Navigating the Lows And the Emotional Ebb and Flow of Marketing.
In today’s professional world, we’re expected to “show up” with unwavering enthusiasm and creativity, even when our inner world feels far from vibrant.
Marketing, in particular, demands both technical agility and emotional charisma. Yet, our emotional lives naturally ebb and flow.
If there’s a firm expectation for spotless/sparkling energy and perfect authenticity every morning, the result for some of us can be burnout, disconnection and a rendezvous with those inevitable lows.
Emotional fluctuations are part of being human and sure, some people can mask them very well. Others, like me, find that keeping the ‘happy and positive’ gauge in the green zone can at times require a huge amount of effort. I’ve often felt that pretending I’m ok drains me a lot more than simply admitting I’m not and working the ‘fix me process’ from there.
Personally, I’ve learned that suppressing real emotions in favour of polished professionalism may get us through the short term, but over time, it chips away at our creativity and inner clarity. Which leads me to a quiet, essential question: “How well do our employers and we as individuals, navigate emotional reality in the workplace?”
From what I’ve seen, employers are increasingly attuned to the emotional undercurrent of our work lives and I think that’s a great thing.
Maintaining a flawless persona 24/7 isn’t sustainable for most of us and for a long time, I’ve been a believer that honesty, delivered with care, creates space for resilience to grow.
Top 6 Takeaways from This Article.
1. Recognize and validate emotional dips before they escalate using mood-tracking apps or reflective journaling.
2. Practice micro-mindfulness: desk meditations, breathwork, and reframing negative thoughts.
3. Prioritize self-care fundamentals—rest, nutrition, and physical movement.
4. Lean on social connections through quick check-ins with supportive peers or mentors.
5. Schedule mental health days strategically, especially when prolonged low energy affects work quality.
6. Use rituals and scripts to prepare for client interactions on tougher days.
Authenticity Is a Strategic Advantage.
Marketing can be a tough gig but in a world saturated with curated content and filtered personas, authenticity is the heartbeat of genuine connection.
More and more, I find people prefer ‘realness’ over fake rehearsed smiles and discussions.
When we vulnerably but thoughtfully and carefully share our struggles, we build trust. Not just with colleagues, but with customers too and trust is what drives sustainable marketing success, not constant perfection.
Applying This to Our Work.
1. To protect our energy and deepen our connection with our audience, we might consider:
2. Building a personal “resilience toolkit” by experimenting with various strategies.
3. Embed small daily rituals, gratitude reflections, walk-and-talks, environmental shifts.
4. Establish clear boundaries for mental health days and communicate them professionally with the boss.
5. Weave honest storytelling into campaigns, showing both wins and stumbles.
I think it’s fair to say that a lot of marketer’s journeys will include stumbles and uncertainty, especially early on. The real magic happens when you stop resisting the lows and start integrating them into the rhythm of your work.
That’s how authenticity becomes not just a brand value, but a lived experience.
Why would the marketing world be any different to other roles?
Marketing moves at the speed of culture. Staying ahead requires relentless energy, as trends shift rapidly and strategies must evolve to remain relevant in a landscape shaped by cultural change.
In this high-energy world, an unspoken expectation prevails: show up with enthusiasm, creativity and the drive to inspire, “Every Single Day.”
Yet behind the pitch powerpoint presentations and persuasive video presentations lies an often unspoken truth, “We’re Only Human” and sometimes “Bad Things Happen”, there’s quite a few things in this world that will play around with our emotions that naturally ebb and flow.
So, how do we reconcile this paradox?
How do we navigate a profession that demands unwavering positivity while embracing the inevitable lows of our authentic selves?
This tension between professional expectations and personal reality creates a unique challenge for marketing professionals.
We’re expected to bring energy to client meetings, spark creativity in brainstorming sessions, and maintain an optimistic outlook even when facing setbacks. But……… what happens on those days when your internal battery is running on empty?
This article explores practical strategies for navigating those low moments while maintaining both your professional edge and personal well-being.
We’ll also tackle the sometimes-taboo question: is taking a mental health day occasionally the most professional decision you can make?
