Grieving the death of a loved one, getting over a heart-wrenching breakup, or living with a clinical depression; the sadness, which hangs over your head can feel like a perpetual storm cloud and unbearable to live with.

Here are five helpful tips to act as your umbrella as you weather the storm.

1. Gather a Support Team – this includes your closest friends, family members, mentors, and if needed, a licensed counselor. Your support team should be made up of those who know what you’re going through and are willing to take that 3am tearful phone call. When we are depressed, our minds like to trick us into thinking that we are alone and nobody loves or cares about us. Let me be clear by saying that this is NOT TRUE. No matter what your situation may be, you have a Heavenly Father who loves you so incredibly much that He created you just to bring Himself joy; that’s how much you mean to our God.
2. Exercise – It is scientifically proven that when we exercise, our brains release endorphins: the name for a set of hormones that affect receptors in the brain, often reducing the sensation of pain or stress. After I go for a run or finish a dance-fitness class, I immediately feel a sense of relief and am able to put my depressive thoughts into perspective. (Not to mention toning your body at the same time – talk about killing two birds with one stone.)
3. Listen to Worship Music – Playing Christian music in the background throughout your day can help keep a calm, positive mindset and drive out any harmful thoughts. Some of my favorite artists include: Hillsong, Elevation Worship, Lauren Daigle, Bethel Music, and Jamie Grace.
4. Don’t Isolate Yourself – One of the most common tendencies of those struggling with depression is the desire to stay in bed and isolate yourself from the rest of the world. Although this feels safe & comforting in the moment, it is one of the most harmful things you can do to yourself as it increases your feelings of loneliness and separation. Go out on the town with some friends, facetime your bestie, or have a movie night with your gal pals. Whatever you do, don’t spend another night alone in your bed with only your wondering thoughts – plan ahead.
5. Be Gentle with Yourself – This is a lesson that I have to continually remind myself of. As a type-A perfectionist, I often beat myself up for feeling down, which ultimately makes those feelings worse. We need to have compassion with ourselves and realize that we won’t always feel this way, but for the present moment we need to be cradled instead of cut down.

I want to encourage you today that you are not alone and that it will get better. One of my favorite bible verses puts it this way, “The pain that you’ve been feeling can’t compare to the joy that’s coming.” -Romans 8:18

I hope that you will see this joy very soon and in the meantime, give these five tips a try. I am praying for you each & every day and I know that we can get through this together.

xo, Lex