We typically prefer to talk about tragedy from a safe distance. If something bad must happen, then we want to be on the other side, offering heartfelt platitudes and next steps. But what happens when you are the one in trouble? What happens when you have exhausted all your tidy plans? How do you recover from a year that gave you a failed business, a broken relationship and a crisis with mental health? Or, how do you simply recover from pain when hit rock bottom?
While we do not have perfect answers, there are a few general ideas that might help you make a tiny bit of sense and see past the challenges of the day. So as the year moves towards an end, here are a few tips to help you if you think you’ve hit rock bottom.
Refuse Defeat
This is first a mental than physical. Exhaustion begins in the mind because we constantly manifest what we think. I know it sounds cliche and impossible, but if you can find a way to rid your mind of negative or toxic thoughts, then you are well on your way to finding your feet. It can be as simple as deciding not to give in to defeat. You don’t have to figure out the solution to the problem. It’s enough to be willing to clear your mind of negative thoughts.
Talk to someone
If you’re at an all-time low, you may not always be able to afford a therapist. But find someone you can share with and unburden yourself to. The idea is not always for them to have a solution. If they do, that’s great but sometimes all you need is a listening ear or a comforting hug. Or they may have been where you are and they’re own experience and how they got out of it, may help you as well. They won’t share this if they don’t know what you’re going through so allow yourself to be vulnerable and open up.
Affirm yourself
Don’t only talk to other people, talk to yourself as well. Encourage yourself in the same way you would encourage someone else. Tell yourself you’ll get through this. We tend to be kinder with words to others than to ourselves, meanwhile, your body and soul are listening and responding. Don’t beat yourself up with your words, speak love and life to yourself.
Take a break from ‘life’ and reset
If you can afford to go on a retreat or change your environment in some way, do so. Sometimes you need to remove yourself from your current environment and clear your head, so you can figure things out. If you’ve hit rock bottom financially and this isn’t an option then try and shut out the noise where you are. Lock yourself in your room, turn off your data, put your phone on silent and just do nothing tasking. Read a book, sleep, relax. This can help you recuperate and come back better. If you’re depressed though, don’t stay alone for too long.
As they say, when you hit rock bottom, the only way to go is back up. All is not lost, you can go through this experience and come back better and stronger. It may not seem like it now, but it is possible.