Understanding the Emotional Rollercoaster in Marketing.
Marketing isn’t just about crafting compelling messages, it’s about embodying them.
Unlike many professions where technical expertise alone suffices, marketing demands emotional labor: the ability to manage and project specific emotions regardless of how you actually feel.
This requirement creates distinct challenges:
High-stakes interactions that demand peak performance and energy
Client expectations for enthusiasm and confidence in every interaction
The pressure to constantly innovate even when creative wells run dry
The need to stay positive in the face of campaign setbacks or critical feedback
Over time, continuously suppressing authentic emotions in favor of professional personas can lead to emotional exhaustion.
While short-term energy boosts might get you through an important client pitch, the long-term risks of burnout increase when there’s a persistent disconnect between your inner state and outer presentation.
Have you ever found yourself wondering if your current emotional state might affect your ability to serve a client effectively?
Or worried that your natural energy slump might be interpreted as lack of interest? These concerns are not only common but reflect the unique psychological challenges of roles that blend technical expertise with emotional performance.
Recognizing and Validating Your Emotional Lows.
The first step toward managing low days is acknowledging their inevitability. Self-compassion begins with accepting that experiencing fluctuating energy and mood is part of being human—not a professional failure.
Common triggers for emotional lows in marketing roles include:
Pressure to deliver increasingly impressive results
Self-imposed perfectionism that raises the bar with each success
Client relationships that demand emotional investment
Blurred boundaries between personal brand and personal identity
The creative pressure to continuously generate fresh ideas
Developing self-awareness allows you to recognize these patterns before they escalate. Simple tools like mood tracking apps, end-of-day journaling, or regular check-ins with yourself can help identify when you’re entering a low period and what might be triggering it.
Recognized Strategies for Lifting Your Spirits.
Mindfulness and Cognitive Techniques.
Research consistently shows that mindfulness practices can significantly impact emotional regulation and resilience. Even brief mindfulness exercises can create space between triggering events and your response to them.
Practical approaches include:
A five-minute meditation at your desk before important meetings
Deep breathing exercises during transitional moments in your day
Body scan techniques to release physical tension that accompanies stress
Cognitive behavioral techniques offer complementary tools for reframing negative thought patterns.
When you catch yourself thinking “I can’t possibly be creative today” or “This client will notice I’m not at my best,” pause to challenge these assumptions.
What evidence supports these thoughts? What alternative perspectives might be equally valid?
Quick journaling prompts to shift perspective:
What went well today, despite my low energy?
What strengths can I still bring to the table even when not feeling my best?
How would I advise a colleague facing similar feelings?
Self-Care and Routine Adjustments.
Physical well-being forms the foundation for emotional resilience. On low days, paying extra attention to basic needs becomes even more critical:
Sleep hygiene: Protecting your sleep schedule, especially before high-stakes presentations
Nutrition mindfulness: Avoiding the crash that comes from stress-induced sugar or caffeine reliance
Movement breaks: Even short walks can reset your mental state and boost endorphins
Social connections provide another powerful resource. Marketing often attracts relationship-oriented individuals who draw energy from interactions. Strategically planning brief connections with energizing colleagues or mentors can provide emotional boosts during difficult days.
Small rituals that can shift your state:
A brief walk outside the office between meetings
A five-minute conversation with a supportive colleague
A moment of gratitude reflection before entering a client space
Changing your physical environment—even moving to a different desk can refresh perspective
Professional Support and Resources.
For persistent emotional challenges, professional support offers evidence-based approaches:
Therapy approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) provide structured techniques for managing work-related stress
Employee Assistance Programs often include confidential counseling sessions specifically designed for workplace challenges
Professional coaching can help identify patterns and develop personalized strategies
Professional development focused on emotional intelligence and resilience building serves a dual purpose, enhancing your marketing toolkit while providing practical stress management techniques.
To Work or Not to Work on Low Days?
Evaluating the Situation Is A Little Tricky!
“Not all low days are created equal.“
Some represent temporary dips that can be managed with the strategies above, while others might signal a need for more significant pause. Consider asking yourself:
Can I perform my core role/responsibilities needed of me today, even though I feel as though I’m not even if not at peak performance?
