Strategies for Building Mental Resilience When Life is Overwhelming.

One thing that is true, the sun rises daily!

C.G. Thomas

Disheartened, disconsolate, daunted, and disappointed are synonyms of the word discouraged.  That word or those words perfectly describe how I’ve been feeling as of late.  I’m generally a very jovial person and can easily go into “full squirrel mode” with my goofy antics and hearty laugh, however, I’ve found myself in a frustrated state more often than I would care to admit.  Feeling blue is not an isolated experience as I’m sure others are also suffering from a case of the “woe is me”, so… what do we do about it?  How do you find the mental capacity to stay encouraged when life gets to life-ing?  Let’s discuss a few of the steps I take to pull myself out of a somber mood. 

Meaningful Connections

When I feel overwhelmed, I don’t want to talk to anyone, and it is natural for me to want isolation.  It is so easy to sulk when no one is watching.  For this reason, I continually cultivate meaningful connections.  When situations become too much for me to handle, I reach out to my circle of supporters.  Finding inspiration from friends, family and sometimes strangers can be a great way to bolster up your gloomy mood. 

Retrospect

While there are countless reasons to feel angry, taking a moment to be retrospective can make a significant difference. By reflecting on the path that led us to our present state, acknowledging what could have been, and recognizing all that we have overcome, we can experience a shift in mood and find encouragement. This perspective can be incredibly empowering and help us appreciate the good in our lives amidst the challenges we face.

Move, move, move

Stress can have a significant impact on our health, but there are ways to combat it. Research, such as the study conducted by Harvard Health, has shown that exercise can be an effective way to reduce the effects of stress. Taking a daily walk or run for just a short amount of time can lower the risk of major depression, and in my personal experience, walking has also improved my mental agility and creativity. Don’t let stress hold you back – make time for exercise and work it out!

Listen, disappointment is natural and there is nothing wrong with a little sulking, however, you can’t stay there.  If you or a loved one are dealing with depression my advice will always be to seek professional counseling.  I have a weekly therapy session that allows me to unload, process, and find solutions to some of my grievances.  I don’t have all the answers, but I can provide you with a few of the golden nuggets that keep my spirits high. 

I’m going to leave you with this final statement:  The road may be a little rough right now but just know that he did not bring you this far to leave you.  I hope you’ve enjoyed your view inside the mind of Sugar Clark.

Be Blessed.