Funny how life’s got a way of throwing curveballs at us, and those rough patches are inevitable. So, it’s worth talking about a few tricks to help you navigate those tough times and bounce back stronger. One of the first things to remember when facing adversity is to embrace the power of resilience. Resilience is the ability to adapt to difficult situations and bounce back from adversity. It's about staying hopeful despite the challenges and finding the strength to keep moving forward. Remember, tough times don't last, but tough people do. 😉
Don’t Try This at Home: Hitting Rock Bottom
Sometimes, it takes hitting rock bottom to push yourself back up. Yup, got the T-shirt. Some time ago, I went through serious burnout. I was spiralling, feeling terrible, and doing things completely out of character, all in a desperate attempt to “fix” the situation. Spoiler alert: it didn’t work. In fact, it made me feel even worse.
For me, hitting rock bottom meant making some poor choices in handling conflicts and rejections. I didn’t break any laws or hurt myself physically, but I did manage to damage a relationship beyond repair with some pretty irrational behaviour. The other person’s harsh response was the wake-up call I needed.
Now, I wouldn’t recommend this approach to anyone unless you’re as deep in despair as I was. But from that point on, I knew I had to focus on mental and emotional hygiene. Whether you’re feeling pretty low right now or just want to set up a safety net for when life inevitably gets tough, here’s what worked for me.
Talk to Yourself: Your Inner Coach
This might sound a bit odd, but one of the best tools in my toolkit was literally talking to myself. When I started feeling better, my therapist suggested I document how I was feeling. I took it a step further and recorded a video of myself, talking to me. Sounds weird, right? But seeing myself in a good moment, energised, confident, and optimistic, was incredibly powerful.
Watching that video when I was down reminded me that whatever I was going through was temporary. It’s like having a pep talk from someone who truly gets you, because, well, it’s you! It reinforced the idea that life’s ups and downs are natural, and that better days are always ahead.
Move: The Simplest Mood Booster
I know, I know, everyone says exercise is good for you. This one is not very original, but it worked for me so here we are. If you want to lift your spirits, get moving. Dance, walk, go for a run, whatever. Even if it’s just for a few minutes, it’s a foolproof way to boost your mood.
In fact, make it a non-negotiable part of your routine. Get outside if you can – there’s something about fresh air that doubles the recovery power. And don’t stress about what type of exercise you do. Just find something that makes you feel good and stick with it. Your body and mind will thank you.
The Five-Second Rule: Just Do It
This one’s a game-changer, especially if you’ve found yourself stuck or struggling to get back into good habits. The Five Second Rule comes from Mel Robbins, and it’s super simple but seriously effective.
Here’s how it works: when you get an impulse to do something, like getting up early, starting a task, or speaking up in a meeting – you immediately start counting down from five. 5-4-3-2-1, and then you just do it. The countdown helps you focus and cuts off any doubts or excuses that might creep in. It’s a simple trick that’s helped me stop overthinking and start taking action. Works for that morning run when all you want to do is stay in your warm bed!
Data, Not Drama: Get Out Of Your Head
Here’s a big one – stop spiralling, you anxious cucumber. Focusing on facts, not the drama we create in our heads, is key to staying grounded. When you’re in the thick of it, it’s easy to get caught up in emotional narratives that only add stress.
Instead, try to separate what’s really happening from the stories you’re telling yourself about it. This approach helps minimise emotional reactions and allows for more rational, effective problem-solving. It’s all about recognising the difference between what’s objectively true and what your brain is making up.
Metacognition: Think About Your Thinking
Okay, this one’s a bit fancy, but stick with me – it’s worth it. Metacognition is just a fancy word for being aware of your own thought processes. It’s like stepping outside yourself and watching how your brain works. This can be incredibly powerful in managing your emotions and reactions.
Cory Muscara explains it well: “Your awareness of your anger is not angry. Your awareness of your fear is not fearful. Your awareness of your pain is not in pain.”
By practising metacognition, you can gain better control over your responses and develop a deeper understanding of yourself.
So what are you going to do?
Life’s going to throw you some punches – it’s just a fact. But with these tools in your back pocket, you can pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep moving forward.
So next time life knocks you down, remember: you’ve got this. Just take it one step at a time, and before you know it, you’ll be back on your feet, stronger and more resilient than ever.
Ika’s Inklings 