How to Handle The Hard Times Better

Are you going through it?

We all have at some point in our lives.

Life has its ups and downs, and the older I get, the more I realize that we can’t wait for things to get easier (because they won’t)—we just start to handle hard things better.

>> If you’re looking to level up, here are a few things that kept me on track and mentally well when I’m working on handling the hard stuff better. <<

☮️ Pray, meditate & journal

I find peace in prayer. Religious or not, finding a quiet space for you to process thoughts and emotions is healing. For me, this looks like journaling or a walk outside—yes, even in the winter—and other times it’s a silent prayer in my bed at night. Do what works for you and do not skip this. Just like your body needs recovery after a workout, your mind needs recovery from the daily grind. What would it take for you to slow down for yourself?

🏃 Participate in joyful movement

I used to think the only kind of valuable exercise was high-intensity cardio.🙄 Now, moving my body looks different because I make mental health a priority in the movement. Joyful movement means exercising in a way that brings me happiness, like taking a long hike in nature or doing yoga with my husband and laughing in between (very) loud groans. I’m no pretzel 🙃. What movement brings you joy?

😔 Say Sorry

In times of high stress, we are bound to make mistakes and take things out on others. While I do my best to keep that in check, it happens. We are all human. I’ve learned to give myself grace and get comfortable with genuinely apologizing. Apologies are born from healthy vulnerability and they build community. Apologies bring people together. I’m not above saying sorry and making things right, and it’s why, even on friendship’s rockiest roads, I have lifers by my side.

🚫 Say No

10 years ago, I said “yes” to way too many things—going out when I didn’t want to, taking on more when I didn’t have the capacity to do so, and supporting others when I was emotionally drowning. When it comes to my happiness, I stay open to possibilities while prioritizing myself and saying “yes” to things that spark joy. My social calendar is lighter, to be sure, and it is usually filled with the things that most enrich my life.

Whatever you’re walking through, remember: you’re not alone, and you don’t have to have it all figured out. Start small. Pick one thing. Show up for yourself today, and then again tomorrow. That’s how resilience is built.💪