When things
aren't going well or we're just not feeling that great we all need support and encouragement.
For those who try to
tough it alone, it can be a difficult uphill battle. On the other hand
much wisdom, experience and insight that can be gained from friends,
family or colleagues who have been there and have learned what it
takes to prevail.
Before we get to the point of great difficulty, or in anticipation
of life's little setbacks, we should implement strategies or have a
support system in place to help us through some of those rough spots.
Here are some tips and strategies:
Turn to family and friends.
There is no substitute for family and good friends to support and
encourage you when the chips are down. Sometimes just talking to
someone can lift your spirits and help take the weight off your
shoulders. Having someone listen to your concerns helps make you
feel supported and understood, which in turn encourages you to look
at things differently.
Cultivate a variety of interests.
Read
more, go to the movies or a play, listen to great
music, enjoy beautiful
art, learn to dance. Engaging in healthy and mind-expanding
activities can preoccupy you when you need a healthy distraction.
Not only do they preoccupy you, they help you grow and develop,
therefore leave less time to brood or stay down for too long.
Exercise and play sports.
Have an assortment of exercises or fun
sports you can draw upon to work out and let off some pent up
energy and steam. There is nothing like a good workout to stimulate
your happy hormones (endorphins). The after-effects can last up to
three hours and put you in a positive frame of mind.
Take a short, affordable trip.
We all have someplace we've always wanted to visit, but just never
got around to. Travel to a big city such as New York City, Montreal,
Boston or Toronto and partake of the cultural treasures it has to
offer. It can expand your horizons and give you that
change of
scenery you need. If you happen to live in one of these bustling big
cities, take a trip to the country-side and enjoy the bucolic
surroundings.
Create a quiet place or sanctuary for
yourself.
Find a quiet place in your home, a corner in your local library, or
a park where to can go to meditate, contemplate or rejuvenate
yourself. In your home it could be a nice bubble bath with candles
and soft music
playing. In the library you could find a secluded
corner where you can curl up with a book and be lost to the world.
You can go for a stroll in the park and enjoy the flowers, trees and
birds and connect with the surroundings.
Volunteer at a hospital or a home for
the handicapped.
Take a day and volunteer your services to someone who needs your
help. Giving support is as important as receiving it. It would put
things in perspective.
Life is short. Learn to appreciate and make the best of it.
Rather than resorting to unhealthy outlets such as over-eating,
alcohol or other harmful substances when we are down, we can find
positive ways of expressing ourselves while at the same time building resilience.
We are here to build our resources, rather than deplete them or
bring harm to ourselves.
we all need support and encouragement. 