5 steps to take care of yourself during difficult times
We all have times when life throws us a curveball, and it can be tough to know how to handle it.
Maybe you've lost a loved one, been through a breakup, lost a job, or experienced something else painful that you didn’t see coming. Grief and disappointment are a natural part of life, though that doesn’t make experiencing them any easier - and it's okay to feel the emotions that come with them.
During these difficult times, it's important to remember that you're not alone. We all face tough seasons in life (no matter how perfect someone’s life looks on social media!), and it's okay to ask for help and support when we need it.
I want to offer you some practical tips for taking care of yourself when things don’t go the way you expected. Here are five things you can do to help yourself feel better:
Acknowledge your emotions: It's common to want to push away painful emotions when going through a difficult time, but it's important to acknowledge them. Remember that it's okay to feel sad, angry, or confused. Allowing yourself to feel your emotions, even if they're uncomfortable, can help you process them better.
Don't forget to eat and sleep: When we're stressed, it's easy to forget about the basics, like eating and sleeping. But trust me, taking care of your body is crucial for managing stress and anxiety. So make sure you're eating some veggies, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep. And while we’re at it, whatever helps you relax and feel more centered, make time for it.
Seek support: It's okay to reach out to others for help during tough times. Consider talking to a therapist, a trusted friend, or a support group. Talking to someone can help you gain perspective and feel supported.
Engage in self-compassion: Be kind to yourself and try not to judge yourself harshly for how you're feeling or reacting. It’s totally okay if you need to feel sorry for yourself, angry at God, the Universe, or the world. Practice self-compassion by speaking to yourself kindly and understandingly, as you would to someone dear. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself time to heal.
Focus on what you can control: While it's natural to want to fix what's broken, sometimes there are things that are beyond our control. Focus on what you can control, such as taking care of yourself, setting small goals, or taking steps toward a new direction. When my world feels like it’s out of control, doing something that’s silly-simple can really help me feel a bit better- like making the bed, or washing a few dishes.
Remember:
Taking care of yourself isn't selfish or indulgent. It's necessary for your well-being, and it's something you deserve. It’s okay to not have everything figured out right now. You're allowed to take your time, to grieve, and to process what's happened. So be kind to yourself (ok?!) and know that seasons of hardship never last forever, no matter how difficult they may seem. And I really hope these tips can offer you a simple place to start recovering.
And by the way, if there’s someone you know who could use this message of support and encouragement, feel free to forward it to them and let them know you’re thinking of them.
BTW, my mission is help people love their lives so they never want to leave them.
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