There are moments in your life when you feel like there is no hope. Everything you try is not working out, and it won’t matter what you do to change it because that won’t work either. There is no end in sight to your plight and you just can’t seem to view the glass as half full.
Please note, this can be a very serious situation. If you have thought about harming yourself or others, please get professional help. If you are feeling blue and can’t sem to think positively, you can get out of this type of funk. Try these simple ideas to help you feel better, and most importantly, be hopeful about the future.
Write down what you want in life
When we write something down, it makes it more real. It helps us organize and define exactly what we want instead of just having a thought floating around our mind. You can more easily make a plan to achieve your goal. You may start by writing something simple, like paying your bills on time each month. Or taking a vacation to a particular destination. By specific with your goals, and don’t be afraid to dream big.
Listen/watch positive media
Sometimes there is a certain movie that makes us feel motivated. Maybe the character is going through a similar situation. Perhaps the theme song makes you want to get up and go for it. Spend a significant amount of time listening to these positive sources of media. Let them lift your mood, inspire you and get you moving. Whenever you feel a bad mood coming on, find your favorite entertainment and just push play.
Talk to a friend
Hopefully we all have a friend we can turn to. Your spouse, or your mom, or whoever it may be, wants to listen; don’t hesitate to reach out to them. They don’t need to solve your problems, but just listening to you can be comforting. Getting your problems and concerns out in the open will help. Your problem won’t sound as big as you thought it was. Your friends can have advice you hadn’t through about before, or can validate your frustrations. Talking out problems can help work through whatever it is you need.
Exercise
When we are feeling down or just grumpy, the quickest way to feel better is to go out and sweat. Get your heart beat up and feel the endorphins. Exercise can not only help you physically, but mentally as well. Kicking a ball, hitting a punching bag, running, dancing, whatever it is you like to do, go out and do it. It will honestly help you feel better.
Get your mind off of it
If you are stressing about something specific, give yourself a break. Just getting your mind off a problem can help you solve it. And if not, a mental break gives you a moment to calm down. Spend time with family, meditate, read a book, be creative; something that will allow your brain to focus on something else. You can always return to the issue at another time but with a clearer head.
Pray
When you are really feeling truly hopeless, the best thing to do is pray. Speak to God, one-on-one. Knowing there is a greater plan and someone who cares about you when you feel no one else does can help you calm down and feel peace.
There is always hope. Even in your darkest moments, there is always something to keep you moving and help you overcome whatever is alleging you. Don’t give up. Reach out for help if you need it. Relax and don’t forget to breath. This too will pass, and you will be stronger as a result.