Switch thoughts; think of all the good things in your life. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

5 Things to Remember When You're Stressed, Low, Or When Nothing is Going Right

Life is a steel-toed boot that will kick you when you're already down, but its up to you to put up a fight back.

121
5 Things to Remember When You're Stressed, Low, Or When Nothing is Going Right

In This Article:

Sometimes it feels like the world is fighting against you in a thousand different ways. Whether the person you're crushing on has neglected you, your family issues have escalated, or your mental health is being tested, it feels like you're surrounded by swords at all sides, and one wrong move and you're skewered.

There are only so many things you can tell yourself to fight the onslaught of life's jabs. However, there are a few reminders that I use to feel better, and you can use them if you find them helpful too.


Breathe.

Giphy

As much as it hurts or as stressed as you are, you are alive. You are okay. Breathe to remember that, and so you don't pass out. As long as you breathe, even if you're crying, you'll feel a little better. Slowing your heart rate is a great first step to calming yourself down.

Switch thoughts; think of all the good things in your life.

Giphy

You don't have to believe in the divine to remember how lucky you are. Think of every person who loves you, every good thing you've ever experienced, every bout of good luck you've ever had. Just simmer with that for a minute, and realize there are greater things in life ahead than the bad things happening right now. There are more important moments ahead of you, and you are not facing the end of the world.

If you need to, talk it out with someone. 

Giphy

While it could be the hardest part of the whole situation, there's always someone there for you. A therapist, your parents, friends, anyone -- you can talk to these people just to get things off your chest, for advice, anything. You are never truly alone, and there are always options when you're feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or down. Communicating how you feel, verbalizing your emotions, can sometimes be the answer for people. It depends on the person.

Take time for yourself. 

Giphy

Not everyone can deal with talking it out at first. Some people need to be alone to rationalize the issues at hand. There's nothing wrong with that either, but don't shut yourself out of people's lives for the sake of your own. If they truly care, they'll respect that you need space and give you what you need. In this reflective time, don't start blaming people or blaming yourself. Objectively look at the situation and make an unbiased, Switzerland-like conclusion.

Never forget that you are great.

Giphy

You are an amazing person, inside and out. No matter the circumstance, you are strong for handling it. You are a rolling stone, and you will get through this turmoil. Never forget your worth or your own happiness, and how it definitely matters more than another's.

Whether these reminders work for you or not, know that you are not alone. You can find help if you need it or rationalize it in your own time by yourself. You are a wonderful person, and I'm sorry for whatever you're going through. No one truly knows how one feels until they walk in your shoes. Just don't be afraid to let someone borrow your sneakers.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
girl

If it hurts now, it'll hurt again. Not because you're gullible or naive, only because you fall fast, hard, and you do it every time.

We fall each and every time with the complete and utter confidence that someone will be there to catch us. Now that person we SWORE we were never going to fall for has our hearts, and every time we see them our palms start sweating. The butterflies in our stomach start to soar and our hearts are entirely too close to bursting out of our chests.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Things Only Equestrians Understand

Yes, it IS a sport. Yes, I fall all the time. No, I do not ride in jeans with a cowgirl hat on.

412
horses
Barn Pros

Growing up I have always wanted to own a horse. My grandparents own a well known equestrian facility in Georgia, so I have been riding since I was born. A bond between a person and their horse is a bond so strong that it cannot be broken. Everywhere I went I wanted to be around horses, even forcing my family to go on trail rides during vacations. Horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember has taught me great responsibility, as well as 14 things that all equestrians can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
man wearing white top using MacBook
Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

College is super hard. Between working, studying, and having a social life, it feels like a struggle to just keep afloat.

I understand. When you feel like your drowning and there's no way to stay afloat I understand that it feels like everyone else is doing just fine. I understand all the frustration, long nights in the library, and that feeling that you want to just throw in the towel. I understand that sometimes it's too hard to get out of bed because your brain is already filled with too much information to remember. I understand because I am also feeling pretty burnt out.

Keep Reading...Show less
No Matter How Challenging School Gets, You Have To Put Your Health First — A Degree Won't Mean Anything If You're Dead
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

Some of the best advice I've ever received was from my social studies teacher in sophomore year of high school. He stated, "If you don't know it at midnight, you're not going to know it for the 8 a.m. exam, so get some sleep."

It's such a simple piece of advice, but it holds so much accuracy and it's something that the majority of college students need to hear and listen to. "All-nighters" are a commonality on college campuses in order to cram in studying for an exam that is typically the next day.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Warnings About College To Incoming Freshmen As Told By Gifs

College is hard, but you will make it through.

617
college just ahead sign
Wordpress

1. You will have that special "college" look to you.

2. You will feel like an adult but also feeling like a child.

3. You will have classes that are just the professor reading from their lecture slides for an hour.

4. You will need to study but also want to hang out with your friends.

5. Coffee is your best friend.

6. You don't know what you're doing 99% of the time.

7. You will procrastinate and write a paper the night before it is due.

8. Money is a mythical object.

9. It is nearly impossible to motivate yourself to go to classes during spring.

10. The food pyramid goes out the window.

11. You will have at least one stress induced breakdown a semester.

12. Most lecture classes will bore you to tears.

13. You will not like all of your professors.

14. You will try to go to the gym... but you will get too lazy at some point.

15. When you see high school students taking tours:

16. You will try to convince yourself that you can handle everything.

17. Finals week will try to kill you.

18. You won't like everyone, but you will find your best friends sooner or later.

19. You actually have to go to class.

20. Enjoy it, because you will be sad when it is all over.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments