Coping on Tough Days
Let’s Talk: Coping on Tough Days
We all have days that feel heavier than others, when motivation is low, thoughts feel messy, or emotions sit right on the surface. On those days, the smallest tasks (even just getting out of bed or sending a text) can feel like mountains.
I’m curious, when you’re having one of those days, what helps you get through?
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Do you have little routines or grounding practices that bring comfort?
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Is there a phrase, a song, or a safe space that helps you reset?
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Or do you give yourself permission to just rest, and that’s okay too?
Sometimes sharing even the smallest strategies can give someone else a lifeline.
What’s something that helps you on the hard days?
Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash
@LisaMeighanMScGMBPsS
Sometimes my mom motivates me <3
@jesusredeemedme2425
What an awesome mom you have that uplifts you on those tougher days :)
@LisaMeighanMScGMBPsS
Hello,
Today for example, I started my morning off with a bad dream that had reminded me of someone that I was trying to move past from. And still healing.
Therefore, I went out with my family, ate some good food, and did some art. And I had a really good cry to myself with music I love.
I know not everyday will be perfect, but I hope in time my coping mechanisms can help me heal myself further everyday.
- Local
@LocalLesbianlol
Isn't this a great way to really feel better. I love that you have taken action and thought about ways in which you can really move things forward to help yourself feel better.
@LisaMeighanMScGMBPsS
Thank you for this post, Lisa! I love the picture, it feels somehow very comforting!
There are several things I have to deal with those tough days.
1. Sometimes I actually have a long chat with myself. It's a reminder how blessed I am with what is there for me and also pointing out that this is not to be expected as a must like having a place to sleep, food on the plate and a place to go for giving support but also getting support (7cups). Depending on the situation this talk can even take 30 minutes, it's a good time to get myself "back on Earth".
2. Mindfulness meditation and stopping during the day for a moment to see how I feel inside and noticing my surroundings (STOP technique) also helps a lot.
3. Other days it's about a good cry, then going for a walk and finishing the day with a fruit treat and a good movie. I also do self-hugs.
@amiablePeace77
How beautiful are each of these things that you do to take care of yourself. You clearly have put lots of effort into each of these and I think it's great how you self-soothe.
I am curious what the STOP technique is that helps you... is it this one?
Stop (pause what you're doing)
Take a slow breath you can feel
Observe one sight, one sound, one body sensation, one though
Proceed with a kinder action/thought
Thank you so much for sharing!
@LisaMeighanMScGMBPsS
I draw. It gets me out of my head and gets me focusing on something else.
@NotAllHere713
Nice! :) What do you like to draw or do you just let your imagination flow? Drawing is so therapeutic and art in general.
@LisaMeighanMScGMBPsS
I always try my best to do my gratitude journaling at least on tough days. I feel it’s all a perspective and having a right one can help you a long way. I always try to see the silver lining. The lesson of Job from the Bible and the lesson of Buddha is something I reflect on when times get rough.
Comparing my condition to the ones who are suffering in the world also helps me to correct the perspective I have about my condition. Most of the times these reflections and a small exercise of gratitude journaling helps me overcome a tough day.
Thanks @LisaMeighanMScGMBPsS for bringing this point
Of course, we can't pass life without hitting these roadblocks once a while. Days pass by when we're really focussed and intentful doing our regular chores at home, commitments and timelines at work.
There's a beautiful saying "You're what you're!"
The only downside of these emotions are we think or I would say we overthink and try to come out of it quickly as possible rather getting drained as we don't like pain, neither do we have patience to come out of it gently as possible. But the interesting part of this situation which most of us miss, we never think it's happening for a reason and it's very unique to the person who goes through.
For me whenever this happens to me, I let it flow through myself and be mindful enough to watch out for what change it expects from me. Why I think the way I think? What did I miss? Where can I do better? What did I leave untouched? Why did I fail? Can I be a better person tomorrow, or the next time and handle things straight where I went unnoticed last time? This is everyone's sweet spot and it also helps to demystify the person strength and uncover the weakness. For all of us convenience is a clue. The more we struggle by not noticing it we painfully surpasses in the name of patience and low mood swings. If we admit our mistakes and stood up for a change things that we never imagine will unfold in front of us effortlessly to handle.
I meditate, do gratitude journaling, connect with others with this and other apps, exercise, play my electric keyboard, drink water, socialize with friends and family.