How do you calm yourself when things feel like they’re falling to pieces? It can be so easy to get trapped in a negative mindset when all the things around you are seemingly not going in your favour.

Here are some ways I try to wade through the quicksand before it sucks me in and takes over completely.

Everything is temporary

Your bad days? You’ve survived them all up to now and this too shall pass. Things will feel better again even though right now feels like it’s nowhere near that. Worn as the rope of hope may be, keeping holding on.  

Take action

Is there anything within your control that you can do to alleviate some of the heaviness? Do it! You don’t have to do it all at once – remember we walk one step at a time so take action in the same manner. Slow and steady wins the race.

Be patient

Further to the above point, it’s important to remember that things don’t happen and circumstances don’t overnight. Even your feeling this way – it was gradual so it might take a while to get out of that headspace. But as long as you’re taking steps to get to a better place you’re on the right track.

Cry

Crying has been shown to help regulate emotions, ease pain and relieve stress (among other benefits). So go on. Cry your heart out.

Talk it out

You don’t have to face things alone. Having a confidant and safe space can help ease things – a burden shared is a burden halved and all that. Make sure though that your person has capacity to listen. If they don’t, there are professional avenues to consider. You’ll also be amazed at how saying things out loud already lightens your load.

Seek professional help

When none of the above things help, consider speaking to a professional. There’s no shame in going this route. The same way we’d go to a GP for a physical illness, we should go to the doctor when our mental state becomes too unbearable.

Tell me, what are some things you do to get back to balance?