Sometimes, we get beaten down- knocked off or flat down emotionally and or otherwise. It doesn’t really matter how or when that happens but it does happen. You wake up one morning and you barely recognize the person that looks back at you in the mirror. All you see is ugliness, failure, hopelessness and you think to yourself- “why can’t I just die”
Trust me because- I’ve been there on several occasions but guess what?- I’m writing this today and what it means is that I didn’t die, I didn’t kill myself because I didn’t have to. So today, I wish to share with you some of the things I found helpful in my darkest hours. Some of the ideas are from friends too.
A few years back, I got overwhelmed with personal obligations interlaced with failed expectations and garnished with a crazy demand on my time and schedule. It was like constantly running without making any progress and before I could blink an eye, I was down and out. I never saw it coming and didn’t even see what hit me. To make matters worse, my husband was out of town. I tried to pray but couldn’t, tried to sleep but no way. I thought I was going to die but a friend saved me. How happy I am today that I picked up my phone and made that call. That was all I did, she did the rest.
Here are some of the things that may be helpful when you feel low, down or completely out.
- Change position. Sit up if you are laying down, go from the bedroom to the living room, the kitchen or the bathroom. Just change your view. You may look out the window or just sit up with your feet flat on the floor. Lift up your shoulders and just move your neck around slowly. These little changes in posture help a lot. For one thing, they improve your circulation and help loosen up your tense muscles.
- Take some water- Another simple trick that works. Water represents life and rejuvenation. It feeds your cells and just helps to unclog the vessels. You are hydrated and energized and this could be a distraction too. The soothing effect of pure cool water wetting your dried out mouth and running down your throat to neutralize the acidity in your stomach could be invigorating. I tried it and I think it works.
- Try some deep breathing. Take deliberate long breaths, hold for a few seconds and then gradually breath out slowly and completely through the mouth- just notice your body gradually relax with each breath you take.Try to concentrate on your breathing and let your worries melt away. Just breathe!
- Next, do some mind searching, some reality check. What is it that is pulling you down? Is it a thing, a group of things or nothing at all ? Search for your answer from within your heart. Sometimes, we create problems by just imagining them and worrying about them. Find out if there is actually a problem or whether you are just making it up. I know I did that in the past. Nothing knocks you down like the crippling fear of the unknown. Most times, you find out it’s not real and you must learn to just live your life one day at a time.
- Another thing that helped me in the past is watching my favorite show on TV, watching a funny video on YouTube or listening to Our kingdom melodies or just music with uplifting relics. I’m guessing you already know that I love watching drama series on TV, yeah!. Not good for me? Not when it cheers me up sometimes. The craziness, the exaggerated expressions and bad acting just put some smile on your face. My favorite is the Jw.org website which contains so many short videos and bible based object lessons that may just be the answer to your problem. Try it sometimes.
- Reach out to a friend. Just let someone know how you feel. They may not solve your problem but they might give you a few words of encouragement, a hug, a text message or simply spend time together. You’ll be surprised how much these might help. The simple act of speaking and just venting may go a long way.
- Do something you love doing. We all have hobbies or just things that we are passionate about: reading, writing, baking, gardening, knitting, sewing, crocheting, drawing,shopping, cleaning or any other thing that you love doing. One thing common to all of these options is that they involve an action and they usually distract you from your preoccupation. Just driving out of the house does it for me sometimes oh! and I love shopping.
- What about taking a walk in a park with a beloved friend or relation? The serenity, the beautiful bird songs, the sound of distant voices from a distance, the green leaves and beautiful flowers during spring and summer. Simply contemplating the beauty of God’s creation; the butterflies and other tiny creatures, the aroma of the flowers, the feel of the wind softly blowing across your face. You get carried away. You are renewed and refreshed.
- Look through your old pictures. I have done this on several occasions and it really helped. Pictures have a way of helping you relive good times and bad times too. They help you appreciate how much you have grown and changed over the years. They take you back to beautiful memories that remind you how much you have endured and how strong you really are. You watch pictures of old friends, childhood school mates, silly childhood pictures and poses that may just make your day.
- Don’t forget to pray. This is actually one of the hardest things to do when we are down but yet one of the most important. Who is better equipped than God to see through us and know how best to pick us back up. Prayer doesn’t have to be fancy. Just talk to your loving father because he knows how to heal our broken hearts. If you are too weak to find your own words, feel free to borrow from prayers of God’s servants of old. Go to the books of psalms, Lamentations, Proverbs and a lot more.
You are not alone. Just don’t give up. Better days are just by the corner.
What are your thoughts?
What other things have helped you in the past?
Your comments and criticisms are welcome
Thanks for stopping by.