Small Steps to Better Mental Health When You Are Struggling

I sat down to write a blog post because writing has always been an outlet for me. I’ve never been the sit around type. I can’t just sit. I have to always be doing something. A few years ago, I took up sewing, which has been really helpful and our shop taking off and rompers becoming a big seller has definitely kept me busy.

This has been a difficult year for me mentally. Something that is not easy for me to admit. I’m not one to show much emotion. I like to bottle my issues inside and deal with them in my own way. It’s just how I am. Everyone has their own way of navigating through difficult circumstances.

There are 12 different ways that have been identified to grieve for example. So how one person handles the loss a person close to them may be completely different to how another person, even a close family members handles it. Sometimes that is a hard concept for us to grasp because when people don’t react to a situation, especially loss, the way we think they should, it can set off a whole string of complications in our relationships.

Some people need to lean on others, they need to publicly grieve, to share stories and work through their emotions with others. Some people need to be alone. Still others need to throw themselves into things like projects or travel.

The same is true for navigating other complicated things in life. When going through a difficult season, it’s important to find things you can ground yourself with. Things you can find joy in and contentment with.

That’s easy to say and do when you are in a good place. Not so simple when trudging through the day to day becomes muddied and difficult.

I am not a mental health professional. I am not a doctor. I am in no way licensed or an expert in these fields. I am simply sharing things that help me in the hopes that when you are finding yourself in a difficult season, you are able to take small steps to help yourself.

Eat Better:

I know it sounds cliche but what you put into your body can have a profound impact on what you get out of your body. If you are finding it difficult to clear your mind, or feeling weighed down by this or that, be mindful of what you are putting into your body. Drink lots of water. Cut down on sugars and refined foods. Increasing your fat, sugar and beige food intake will only increase your sluggishness. Downing a pizza and a coke when you aren’t feeling clear in your mind isn’t likely to help with that.

I always find that when I increase my fruits, vegetables, whole foods and especially water intake when I am struggling, it helps me by leaps and bounds. I am a water drinker anyway. I love water. Sometimes I add a little lime juice if I’m feeling feisty but I want to encourage you to steer away from adding too much to your water too often.

There is nothing wrong with adding a little flavor to like those sugar free packets once in a while to spice things up but certainly not every or most glasses.

Get Moving:

One of the most difficult things to do when you’re in a funk can be moving your body. It can be really hard when all you want to do is veg out. But there is nothing better than vitamin D and serotonin to help the mentals in my experience.

I was having a particularly rough morning the other day. I did NOT want to go for a run. Luckily, we have a 7 month puppy who will tear our house apart if he doesn’t get a little exercise in the morning. So, I turned on my Peloton app, found a running workout and got moving. About a third of the way in, I was having a full-on meltdown. Heaving, wracking sobs. I am not a crier. But if I am going to cry, my best cries typically happen on runs.

My father passed away during Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. The absolute best thing for me during that time was running a marathon. I was able to process my grief the best way for me, through running. About halfway through, as we ran behind The Grand Floridian I remember it hit me and I broke down sobbing.

While this might not be for everyone, it’s cathartic for me. Find something that allows you to let go like that.

Go for a walk, go sit in the sunshine, read a book by a lake, take a weekend and get away by yourself. I think a lot of times people think they need to be surrounded by others when they are in a bad spot but some of us need to be alone. Find what works for you.

The flip side of that is allow others to grieve, process or maneuver through difficult things how they need to. It might not be how you would do it, but it could work for them and be exactly what they need to move forward.

Steer Clear of Alcohol:

”I need a drink.” That’s such a typical response following a hard day. We lean towards a vice. Whether it’s a little green or a cocktail, everyone has a vice. If it is altering your mind, it is probably not a great idea when you aren’t in the best headspace. Steer clear of any alcohol or drugs or any type of chemical or substance that could alter your state of mind when you are struggling.

Take Up a New Hobby:

As I mentioned earlier sewing has become one of my new things and it has definitely helped me during this time. Find a hobby or activity that you can do that keeps your mind and your body occupied. Reading, sewing, archery, backgammon. It doesn’t matter what the activity is, but taking on a new task can help bring your mind into a positive headspace.

Clean Your Space:

This is one that I am having difficulties with right now. We have a puppy in his destructive era. That means my house is in a constant state of chaos. Toys, fluff, squeakers, remnants of tennis balls, strewn everywhere. Our house is never clean for more than an hour it feels.

But one of the best things you can do when your feel out of control or in a difficult headspace is to keep a tidy and clean space around you. It can help calm you and give you a sense of control in a world that may seem beyond your control.

I know many of these things seem simple and common sense but when you are having a difficult time, doing a lot of these can seem daunting. Little things can make a big difference in helping you get through the day and moving towards a better, brighter tomorrow when you are struggling or down.