Everyone has those couple of days, weeks, or sometimes even months where life just seems to throw everything your way.
It may feel like everything is downward spiraling exponentially and nothing is ever going to be okay again.
It can feel like you're drowning in your issues and won't ever be able to resurface.
Then, finally you think you got ahead of the game and boom... something else happens that throws another wrench into your life.
This can be detrimental to one's mental health and can ultimately decrease productivity.
It can also lead to outbursts, negativity, mood swings, headaches, unhealthy dieting, lack of sleep, etc.
But, as we all know these times are all just a part of life and everything will turn out to be okay eventually.
Although we know it will be okay eventually, eventually may seem like a lifetime so, here are some mantras that help me get through all of the challenges that life decides to throw at me:
1. Remember your character.
During tough times it can be really easy to lose who you are. It can feel as though you are drowning in your thoughts, your feelings, and life itself and because of that, you may turn into someone you would typically loathe and that no one wants to be around. Take some time to go outside where your space is filled with nothing but the pure sounds of nature and really reflect on who you are and how you want to handle the situations you are in.
2. Everything going on will come to an end.
When one thing after another keeps happening it may seem never ending but I promise you, it will end. Keep this in mind during times like this because it will help you get to the end of it faster. Telling yourself that everything will be okay soon will make your attitude towards the situation more positive which will not only make the situation not seem as bad but it will also help you get to the end quicker.
Allowing yourself to accept and move on from situations is a big part of helping yourself through life's struggles. If you keep harping on everything that keeps happening to you chances are more things are going to happen because you are perceiving your current state of life as being negative. Start to think positively and you will be able to move on to the next chapter.
4. This is only going to make you stronger.
Taking different angles and approaches to your struggles is key in tough situations. If you fail a test you're going to take a different approach to the next test so, that you can hopefully receive a better grade. Try to think of your struggles in the same aspect and you will undoubtedly become stronger and more prepared for the next time life throws everything at you.
5. I can do this.
Sometimes all you have to do is just tell yourself "I got this." Grab your situations by the horns, conquer them, and move on.
6. Deep breathe in, deep breathe out.
Breathing is the most overlooked solution to problems but often the most helpful when done properly. Taking a few minutes here and there out of your day to simply breathe is something that is easily manageable for anyone and can help ease the mind immensely.
7. Your present situation is not your final destination.
Your present situation is just a small portion of your lifetime. You have so much more to experience, learn, and grow from. Remember that.
8. If you won't remember it when you're 40 it doesn't matter.
Chances are that when you are 40 years old you aren't going to remember that time in college when life threw struggles at you left and right. It may seem like the biggest deal in the world when it is happening but there are so many more important things that are going to happen to you.
9. All I can do for right now is my best.
If you're doing your best and that's all you can manage then that should be good enough for you. Don't stress.
10. I am in control.
You are in control of your thoughts, feelings, behavior, and actions but nothing else. You are not in control of what happens to you but you are in control of how you handle it. Take what happens to you and trust yourself to handle it and handle it well.
11. "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their own dreams." -Eleanor Roosevelt
Just because you are going through some hard times doesn't mean you should lose sight of your dreams. Use the beauty of your own dreams to help you get through your struggles.
12. One step at a time.
When life decides to throw everything at you at once taking one step at a time is the most important thing you can do. Even the smallest step towards solving your problems can make a world of a difference during times like these. Don't pressure yourself. Forward is forward.
