Feeling Off? How to Navigate Low Days with Self-Love and Empowerment
- Maria Ball
- Mar 14
- 4 min read

Let’s be real—off days happen. No matter how much inner work we do, no matter how much we grow, there will always be moments when we feel stuck, unmotivated, or just plain low. I’ve had days where I wake up and feel like the weight of the world is pressing down on me. Days when my usual energy, passion, and purpose seem distant, like they belong to someone else.
But here’s what I’ve learned: off days are not setbacks. They are invitations. They invite us to pause, to listen, and to choose how we respond. And that choice? It’s where self-love and empowerment come in.
So, if you’re feeling heavy today, I want you to know—you are not alone. And you don’t have to stay in this space. Let’s talk about how we can navigate these moments with grace, love, and power.
Feeling Off? The Hidden Reasons Behind Low Energy
Off days don’t come out of nowhere. There’s always something underneath the surface. It could be:
Emotional Overload – You’ve been carrying too much without giving yourself space to breathe.
Physical Fatigue – Your body is asking for rest, but your mind is stuck in “go mode.”
Mental Burnout – You’ve been doing, doing, doing… and suddenly, you just can’t.
Hormonal Changes – Yes, this plays a role, and it’s okay to acknowledge it.
External Triggers – A difficult conversation, unexpected news, or even social media comparison can throw off your energy.
Whatever the reason, feeling off doesn’t mean you’re failing. It’s just a sign that something within you needs attention.
When Negative Thoughts Take Over: How to Shift Your Mindset
You wake up feeling heavy, like something is pressing down on your chest. Maybe it’s self-doubt creeping in. Maybe it’s fear telling you that you’re not enough. Maybe it’s shame whispering old stories you thought you had healed from.
I know this feeling all too well. It’s easy to let those thoughts take over, to sink into the spiral. But that’s not who we are.
💡 How to Shift It:
✔ Pause. Take a deep breath. Place your hand on your heart and remind yourself: I am safe. I am loved. I am enough.
✔ Write down three things you’re grateful for—even if it’s just “I got out of bed today.”
✔ Move your body. Even if it’s just stretching for five minutes. Stagnant energy feeds negative thoughts. Movement shifts them.
📌 Go-To Tool: I keep a journal with affirmations and past wins. On off days, I open it and remind myself who I really am.
Lack of Motivation? Here’s How to Regain Your Drive
You have things to do, but every fiber of your being is saying not today. The things you once felt excited about now feel exhausting. You tell yourself you’ll do it later… but later never comes.
I get it. But here’s the truth: motivation is fleeting. We don’t need to feel like doing something to show up for ourselves.
💡 How to Shift It:
✔ Set a 10-minute timer and do one small thing. Sometimes, just starting is enough to create momentum.
✔ Change your environment—step outside, light a candle, play a song that makes you feel alive.
✔ Give yourself permission to rest, but make it intentional—not avoidance. Rest because you choose to, not because you’re running from something.
📌 Go-To Tool: I have a “motivation playlist”—songs that instantly lift my energy. Whenever I feel stuck, I hit play and dance it out.
Feeling Disconnected? Simple Ways to Reconnect with Yourself and Others
You feel distant from yourself, from others, from life. Loneliness creeps in. Maybe you feel like no one understands what you’re going through. Maybe you don’t even want to talk about it.
I’ve been there. I’ve let the silence stretch longer than it should, convincing myself that isolation was easier than vulnerability. But deep down, we all crave connection.
💡 How to Shift It:
✔ Reach out to someone—even if it’s just a simple “Hey, thinking of you.”
✔ Write a letter to your future self. Remind yourself that you’ve gotten through hard days before, and you’ll get through this too.
✔ Do something that makes you feel like you again—whether that’s reading, painting, or simply sitting in nature.
📌 Go-To Tool: I keep a “connection list”—people I can reach out to when I feel disconnected. Even if I don’t always feel like talking, knowing they’re there brings comfort.
Embracing Self-Love & Empowerment: How to Honor Yourself on Tough Days
Self-love is not just about feeling good—it’s about making choices that honor your well-being, even on difficult days. Empowerment means showing up for yourself, even when it’s hard.
✨ Key Reminders for Off Days:
✔ Your emotions are valid, but they don’t define you.
✔ Small actions can shift your mood and energy.
✔ You are allowed to rest, but don’t abandon yourself.
✔ This moment is temporary—you have the power to move forward.
Remember, I believe in you!