Women Blazing Trails

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Life can be challenging, and we all go through times when we struggle. Whether it’s dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship problems, or financial difficulty, life can feel overwhelming. These struggles can take a toll on our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. However, it’s essential to know that there are things that you can do to help yourself get through these difficult times. Here are 15 things that you can try if you’re struggling in life.

Feel All the Feels

It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, sad, or anxious during difficult times. The first step in dealing with these emotions is to accept them and allow yourself to feel them. Ignoring your feelings or pretending that everything is okay will only make things worse. Take time to feel all the feels and then let them go.

Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful tool that can help shift your focus from what’s wrong to what’s right in your life. Take a few moments each day to reflect on the things that you’re grateful for. It could be something as simple as having a roof over your head or food on the table.

Reach Out for Help

You don’t have to go through tough times alone. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or professional for support. Sometimes, talking to someone about your struggles can help you see things in a new light.

Exercise

Never underestimate the healing power of simple exercise. It has been proven to be an effective way to improve mental health. Even if you don’t feel like it, try to get moving for at least 30 minutes a day. It could be a brisk walk, yoga, or a workout at the gym.

Meditate

Meditation is a great way to calm your mind and reduce stress. You don’t have to be an expert to start meditating. There are many guided meditations available online or through apps for free that can help you get started.

Do Things That Bring You Joy

Doing something that brings a smile to your face and joy in your heart can help shift your focus and improve your mood. Take some time to think about what you enjoy doing, whether it’s listening to music, painting, or cooking.

Get Enough Sleep

Lack of sleep can worsen anxiety and depression. Make sure you’re getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night. If you aren’t, take little naps throughout the day if you can, especially if you start feeling really sad or down.

Practice Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is important during difficult times. It’s easy to let ourselves go when we feel sad or depressed. Don’t do that. Even a simple mani/pedi will make you feel good. Take a warm bath, get a massage, or do something else that makes you feel good.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is about being present in the moment and not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. There are many mindfulness exercises that you can try, such as mindful breathing or body scanning. This would be a good time to journal your feelings and emotions, too.

Journal

Journaling is so therapeutic and so underrated. When we write out our feelings and emotions, they are no longer trapped inside of us but released on paper. You can try doing this daily and make it a habit to journal.

Read Inspirational Quotes

Sometimes, all it takes is a few encouraging words to lift your spirits. Keep a list of inspirational quotes handy that you can refer to when you’re feeling down, or write a few out on Post-it notes and stick them in places you’ll see them often.

Volunteer

Helping others can be a great way to take your mind off your problems and feel good about yourself. Look for local volunteer opportunities in your community that resonate with you. Animal shelters and nursing homes are always looking for volunteers.

Have a Support Team in Place

Surround yourself with people who uplift you and avoid those who bring you down. A positive social network can help you get through tough times. Make a list of people you know who would be good candidates to be on your team and then reach out to them and ask! Chances are, they’ll love to be part of your team.

Eat a Healthy Diet

high fiber food, healthy food — Shutterstock.

You are what you eat. There’s a lot of meaning in that phrase that we overlook. If you eat junk food, while for the moment it may comfort you, the damage it does emotionally is worse. Eating a balanced diet can help improve your mood and energy levels. Try to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats.

Practice Forgiveness

Holding grudges and resentments can weigh you down. When we spend too much time stewing over past hurts, it only hurts us more in the present moment. It’s important to forgive and let go. Try to practice forgiveness, even if it’s just for your own sake.

Conclusion

We all go through tough times, but it’s important to know that there are things that we can do to help ourselves get through them. By practicing self-care, reaching out for help, and focusing on the positive things in our lives, we can improve our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Remember that you don’t have to go through difficult times alone. There are resources available to help you, whether it’s a trusted friend, family member, or a mental health professional. Stay positive, stay focused, and keep moving forward.