Feeling blah — a term used to describe a general sense of ‘feeling down’ or ‘in a funk,’ unmotivated or emptiness — is a common experience that many individuals encounter at some point in their lives. Often referred to as ‘languishing,’ it’s that feeling when everything seems dull, uninteresting, joyless, or just ‘not quite right’ — but without the deep sadness and hopelessness of depression.
Whether it’s caused by stress in a relationship, monotony at work, emotional distress, or even internal factors like hormones or neurotransmitter imbalances, the blahs can cast a shadow over our daily lives, affecting our energy levels, enthusiasm, and overall well-being.
Understanding and acknowledging these periods of feeling blah can be the first step toward exploring strategies to overcome them and regain a sense of vibrancy and purpose.
What causes the blahs?
Everyone’s journey is unique. But here are some of the more common factors associated with feeling “blah” or a general sense of low mood or lack of motivation:
- Stress: Experiencing high levels of stress can take a toll on your emotional well-being and leave you feeling drained and unmotivated.
- Lack of Sleep: Sleep deprivation or poor quality sleep can negatively impact your mood, energy levels, and overall sense of well-being.
- Lack of Physical Activity: Leading a sedentary lifestyle or not engaging in regular exercise can contribute to feeling lethargic and experiencing a low mood.
- Emotional Distress: Difficult life events, relationship issues, grief, or other emotional challenges can weigh heavily on your mood and leave you feeling blah.
- Monotony and Boredom: Being stuck in a routine without variety or engaging activities can lead to feelings of boredom and a lack of excitement, resulting in a blah mood.
- Nutritional Factors: Poor nutrition, imbalanced diet, or inadequate intake of essential nutrients can impact your mood and energy levels.
- Seasonal Factors: Some individuals experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or a milder form known as the winter blues, which can cause a shift in mood during certain seasons, typically in fall and winter.
- Underlying Mental Health Conditions: Conditions such as depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders can contribute to a persistent feeling of blah. If you suspect you may be dealing with a mental health condition, it’s important to seek professional help.
How do I get rid of the blahs?
Here are some strategies that may help you overcome the blahs:
- Engage in Physical Activity: Exercise releases endorphins, which can boost your mood and energy levels. Find an activity you enjoy, whether it’s going for a walk, practicing yoga, dancing, or any form of exercise that gets your body moving.
- Spend Time in Nature: Going on even brief “awe walks” to appreciate the world’s wonders or closing your eyes and focusing on the calming sounds of birds, the wind, waves or trickling water may help to lower stress and improve mood and outlook. These simple practices can have been found to help rewire our brain and make positive emotions more accessible, leading to a greater sense of well-being.
- Connect with Others: Reach out to friends, family, or loved ones for social support. Engaging in meaningful conversations or spending time with others can lift your spirits and provide a sense of connection.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. Taking time for self-care activities that bring you joy and relaxation can help improve your overall well-being.
- Set Small Goals: Break down tasks or goals into smaller, manageable steps. Accomplishing these smaller tasks can give you a sense of achievement and motivation to keep going.
Starting with small goals and experiencing small wins can also help regain a sense of energy and enthusiasm.
- Seek Novelty and Fun: Explore new activities, hobbies, or interests that pique your curiosity. Trying something new or engaging in activities that bring you joy can help break the monotony and lift your mood.
- Practice Gratitude: Focus on the positive aspects of your life and express gratitude for them. Keeping a gratitude journal or simply taking a moment each day to reflect on things you are grateful for can shift your mindset and improve your outlook.
- Limit Negative Influences: Minimize exposure to negative news, social media, or situations that contribute to your low mood. Surround yourself with positive and uplifting influences.
- Take Small Steps to Moving Forward: Simply taking the smallest of actions can often create enough momentum to generate motivation and improve mood.
- Seek Professional Help if Needed: If the blahs persist or significantly impact your daily life, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for support and guidance. They can provide you with strategies tailored to your specific situation.
Remember, it’s normal to experience ups and downs in mood. Different individuals may have different triggers for feeling blah, and the duration and intensity of the blahs can vary from person to person. It’s important to remember that occasional feelings of blah are usually temporary and can be transient in nature.
However, if the blahs persist for an extended period or significantly impact your ability to function and enjoy life, it may be beneficial to seek support from a healthcare professional or mental health provider to explore underlying causes and develop appropriate coping strategies.
Can chiropractic treatments help me beat the blahs?
While chiropractic adjustments is commonly associated with physical benefits, such as improving joint mobility and reducing pain, it is important to note that chiropractic care is not specifically designed to address or “fix” feelings of blahs or mental health concerns directly.
However, many individuals report experiencing a sense of overall well-being and improved mood after chiropractic adjustments. This may be attributed to the potential impact on the nervous system and the body’s ability to function optimally. By promoting proper alignment and reducing tension in the spine, chiropractic care may indirectly contribute to overall wellness.
If you’re considering chiropractic care and the benefits it may offer you, please contact Dr. Jeffrey Meyers, DC in Omaha, NE. He will be able to offer further guidance, information and assistance.
Rather than treating symptoms, his practice uses a variety of techniques to help patients find their way to optimal health.