Life can be overwhelming sometimes. I’ve gone through periods where it felt like stress was so immense that it had taken over my life. It also didn’t help that I suffered from depression and anxiety for quite some time which made me feel like I was constantly falling down a slippery slope of exhaustion and hopelessness.
I used to think that because of my mental health issues, there was nothing I could do to manage the stress and depression - it was all about just trying to make it through the day. But now, I’ve come to realize that there are ways for me to better cope with these things.
I started with setting small goals for myself every day; even if all I did was take a walk, write in a journal, listen to music or meditate - just something achievable that made me feel a bit better at the end of the day than before. Little by little, these tiny choices have helped me push back against my negative thoughts and build up resilience.
I also reached out for help when things felt too overwhelming for me manage alone. Talking through struggles with a trusted person helps tremendously! Finally, staying mindful and reminding myself about what makes my life meaningful has been important as well. This is how I’m getting better each day and taking care of both my mental and physical needs in order to thrive despite the challenges in life.