Life can be challenging, and we all go through times that are hard and stressful. 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 important to know that there are things that you can do to help yourself if you’re struggling in life right now.
I’ve had my fair share of struggles in life. Failed marriages, bankruptcy, rock bottom, lost jobs, abusive relationships. You name it, I’ve been through it – and I survived. Not only that, but I also came out on the other side as a better person.
Today, I want to share 15 things that you can try if you’re struggling in life. These things helped me get through some really tough times. I hope they help you too.
15 things to do if you’re struggling in life
These simple tips will give you hope and help you get through whatever difficult time you are facing right now. It’s important to remember that if you’re struggling in life, you’re not alone, and there is help.
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. Try starting a daily gratitude journal and write out those things. It’s a wonderful way to start the day.
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.
Too often, we don’t want to ‘bother’ anyone with our troubles, but people genuinely do want to help.
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. Exercising triggers the happy endorphins. We want more of that.
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.
Practicing meditation will help you be still and focus on your breath, not your problems.
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.
It’s important to take some time each day to do things that make you happy.
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.
If you have a hard time falling asleep, natural supplements like Melatonin might help. Speak to your doctor about natural sleep aids.
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.
Quotes work! I used them daily to help me get out my depression when I hit rock bottom and felt hopeless.
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 for 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
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.
final thoughts on struggling in life
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. Resources are 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.
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