Life Is A Struggle – Here’s What To Do To Feel Better
Ever feel like life is a struggle? If so, here’s exactly what you need to do to overcome all of life’s struggles.
Let’s chat about what to do when life is a struggle.
First things first: this feeling is normal.
Life is full of obstacles and challenges and these obstacles and challenges can by default feel like a struggle.
However just because this feeling is normal doesn’t mean you have to suffer your way through life.
When life feels like a struggle, it’s important to prioritize self-care and seek support.
Here are some helpful steps you can take to navigate difficult times:
LIFE IS A STRUGGLE
TIP 1: Acknowledge Your Feelings
I think it’s super important that you stop and acknowledge your feelings. Say those words out loud to yourself: YES THIS FEELS HARD FOR ME RIGHT NOW.
Recognize and accept the emotions you’re experiencing. Then do your best to neutralize your stronger negative feelings. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, stressed, or sad. Allow yourself to acknowledge and process your emotions with zero judgment. All your feelings are showing you is that you are a normal HUMAN.
LIFE IS A STRUGGLE
TIP 2: Reach Out for Support
Keep in mind that you can always ask for help. Help is always available when you need it – you will just need to seek it out.
Connect with friends, family, or a mental health professional. Sharing your struggles with someone you trust will provide you emotional support and a different perspective. Sometimes all we need to do is hear some helpful words of wisdom.
LIFE IS A STRUGGLE
TIP 3: Break Down Tasks
If tasks seem insurmountable, my best advice is to break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. This is my secret to success and getting things done – take baby steps.
Life isn’t a race. Life also isn’t a contest. Knowing that you can take things slow can make your challenges feel less overwhelming and help you focus on one thing at a time.
LIFE IS A STRUGGLE
TIP 4: Prioritize Self-Care
Just like you might take care of your loved ones, it’s also important that you take care of YOU. Prioritze taking care of your physical and mental well-being because when you don’t it will negatively impact every area of your life.
Ensure you get enough sleep (ideally 8 hours every night), eat nourishing meals that make your body feel good, engage in physical activity (ideally 30 minutes a day), and practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.
LIFE IS A STRUGGLE
TIP 5: Set Realistic Goals
When your life feels like a struggle, it’s important that you establish achievable goals for yourself. Instead of trying to solve everything at once, make sure to focus on setting small, realistic steps that contribute to your well-being and progress.
Don’t try to do everything at once. Don’t think you have to solve all the problems in the world in one day. It’s normal to feel a little stretched but not stretched so much that you feel like you are about to break.
LIFE IS A STRUGGLE
TIP 6: Create a Routine
The reason I advocate having a routine is because it makes us feel safe and secure. Establishing a routine will also add structure to your day and create a sense of stability.
A routine can include regular sleep patterns, mealtimes, and designated moments for relaxation. So even though the outside world may feel chaotic right now, at least your inner world and sanctuary is predictable in some way.
LIFE IS A STRUGGLE
TIP 7: Limit Stressors
Okay so I think it goes without saying: when you are struggling in life, you absolutely don’t want to add additional stressors to your life. Do your best to identify and minimize your sources of stress where possible.
This may involve setting boundaries, saying no to additional commitments, or finding ways to delegate tasks. If it leads to less stress, this is a good action to take!
LIFE IS A STRUGGLE
TIP 8: Practice Mindfulness
Cultivate mindfulness by staying present in the moment. Right here, right now, everything is okay. Take a deep breath and remind yourself you are safe at this very second. Mindful practices, such as meditation or mindful breathing, can definitely help manage your stress and anxiety.
LIFE IS A STRUGGLE
TIP 10: Seek Professional Help
There is absolutely nothing wrong with seeking professional help when you need it. Rather than being a sign of weakness, I want you to see it as a sign of massive strenght.
If your struggles persist or become overwhelming, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. They can provide guidance, support, and coping strategies tailored to you and your specific situation.
LIFE IS A STRUGGLE
TIP 11: Express Yourself Creatively
I can’t imagine getting through each day without journalling. It makes me feel so much lighter (emptying my brain out of all the heavy thoughts it is carrying) and helps me view my struggle’s through a more objective perspective.
When you do this – journal or engage in creative outlets like writing, art, or music to express your feelings, you will find that some of your negative feelings will start to dissipate. Creativity can be a therapeutic way to process emotions and gain clarity.
LIFE IS A STRUGGLE
TIP 12: Reflect on Your Values
Consider what is truly important to you. Reflecting on your values can help guide decision-making with regards to any struggles you are facing and help you focus on what matters most in challenging times.
LIFE IS A STRUGGLE
TIP 13: Stay Connected
Even if it’s difficult, do your best to maintain social connections. Isolation can exacerbate feelings of struggle, so reaching out to friends or participating in social activities will provide you with some much-needed support.
LIFE IS A STRUGGLE
TIP 14: Set Realistic Expectations
I think it’s also important that you learn to manage your expectations well, both for yourself and others. Understand that it’s okay not to have everything figured out, and setbacks are a natural part of life. Understand that some struggles are normal and they can be an opportunity to gain strength and resilience in life.
LIFE IS A STRUGGLE
TIP 15: Celebrate Small Wins
When it feels like everything is going wrong, you still have the opportunity to focus on finding something that has gone right. Acknowledge and celebrate small victories, no matter how minor. Recognizing your achievements, no matter how small, will help boost your confidence and motivation. More importantly, it will help you focus on an attitude of gratitude even during tough times.
LIFE IS A STRUGGLE
TIP 16: Focus on the Present
Instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, focus on JUST TODAY – only on the present moment. You can worry about tomorrow tomorrow. For now take it one step at a time and concentrate on what you can control, which are your thoughts, feelings and actions in this given moment.
In the end, remember that it’s okay to seek professional help when you are struggling, and that reaching out to supportive friends or family can make a significant difference in your life.
Of course taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is a daily practice but this is great work to do when you’re facing struggles and challenges in life, however big or small.
I wish you the best of luck, Frances xxx
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Hey, I’m Frances Vidakovic! I help you live a richer, lighter life while pursuing dreamy goals – without sacrificing your soul, sanity or family life. 🫶🏻 Author. Coach. Course Creator. DON’T DIE UNHAPPY! → Wake up. Do what matters. Savour it all 🌷