaxing. Music is universally appealing as it brightens one’s mood with pleasant earworms which one can relate to. Even sad songs can be comforting, which is quite paradoxical but listening to sentimental and sad songs with relatable lyrics makes the listener feel less alone. So next time you are feeling under the weather, tune to your favourite singer. 

Art is also known to be quite helpful to brighten gloomy moments. You don’t have to be Picasso to enjoy art. Just pick up a pencil and start doodling. Or, you can paint with watercolours, gouache or acrylics. There are beginner-friendly tutorials on YouTube that you can practice. Don’t worry about the results, just enjoy the tutorial and get in the flow of the practice. With time, you will find yourself improving on your art. Even if you don’t aim to be a professional artist, you can still enjoy painting or sketching. It is even better to listen to music while doing arts and crafts.

Next, you could journal. Journaling is jotting down one’s thoughts, feelings and emotions on paper. It helps release pent up, repressed feelings. If you find it daunting, just write for a few minutes on your diary regularly. Eventually it will become second nature and you will then intuitively gravitate to journaling to write down little notes, short poems, and recurring thoughts. 

Walking or strolling too can alleviate negative feelings. Walking is a form of exercise and like any exercise it releases feel-good hormones like dopamine. Not only will exercise make you feel better, it will also help you lose and maintain weight and even keep up good health. It is recommended by health experts to walk at least 30 minutes a day. 

Spending time in nature too can be rejuvenating and a respite from low feelings. Nature with its varied colours and hues are a balm to sore eyes. Even the sky with its deep blue or red and golden colours can be soothing. You can take photographs of the views when you are in nature, for example, when you are hiking, sightseeing, or travelling. As such, travelling to new places can be another way to get out of the funk. There is a reason why people love travelling so much. It introduces one to new places, cultures, and people. 

These are some of the methods you can use to brighten your mood and get back to your usual self. But if the feelings of sadness and melancholy persist, it might be necessary to consult a counsellor. In the meantime, it is suggested to keep track of moods and feelings routinely in a journal. Likewise, it is equally important to realise that thoughts and feelings are only transient and they can be overcome.