5 Useful Things to Do When Life Gets Rough

There is one thing guaranteed in life and that is life changes. Life can really get rough sometimes and I know, that you know exactly what I am talking about. I’ve been there.

My Dad died of a heart attack and I didn’t think things could get any worse, but then six months later my Mom died of cancer.

Those days were the worst times of my life. My life was turned upside down and I must admit, it was difficult to pick up the pieces – my parents were my rock.

It is totally normal to struggle with and walk down the hard road of heartaches, fear, anger, the end of relationships, loneliness, losing a loved one or even the end of a friendship. And, sometimes this can leave you worn out physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I’ll share some of the things that helped me take care of myself and get through those really rough times with the hope that they will help you if you are going through a similar situation.

Share With Someone

When life gets rough and you are grappling with your realities and trying to find solid ground, your first thought is to crawl into bed and curl up in a ball. Or get under the covers and shut out the world. But know this, nobody can survive alone – no one is an island.

Talking things out and sharing life’s experiences with people who have been through rocky patches can be quite therapeutic and can lift your mood and mindset. It will do no good if you bottle up your feelings. In fact it can really drain you mentally.

Whatever it is that you are struggling with, find someone to share it with, someone who you can talk to and who will not judge you. Sometimes all you need is someone to listen to you vent.

It’s important to have an outlet to offload something you are struggling with. Do not shut people out because it’s during this time you need them the most.

However, be selective with whom you choose to share your struggles. Choose people who will lift you up and support you and select someone positive and who you trust. It’s best to choose a close friend, relative or a therapist.

Express Your Feelings

In those tough situations, you cannot keep your feelings in check. Let yourself feel. It’s certainly normal to feel upset, scared, angry and even if you feel like crying then do so….you are allowed. It is also therapeutic and part of the process.

It will be of no benefit to you, for you to bury those feelings and ignore them because they can re-surface later and not in a good way, causing more harm than good.

Self-Talk

Even though things may seem surreal, being positive in a really difficult situation is not being naive at all, it’s a sign of strength. Say no to being a victim and shut down the negative thoughts, that’s how you take back your power.

When these negative thoughts pop up, choose to change your focus on those thoughts that are either not true or not benefiting you. Use these positive self-talk meetings with help tackle the situation and bounce back.

You can also focus on your hobby, jog, swim, watch a movie, take part in some sporting activities( you get the idea).

Take a minute and think about the things you are grateful for; just something…. anything positive that you like to do that will take your mind off of the situation.

Take A Break

With all the ups and downs in life often times, in order for you to see things from a different perspective you have to take a break.

Whether it is taking a break from work to be around family or friends or time with yourself for some introspection.

Taking a break is a very important part of the healing process. When you do, you get a chance to refocus your thoughts, re-energize, regroup, recharge and re-frame your mind, body, spirit and the entire situation itself.

Prayer and Faith

For those of you who believe in a higher power…I call that higher power God, you know that prayer is a stress buster and is hands down, one of the easiest things to do when life gets rough.

Pray, believe and have faith that this too shall pass. There is nothing too hard for God no matter how dire the situation might be.

He will provide comfort and solace and can turn the situation around for you when you least expect.