If you've been feeling like the human version of the "this is fine" meme lately - sitting in a burning room - you're not alone. Even psychologists have noticed this general sense of fatigue. How do you keep going when the world around you seems like a huge, unstoppable fire?
Apparently, “quiet times” are an illusion, so it’s better to focus on what we can control. If you don’t have the opportunity to talk to a therapist, we’ve compiled some simple and valuable advice from 12 mental health professionals.
1. Set priorities and don't get overwhelmed
When everything seems catastrophic, ask yourself this question: “Will this bother me in two days, two months, or two years?” If the answer is “no,” then don’t beat yourself up. Focus on what really matters in the long run.
2. Move your body, release energy
When you feel overwhelmed, find a space and move your body. Shake your hands, your feet, your whole body, as if you were shaking water. Even a small minute of this movement helps release negative energy and calm the nervous system.
3. Accept what you can't control.
The world is unpredictable, and you can't stop everything that happens. But there is one thing you can control: how you react. Focus on the things you can manage, like how you take care of yourself and others, and find strength in those things.
4. Accept reality without fighting it.
Radical acceptance is a technique that helps you cope with stress. Instead of fighting your feelings, accept them without judgment. If something can't be changed, focus on strategies that make you feel better: a good book, a walk, a conversation with a loved one.
5. Take small steps.
When things seem bleak, don't try to solve everything at once. First, take a deep breath. Drink a glass of water. Send a message to someone who supports you. Even the smallest actions can help break the cycle of stress.
6. Close the windows to the outside world
When reality is chaotic, make your world smaller. Disconnect from social media and the news for a while. Focus on something concrete and simple: washing dishes or reading a novel. These activities help you feel calmer.
7. Rely on people who appreciate you
No matter how hard things are, you are not alone. Lean on the people who love you. If you feel isolated, seek out a community that makes you feel accepted and protected. Connecting with others is one of the most powerful ways to get through tough times.
8. Come back to yourself
When everything seems like a big mess, take care of your body and mind. Eat foods that give you energy, get enough sleep, and move your body. Also, do something that helps you feel useful: help a friend, do some volunteer work, cuddle a puppy.
9. Remember what you have faced before
Look back and remember the challenges you've faced in the past. Things that seemed impossible then are now just memories. You've been through it and you've made it. You'll make it now too.
10. Connect feelings with gratitude
When you feel down, find a way to reconnect with others. This could be a heartfelt conversation, a thank-you message, or a moment of reflection. Also, practice gratitude without denying reality: “I’m tired, and I’m grateful for the good things I have.”
11. Allow yourself to feel
When stress is high, find a place where you feel safe and name your feelings: are you scared, tired, stressed? Write them down, draw them, or talk about them. When you name your feelings, they become more manageable.
12. Find joy everywhere
You don't have to be productive at all times. If you feel overwhelmed, stop and take a break. Find something that brings you joy, even if it's just a small thing: a song that makes you dance, a movie that makes you laugh, a moment of peace in nature. These are the details that keep you strong.
When the world seems boring, remember that every new day is an opportunity to start over.
Sources: Wondermind
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