We are our own worst critics, right? We are the number one enemy to ourselves and for me, January can be a constant battle with my mental state of mind. One of the topics that I wanted to discuss more in 2019 was mental health. I’m sure many of you go through it too, many probably in silence.
Blogging for me has become such an important part of my life. It gives me more purpose and makes me work harder than ever before. So that’s probably why this month is a tough one for me. Businesses are just coming back online after the festive season and that can often mean that work is slow too. I can sort of feel myself slipping into that feeling where nothing really seems to be going anywhere but I need to get myself out of that because it isn’t healthy for me.
Find Your Comfort
When it comes to this time of year, the weather is horrid and the mornings are dark and the evenings draw in so early. Therefore, I often find myself yearning to exercise and when I’m there, I love it. It’s getting there that’s the difficult part. Finding your comfort, whether that’s lounging on the sofa with a hot chocolate or wine, reading a book, doing sports – whatever it is, make it a priority because I like doing it when I’m feeling low. It makes me feel alive again and more like myself.
Don’t Beat Yourself Up
It’s easier said and done but the last thing you want when you’re feeling like shit, is to add more negativity by criticising yourself. Perhaps something went wrong at work or you’ve had a falling out with a friend, things have a way of sorting themselves out. Life is funny like that and I’ve realised in 26 years of being on this earth, that it’s really not worth sweating the small stuff. If you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out to someone because talking about the crap really helps.
Figure Out What’s Getting To You
Figuring out life itself is complicated and I feel it’s probably a life long journey. The same goes for knowing who I am and what I love and like to surround myself with. For example, my family and sharing time with family and friends is very important to me. But I also like my independence, being comfortable in my own company. No one has all of the answers unfortunately but you can help yourself by working out what it is that’s making you feel unhappy. At the end of the day, we all strive to be happy and content with life, so I believe we owe it to ourselves, to find the things that make us happy.
So think about the cause. Perhaps it’s your workplace, a relationship in your life or body confidence that’s making you feel this way.
I could talk forever about mental health and that’s a good thing. Because I think everyone should. Too many of us stay silent about our mental health and I hope it changes this year. Take a break when you need to and listen to your body.