Will pushing through potentially damage client relationships or work quality?
Is this low feeling part of a pattern that needs addressing?
Do I have critical, time-sensitive deliverables that cannot be rescheduled?
Remember that clients and stakeholders often appreciate authentic humanity when it’s presented professionally. Perfect polish can sometimes create distance, while appropriate vulnerability can strengthen relationships.
I believe the key lies in finding the balance between transparency and over-sharing. It’s either you don’t say enough to justify an action or you say way too much to try and explain an action, it’s not an easy path to walk, especially when you’re not in your best possible mental space.
When a Mental Health Day Might Be Beneficial.
Sometimes, the most professional decision is recognizing when you need a day to reset. So, maybe we should consider a mental health day when experiencing:
Persistent negative thought patterns that interfere with work quality
Physical symptoms of stress that impact your presence
Difficulty concentrating on essential tasks
Emotional reactivity that might damage professional relationships
When communicating the need for time off, focus on responsible messaging. Rather than detailed explanations about your mental state, simple phrases like “I need to take a personal day to ensure I can bring my best to our upcoming projects” maintain both boundaries and professionalism.
To balance personal needs with professional responsibilities:
Proactively delegate critical tasks when possible
Schedule important client interactions for your historically stronger days
Create contingency plans for unexpected low periods during high-stakes weeks
Build a support network of colleagues who can step in when needed
Preparing for Client Interactions When Feeling Low.
Sometimes schedules don’t allow for flexibility, and you’ll need to engage with clients despite not feeling your best. Strategic preparation can make these interactions successful:
Pre-meeting rituals to boost your state:
Review past positive client feedback to remind yourself of your capabilities
Use power posing techniques to physiologically change your energy level
Script and practice opening lines to create momentum
Visualize a successful interaction with specific details
Finding authentic engagement: There’s a middle ground between forced enthusiasm and complete transparency.
Focus on genuine curiosity about client needs and active listening—both require less performative energy than continuously projecting enthusiasm.
Have backup plans:
Bring a colleague who complements your energy when possible
Structure meetings to play to your strengths even on low days
Build in breaks during longer sessions to recharge
Prepare concise talking points to maintain focus when concentration wavers
Conclusion: Embrace the Balance Between Highs and Lows.
I always think of this saying, life is a paradox and good and bad exists equally in our lives and there’s just no getting around that. So we might has well equally accept the bad as we do the good. Don’t beat ourselves up because we occasionally feel as though we’re feeling a bit off.
Marketing excellence doesn’t come from pretending you never experience lows—it comes from developing the resilience to navigate the full spectrum of human experience while staying committed to professional standards.
By acknowledging your emotional fluctuations, implementing targeted strategies for managing low periods, and making thoughtful decisions about when to push through versus when to pause, you create sustainable success that honors both your humanity and your professional aspirations.
The most compelling marketers aren’t those who never experience doubt, fatigue, or creative blocks—they’re the ones who develop personalized systems for managing these inevitable challenges while continuing to deliver value.
As you experiment with the approaches outlined in this article, pay attention to what works for your unique temperament and circumstances, gradually building your own resilience toolkit.
Remember: your marketing career is a marathon, not a sprint.
Sustainable success comes from integrating authenticity with professional responsibility, embracing the reality that true connection with clients often emerges not from perpetual perfection, but from genuine presence, even during challenging times.
I don’t for one second believe that there’s some sort of silver bullet for dealing with this stuff, a fair amount of trial and error is more likely the case but eventually we’ll get there, we’ll work out the best way to manage our own personal rollercoaster ride we describe as our working life.
Disclaimer.
The insights and strategies shared in this article are based on my personal experiences and reflections and any views expressed or suggested are my own.
No information in this article is intended to represent or replace professional medical or mental health advice. If you’re experiencing emotional distress, please consult a qualified healthcare provider or licensed mental health care professional.
I believe that everyone’s situation is unique, so please seek tailored guidance and assistance before making decisions that affect your well-being.
