Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when unexpected challenges arise. However, maintaining your mental well-being in tough times is crucial for resilience. Let’s explore some effective strategies for staying grounded when life gets challenging.
There are moments when life feels chaotic and spirals out of control. Picking yourself up after significant setbacks can be incredibly tough. While I often feel motivated, there are days when I’m still trying to rebuild and find my footing.
This struggle goes beyond just feeling stuck; it’s about yearning to achieve things and move forward, yet feeling immobilized—both physically and emotionally. At times, it can seem as though a piece of your former self has been lost amidst the turmoil, and challenges keep piling up one after another.
In these moments, you typically face two choices: succumb to despair or muster the strength to push through, build resilience, and reclaim your strength no matter how many times it takes.
HOW TO STAY RESILIENT DURING A SETBACK & TOUGH TIMES
MASTER YOUR EMOTIONS
During challenging times, your emotions can become overwhelming. Mastering them involves practicing mindfulness, staying self-aware, and recognizing that certain feelings may be misinterpreted. You might react with anger, but what you’re truly experiencing could be fear or uncertainty. Often, frustrations aimed at those around us stem from our own internal conflicts.
When you learn to accurately identify your emotions, you gain insight and clarity, empowering you to master your feelings. This requires introspection: ask yourself, “What am I really feeling?”
How do I do this?
A simple yet effective method to understand your emotions is through journaling or “brain dumping.” Set traditional writing standards aside and freely express whatever is on your mind. Even if you’re skeptical about its benefits, try it. Writing can facilitate open communication with yourself.
STAY PRESENT
When plans falter, it’s easy to become anxious about what lies ahead. Thus, focusing on the present moment becomes essential.
I understand this can be easier said than done.
For many, worrying feels instinctual. We frequently fixate on all the things that could go wrong, trapping ourselves in a cycle of anxiety when facing significant hurdles. Worrying about future uncertainties robs you of joy in the present, so it’s vital to let go of what you cannot control at this moment and instead concentrate on what you can manage.
How do I do this?
A straightforward way to practice being present is to ask yourself: “What am I doing right now?” For more insight on staying present, check out this post.
TAKE A BREAK
When life feels overwhelming, I find solace in taking mental health days. I disconnect from my phone and laptop, focusing solely on self-care. Whether it’s meditating, going for a walk, cooking a delicious meal, or immersed in a book, I prioritize my well-being.
Taking a step back isn’t self-pity; sometimes, a brief pause is necessary to gain a fresh perspective. It’s acknowledging that “I’m not in the best place right now, and that’s completely okay.”
How do I do this?
Schedule time for yourself, even when it feels impossible. During overwhelming moments, taking a breather is essential—rest does not equal failure.
You’re not surrendering; you’re simply pacing yourself. If it means retreating to your laundry room with a cup of tea and a book for a few minutes, do it. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to feel down.
KEEP UP WITH YOUR ROUTINE
Maintaining your routine is crucial yet often challenging during setbacks. Routines provide grounding and control amid chaos, though focusing on them can be difficult when distractions arise.
For me, upholding my routine became tough. After a recent loss, I dove into work to stay busy. However, following an accident that left me unable to walk, I struggled to maintain normalcy and avoid falling into despair. I neglected practices that nurture my mental state, like meditation and journaling.
Therefore, it’s vital to uphold your routine as much as possible during tough times. Ensure you’re not simply lounging on the couch feeling sorry for yourself. Complete chores, tidy your space, and engage in activities that uplift you. While certain aspects of life may currently seem chaotic, there remain elements within your control—like your daily habits.
How do I do this?
Continue the simpler elements of your routine. Make your bed in the morning; don’t let the dishes accumulate. If hitting the gym is too demanding, opt for a short walk. Adjust your routine as necessary, but keep it going.
MAKE A PLAN
Instead of dwelling on worries about the future, take a moment to create a plan. Whether your challenges relate to finances, work, education, family, or health, drafting a roadmap to tackle your issues can be liberating.
How do I do this?
Focus on taking small, actionable steps. Develop a plan that will not only help you navigate today’s obstacles but also lay the groundwork for future stability.
Identify one thing you can accomplish right now to help address your concerns. Remember, you cannot resolve your issues with the same mindset that led you to them; growth demands a new perspective. Life is shaped not by what happens to you, but by how you respond to those events.
Lastly, keep the big picture in mind. Will you allow your current challenges to hinder your path to where you want to be?
“As long as you keep fighting, consider yourself a winner.” These words have guided me through my darkest moments and remind me that it’s not the number of times you fall but the courage to rise again that counts.
