There are so many ways for us to stay strong, but it can be hard to pinpoint “the perfect” one. Many people struggle mentally, physically, and emotionally due to lack of jobs, lack of places to go, and just overall worry. I have been interviewing people about how they stay strong during hard times, and I have listed a few of my favorites.
Staying Connected
Staying connected can mean multiple things. You can stay connected with loved ones but also stay connected with yourself. The one good thing with technology is that it makes it so much easier to stay involved with loved ones worldwide.
We have social media that you can keep people in your life updated on what is going on. It is a great way to connect with people we have lost touch with or meeting new people. Nowadays, Zoom has been a great form of communication for work, doing online learning, and even staying in touch with family. I have seen people using for family get-togethers that maybe can’t happen in person.
There is also our connection with ourselves, which can help you to stay healthy. It is always essential to check on yourself and your mental health. When you are feeling down, try and let yourself feel those emotions rather than hiding it. The more we distract ourselves, the worse we may end up feeling because eventually, everything will come to the surface.
The most important takeaway from this is listening to your body and your emotions because they will guide you to where you need to be.
Spending Time Outdoors
Even if it’s just for a few minutes a day, spending time outdoors can help change your mood. I have noticed that there are days that I don’t want to move from my bed, but when I force myself to get up and go outside, I tend to feel better. I find it necessary not to turn it into a chore but a healthy habit because when an activity becomes a chore, it becomes less inviting.
We are all busy, so going for walks with a friend is like killing two birds with one stone. You get to have time with a friend while also doing something good for you.
Picking Up a New Hobby
If you are feeling stuck, try a new hobby, or pick up a hobby, you may have stopped for a while. A few of my favorite things to do are reading, coloring, writing, and crafting. In my opinion, one of the best ways to get lost for a few hours is to pick up a good book. My favorite genre is romance, and there are days I could read for hours. I know it is a good book when I feel like I am living the story with characters.
I have heard from other people that they like to cook/bake when they are struggling. Working out can be a great hobby to pick up.
If you like to learn, think about picking up an online class or two on a topic of your choice. My favorite online learning source is UDEMY. They are relatively cheap and have thousands of courses to pick from.
Mediation
A way to connect with yourself (one above) is to meditate. That can be through apps or just sitting alone in a room and breathing. I am slowly getting into mediation, but I have heard of some great apps, including headspace, calm, insight timer, and more.
There is no right way to meditate. It is all about you and how you want to do it.
Faith
Many of the other ideas above are things we can do to stay strong, but one thing we don’t always talk about is faith. Faith can sometimes feel like a taboo subject because when someone talks about it, they are trying to convert us to believe what they believe. The truth is faith is magical and can be a lot of different things.
Faith can be religion or a G-D, but it can also be a belief in yourself. To me, faith can be looking at a higher power and knowing that whatever happens is meant to be. I believe in myself, and I know that life is scary, but it is also exciting. I have had a few near-death experiences, and because of that, I believe everything happens for a reason. Sometimes we don’t need “something” to stay healthy, but maybe just a simple thought.
The list of ideas about what we can do to are endless, and it is a process. Unfortunately, nothing comes easy, but always know you are a powerful individual, and whatever happens, it will all work out.
***Disclaimer: The ideas and thoughts are just my own opinions, and I am not speaking for anyone but myself.
