Self-Help Saviors For When Life Gets Too Much

Getting away from it all

Often, it’s not possible to book a vacation there and then, especially if you’ve got a full-time job. Normally, you have to give notice of the leave you want to take, and the process can take days, even weeks. Nevertheless, even if you can’t get away on a day when you’re struggling to cope, taking time off can still be a very effective tonic. Even if you have to wait a few days or a couple of weeks, taking a day to relax or booking a week away can make a world of difference. You have something to look forward to, and you know that for that day or those few days, you don’t have to worry about work. Taking a vacation can also work wonders for your mental health if you’ve been dealing with issues related to your relationships or you’ve been suffering from stress or anxiety. You can clear your mind, enjoy a change of scenery, and rest. When you return, you’ll have more energy and enthusiasm, and hopefully, you’ll feel more in control. 

There’s an assumption that taking a break has to cost a lot of money, but you don’t have to travel far to escape the daily grind. Even if you hit the beach for a day or take a picnic to the park, you can still get away from the hustle and bustle.

Meditation

On days when you feel like you want to run away, but you can’t actually physically do this, you may find meditation useful. If you haven’t meditated before, don’t write it off before you’ve given it a chance. When you meditate, the aim is to transport yourself somewhere else. You can take yourself to a place where you feel safe, content, and calm. You don’t have to worry, and you’re not stressing out about every little detail. Meditation is believed to help with anxiety, and it can also give you a chance to enjoy peace even at the most hectic times.

If you’re new to meditation, it is worth investigating classes or looking into downloading guided apps. Once you’ve got to grips with the basics, you can meditate anywhere at any time. 

Saying “no”

Are you a people pleaser? Will you do anything to help others or avoid conflict or awkwardness? If so, you’re probably not used to saying no to others. It’s great to be thoughtful and cooperative. But sometimes, this can come at a cost. Are you leaving yourself with no free time? Have you got too much on your plate? Are other people’s problems becoming your problems? Sometimes, it’s beneficial to learn to say no. If you haven’t got time to take on extra work or you’re not able to spend every day on the phone for hours trying to help a friend out, you shouldn’t feel guilty saying no. You have to put yourself first from time to time.

Reading

Reading is one of the best forms of distraction. If you really get into a book, it can take you to another world and capture your imagination. It can make you feel relaxed, and before you know it, you’ve forgotten what you were worrying about in the first place. If you’ve had a busy day, you can unwind with a book. If your mind is racing, a book can divert your attention to something different, and prevent further anxiety. Some people also like to take advice or inspiration from books. If you’ve exhausted your own collection, try looking for free kindle books online. You can access a vast range of titles without spending a fortune. If you find it tough to concentrate, for example, when you’re trying to read on the subway or on the bus to work, it may also be worth considering audiobooks. This way, you can enjoy the book without having to contend with background noise. 

Exploring your creativity

When you read about stress and anxiety, you often come across advice that encourages you to talk about your problems. Getting things out can be really helpful, but not everyone is confident or comfortable when it comes to expressing themselves verbally. It can be daunting to say things out loud, and you may find that you hold back. If you do find it hard to express how you’re feeling, exploring your creativity can help. Many people prefer to channel their emotions by painting, writing or playing music. These activities are not just an enjoyable distraction. They can also help you to process your emotions. 

We all have days when we feel like everything is getting on top of us. The key to staying in control and muddling through is knowing what to do to put yourself in a better frame of mind to soldier on. If you can identify triggers, you can take action. If you’re struggling with stress or you’re feeling frustrated, taking a minute to meditate or going for a walk in your lunch break can help you power through to the end of the day. Take time to relax, and find hobbies that you enjoy. Celebrate your creativity or read a book. Don’t be afraid to say no to others if you’ve got too much going on in your own life. Life can sometimes be a balancing act, and you need to make sure that you’re on safe ground before you can help others.