Life has its way of testing our resolve. Just when we feel things are going perfectly, something comes along and sidelines us. It challenges us in ways we didn’t even know were possible.
Most of the time, we’re able to bounce back quickly. We learn the lesson that we were delivered and are better for the experience. Other times, it takes everything we have to get through a difficult situation, so we dig deep and stick to our goals to come out of the other side of things unscathed.
If you feel as though life is testing you, never fear! You’re not alone. Many people are going through similar experiences, which are now stronger, healthier versions of their former selves.
Building Strength and Mental Fortitude
Some ways to stay physically and mentally healthy during times of adversity are listed below for your consideration. Each offers you relief as you try to navigate an extremely confusing world at times. It allows you to be your best self, no matter what is going on around you.
#1: Adhere to as normal of a schedule as possible.
When your life turns upside down, it’s easy to retreat under the covers and refuse to combat the day. Although sleeping can be very therapeutic, it can also disrupt the flow of your schedule. If you sleep too much, you won’t get much done.
One of the best ways to deal with adverse times is to keep things as normal as possible. That means sticking with the schedule that you usually follow when things are less physically and mentally taxing on you.
Try to maintain the routine that you’re used to keeping. If you aren’t able to do that, develop one that gives you plenty of time to rest and relax. Self-care is among the most important practices for you to engage in at the moment. It helps fill your well and give you the strength to muster through no matter what’s going on in your life. When you put your needs first, you’re better able to help others going through a similar situation.
#2: Be mindful of what you eat and drink.
Food is fuel. It can give your body an instant boost of energy and help repair damaged cells. Choosing to eat a whole foods, organic diet helps both your body and your mind. Electing to consume the healthiest foods and beverages you can buy is one very easy way to care for yourself during tough times. If you can’t prepare a meal from scratch, drinking a protein shake is the next best thing because of the large amount of the macronutrient it contains.
Having something nourishing on hand that you can eat or drink quickly is highly advisable. You can pack a shake with you wherever you go, making sure that you get the vitamins and nutrients needed to help you feel your best. Pieces of fruit are also very transportable and delicious. They don’t have a lot of calories but do contain natural sugars, so you should eat them in moderation. Apples and oranges travel well and don’t create a lot of mess for you to clean up afterward.
#3: Sit in silence.
Meditation helps calm the body and the mind. It gives you space to embody your physical person while giving your brain a much-needed break.
Meditation sessions don’t need to be long to be effective, either. Just five minutes a day can help you get past your worries and be better prepared to take on whatever life hands to you. There are different forms of meditation to practice, too, such as walking, drawing, or even colouring.
Choosing an activity that you can do that is repetitious can be very beneficial. For some people, handicrafts such as knitting and embroidering help. It’s the repetitive motion that has a calming effect on them. Cooking can also be a meditative practice. Focusing on cutting the vegetables and preparing the meal can be a welcome retreat from the frantic pace of the schedule you usually keep.
#4: Keep a journal where you can safely express yourself.
Writing down your thoughts is an effective way of dealing with stress. It gives you a dedicated place to explore ideas and work through your problems. Keeping a journal is relatively easy, too, because it requires few tools to get started. All you need is a notebook and a pen. You can even use an app if you prefer recording your thoughts digitally.
Your journal doesn’t need to be worthy of a literary prize. It doesn’t even need to be legible for you to benefit from using it. The point is to make it part of your self-care practice so that you’re able to feel better in a matter of no time. If you want to buy a beautiful journal that encourages you to write, by all means, do so. It’s not necessary because the act of writing itself is what matters most.
#5: Have a family member or friend that you check in with regularly.
Social interaction is imperative to your well-being. Having someone that you trust that you can call, text, or direct message whenever you need to talk helps tremendously.
It lets you know that you’re not alone. It also helps you work through your issues because having someone else weigh in on the situation is valuable. They may have insight that they can give to you because of their life experiences.
Creating a team of supportive people you can reach out to takes time. You may even want to join a group online. There are many places you can find people willing to assist you by lending a listening ear. Facebook is one platform that offers groups of all types that you can join for free and feel seen, heard, and cared about.
#6: Move your body in ways that feel good to you.
Exercise helps increase endorphins in the brain. They’re the feel-good hormones that lighten your mood. Choosing a form of exercise that you love, such as walking, swimming, or doing yoga, can help you release stress and tension from your muscles. It allows you to get a clear perspective on what’s been bothering you, too. When you give yourself time to exercise, you make your needs a priority, which can help you stop overthinking a situation.
#7: Let others know how they can help you.
One of the most challenging things for many people to do is to ask for help. If you want to feel better quickly, take time to let others know what’s going on with you. By asking for help, you’re allowing them to assist you in your time of need. It helps the people that care about you feel less helpless because they’re able to do something that benefits you. It’s a mutually beneficial situation for both parties.
#8: Do something you love every day.
So many people forget to have fun because they’re too busy doing all the things they’re obligated to do.
If you want to feel good fast, make it a point to wake up early and do one thing that you love every single day. It will become the highlight of your morning and something that keeps you afloat during trying times. You’ll bound out of bed because you have a project that you can’t wait to get back to each day.
#9: Make sure to attend all scheduled medical and psychological appointments.
If you have appointments with medical and psychological professionals, make sure that you attend them. If you can’t make it in person, see if virtual appointments exist. You may find it easier to keep up with appointments that way. The best way of knowing if your doctor or psychologists offer tele-med services is to ask. The worst that they can say is “No.”
#10: Know that this too shall pass.
Time makes things significantly better, which is why you should make it a point to give yourself plenty of space to work through your issues. Things will improve if you wait long enough. Just keep working toward your goals and do your best to maintain a positive attitude.
Make self-care a priority and reach out to other people when you need a helping hand. You’ll feel vastly better by doing these things because action is among the best ways of coping with whatever scenarios are making you feel challenged.
Tough Times Don’t Last, But Tough People Do
Tough people can withstand tough times easier than those who don’t work on developing physical strength and mental fortitude. By applying the advice given here, you’re able to prepare yourself for what’s yet to come while maintaining a positive attitude.
In times of adversity, resilience is imperative to your survival. Knowing that something could potentially go wrong, and preparing for it, puts control of your life into your hands and empowers you.
