6. Do Something for Your Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
If you have already taken up some of the suggestions made in the last few days, then congratulations! You are already doing something for your emotional health, because as we learned yesterday, when you look after your gut, you look after your brain as well. Reducing your overall inflammation helps to clear the brain fog, so you can think more clearly, have more energy and cope better with what life may throw at you. Changes to diet and lifestyle can also help to lift depression and anxiety.
But what if that isn't enough?
Sometimes our mood and emotions run much deeper, and while diet and exercise may help, they aren't enough to get to the root cause. Thankfully there are some things you can do before turning to the aid of a therapist or drugs:
1. Journalling
Many people swear by journalling as a way to diffuse toxic thoughts and emotions. Writing down your feelings can help to get them into perspective so they don't consume you. Once you've got them onto paper, commit them to God in prayer and ask him to heal the wounds that caused them.
However, don't just write about the bad things! Use your journal to celebrate the good things in your life as well! If you have trouble knowing where to start, journalling prompts can be a great way to get you going. Using essential oils during the process can also help (more on that another time).
2. Share Your Burden with a Trustworthy Friend
I say "trustworthy" because you don't want to pour your heart out to someone who will spread your deepest feelings all over the place like a carpet! Choose someone who you know is the soul of discretion and will still respect you after you've told them your truth. It can be so healing to let go your burden to someone who is able to simply listen without trying to "fix" you, too. A good friend may also help you to pray it through if you are having difficulty doing this on your own. If you don't know anyone like that, then it might be time to think about seeing a counsellor instead.
3. Practise Mindfulness
Some people find mindfulness practices help them to get out of their heads. Mindfulness is all about being present. Becoming more aware of the people and things that are happening around you can help to make your own problems seem smaller. Some ways to take mindfulness to the next level are:
- Join a group that meets regularly and make an effort to engage in conversation without worrying what other people think about you. Human connection can make our own problems diminish.
- Go for regular walks in a local park or nature reserve, focus on the nearby flora and fauna and hear the sounds all around you. Feel the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. There is something about being in nature that helps to bring balance to our lives.
- Sign up to help a social welfare group - maybe at soup kitchen or an opshop. It's hard to get lost in your own thoughts when you are helping people!
I hope that one of these suggestions brings a spark of hope, if you are struggling today. Check the image above for some more ideas!
Have you found any other way to push through when you feel down? Please share below, so we can all benefit.
