There are times in all our lives where there seems to be no end to the problems that are building up for us.
If you are coping well at the moment but know a colleague or friend is struggling, please share this information with them using the buttons at the bottom of the page. You may play a key role in supporting them through a difficult time, which could make a world of difference to their life.
As we say in some of our wellbeing seminars, problems seem to arrive by the ‘truckload’, not one at a time in manageable pieces.
The problems can be at home, work, or both, so we need to make sure we always have resources and strategies available to us, to not let them overwhelm us and start to impact our mental health.
It is essential to not bottle things up and ask for help as soon as we notice the feelings of stress or anxiety starting to intrude into our thoughts more often. Utilise all the support and information that you are offered to plan for moving forwards. The strong and confiding relationships that you have will get through the hardest of times, and you must recognise that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but most definitely of strength.
Whilst you are working through a difficult time it is good to top up the things that keep you well and make you feel happy and content, even if these are just brief moments. Here are a few ideas to try.
Make self-care a priority
This should not be seen as a luxury for when everything else you must do is done. Eating a nutritious meal, reading your favourite book, meditating, or listening to music can help you slow down, recharge and put yourself first. Removing social media and distractions of what is happening in the world is also helpful and will allow you to find a place of calm to sink into for a little while.
Remember me?
Reconnecting with a friend or family member we have always promised to can be a wonderful distraction during difficult times. We often get so caught up in the rush of life, we forget how much difference some people make in our lives. Messaging or meeting up for a good chat and talking about funny things we did together can lift our spirits; remembering the happy moments we shared and then making plans for further happy times together in the future. It will no doubt bring a lot of pleasure to them as well. You never know, they may have needed it more than you.
Exercise
The benefits of this are endless. This doesn’t have to be a marathon; it is whatever you can manage at whatever level of fitness you have now. You will feel a sense of achievement for doing something, as well as having a clearer mind and feel-good hormones to carry you through the rest of your day. Problems will be easier to deal with and your sleep patterns may improve as well. If you are exercising outdoors you may end up connecting with others and sharing a chat or a smile which is also very encouraging.
Be grateful
When problems overwhelm us, it can be difficult to see the bright side, so spending some time thinking about or writing down the wonderful experiences and things we have in our lives, can change our outlook and perspective a great deal. This is also something that you can look at if you start to feel anxious, and it will remind you of the many blessings you have around you.
Help someone else
Giving your time to help a neighbour, asking how someone is and listening, or volunteering your time at a local project can all be ways to take you away from what you are dealing with, and give you a sense of worth through your acts of kindness.
Try something new
Lifelong learning is so beneficial to us, and as with the other ideas, it can be a brilliant distraction to problems. It will also give you a new project where you may discover talents you never knew you had. New interests and friendships may also grow from this, so you have nothing to lose.
If you are coping well at the moment but know a colleague or friend is struggling, please share this information with them. You may play a key role in supporting them through a difficult time, which could make a world of difference to their life.