Is this week over yet?

Ever had one of those weeks? You know, those weeks when Monday ends and you feel like it lasted at least five days? Lately, it feels like this is most weeks. There have been tons of challenges, opportunities, and times I just wanted to say screw it, I'm out.

So, how do you push past that? How do you take that mindset and convert to something more helpful? It's not easy and sometimes it takes time and a change of scenery. But, here's a couple of techniques that have helped me get through these weeks lately.

1. Reframe your mindset

Take a different look at the situation. Let your mind look at it from a different lens. Write down what you are thinking and then everything that has a negative connatation, make it positive. Literally - rewrite it to be positive. It's important to write what you are feeling and thinking down, put it on paper. Then scratch out those negative words and turn it to a positive thought!

For example: I made a huge mistake one day and gave out incorrect information all because I didn't take the time to read and understand what someone was asking me. This happened early one day and it was really affecting my mindset. So, I wrote it down and then I scratched it out and rewrote to say, I had the opportunity to improve my communication skills. More importantly, I needed to slow down, take the time to read and ensure I have an understanding. I now had an opportunity for growth!

2. Walk away

Sometimes, you just have to walk away. Go for a walk, play with your kids, play with your dog, do yoga - literally anything else that will relax your mind and body. Take your mind off the situation!

For example: If your like me and in meetings most of the day, sitting behind a computer, answering emails and all that fun stuff. Sometime it just gets to you. I had one of those days recently. You know, the day where it's late morning and you feel like you've been at it for three days already. I was feeling frustrated, lacking focus and generally unmotivated. I looked at my calendar and saw I had about an hour until my next meeting! I knew I need to walk away before that meeting. I did just that! I blocked my calendar and decided to give the dog a bath. She definitely needed a bath and I needed to do something that was tactical and required not too much thought but would allow me to expend some energy. Giving the dog a bath was in order! And you know what, I came back to that next meeting with a clear head, focused and motivated!

3. When all else fails - take some time off!

That's right, when reframing your mindset and walking away for a bit aren't working as well, It's time to take some time off. Take a vacation, change your scenery, do something you have always wanted to do - even if it's just trying out a new local hiking trail or bike route. Most of all, get out of your own head. Really, do something that requires you to think differently.

For example: I have a particularly busy few weeks. Doesn't feel like I have a minute to myself for a few weeks, even the weekends are busy. I saw this on my calendar, knew it was going to be difficult and decided to schedule a long weekend right in the middle of it to ensure I have a mental break! And sure enough, knowing it is on the calendar is giving me something to work towards and helps me keep a good mindset!

Try these techniques the next time you are feeling like you are on the edge of the cliff. See what happens. Do all you can to improve your situation. You owe it to yourself! Good luck!