How To Cope When You Are Not Okay

Life can be pretty challenging sometimes. Whether it is your boss, your family, your partner, or your friend who has thrown you a huge curve hall and taken a chunk out of your heart, here are some coping strategies to soothe your broken heart and nurture your spirit.

Accept that it is okay not to feel okay

Acknowledging to yourself that you are not okay is the first step. Parts of your life can fall apart, but that does not mean that you are irreversibly broken. Healing is a natural process that takes time, patience and tender self-care. Allow yourself to go through the emotions that come up and don’t punish yourself for feeling the way you do.

Ask for help

We all like to cocoon and hide when life has made us miserable, and that’s natural. At some point, though, asking for help may ease your suffering. Don’t be afraid to tell others how you are feeling and how they can help you. It may be that a friend’s visit and sharing a box of chocolates will lighten your load. Or it may be that you would benefit from seeing a professional to work through the trauma you are experiencing. There are lots of healing souls out there, so don’t make yourself a hermit.  Others will only know you need their support when you ask for it.

Establish routines

If you are feeling that life is out of control, then setting out some basic routines, will give you a sense of grounding and control. For example, when you get up in the morning, do two or three healing yoga poses or stretches to gently awaken your body. In the middle of the day, turn off your phone, close the door and take five minutes to do some deep relaxing breathing. At night, take a bubble bath and allow your body to soak the stress away. None of this has to be time-consuming or overwhelming…just three simple routines at different points in the day to nurture yourself

Get outside

Nature is the best healer when you are feeling down or lost. Go on a hike, sit under a tree and listen to the birds, or watch the sunset. Marvel at the grandness of earth’s natural beauty and allow your own soul to find some healing in the tranquility around you.

Be creative

You don’t have to be an artist to enjoy your creative spirit. An afternoon spent at a pottery class can do wonders for your mind and heart as you take the focus off of your troubles and mold something with your hands. Write a poem or a song. Read inspirational quotes.  Feel the wind in your hair as your ride your bike.. Listen to music and gently move to the beat.

Do something for someone else

Taking the focus off yourself for a little while can lighten the load and give you a break from yourself.  It can also give you a sense of belonging and help with feeling less lonely. Volunteer your time at the public library and read to children, take a friend out to dinner for no reason at all, or help at the local soup kitchen. It does not matter what you do, just that you are out there with others.

“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.“
Dale Carnegie

Eve Crawford - Life Strategist

 

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