When you find yourself empty and on your knees, when your strength is giving up on you, and you feel as you don’t have anything good going for you – remember to take care of yourself. Self-care is crucial in difficult times like these – when we feel depleted and devastated.
When you are in survival mode, practicing these things will help you get back on your feet.
1. Ask for guidance
Don’t be ashamed to call someone who has been in the same situation. And even if no one around you has experienced, it is always better to call a friend and ask for their guidance and support than going through it alone. After all, you would do the same if someone was in a similar situation – you would help them without thinking and you wouldn’t think that they are weak for feeling that way.
2. Avoid negative self-talk
When you are feeling devastated and empty, please try to avoid talking and thinking negatively of yourself. Because sometimes when we are in this situation, we tend to see others as perfect and see ourselves as flawed human beings. Stop that. Be kind to yourself. Be your best friend.
3. Take a nap
Sleep is essential for your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Your body and soul heal when you are sleeping. So, listen to soothing music and take as many naps you need to feel better.
4. Put your phone on silent
Your phone can be distracting and make you nervous without you knowing. So, try switching off all alerts – calls, text messages, social media, emails… and take a me-time instead. Do other things that give you pleasure and make you happy, like reading a good book, painting, taking a walk… anything that makes you feel fulfilled.
5. Retreat
Take it slow. Take all the time you need to be with yourself and your thoughts. Consider taking some time out from school, or work, and just relax.
6. Practice the art of saying ‘NO’ more
Instead, say ‘YES’ to yourself. Say ‘yes’ to your life, to the things you love. And don’t hesitate to say ‘no’ to anything that is not good for your wellbeing and doesn’t make you happy.
7. Start writing a journal
When you write down your thoughts, you feel more connected to yourself. Your mind will clear and you will instantly start feeling lighter and better. All the heaviness you carry in your heart will lessen and you will feel good again.
8. Declutter
Your surroundings can have a big impact on you and the way you feel. It is scientifically proven that clutter causes stress and makes you overwhelmed. So, decluttering can be a solution when you are feeling down and stressed.
9. Start a positivity jar
When you are feeling empty and devastated, you have a tendency to think negatively and that negative thinking will make you feel even more hopeless and worthless. But, your thoughts are lying to you. So, please start a positivity jar and write down all the good, nice, and positive things other people have said about you. And read them whenever you start doubting yourself.
10. Do the bare minimum
Don’t overwhelm yourself. If you don’t feel like taking a shower, don’t do it. Don’t pressure yourself to do the things you ‘ought’ to be doing. You will do them when you feel better, now it is important for you to find yourself again.
You will get there.
