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Life isn’t a straight line. Instead, it’s a combination of ups and downs, successes and failures, twists and turns. I strongly believe society and the education system does not prepare young people enough to face this fact.
As a consequence, going through difficult experiences leaves many unable to handle the situation and move forward. Hence, we have compiled a list of three key things to do in order to ensure that you stay well and able to go forward in life.
Perhaps one of the most common occurrences in the aftermath of a tough experience is the tendency for people to neglect their well-being. Self-care takes a back seat quietly and we completely disregard the importance of looking after our physical and mental health. However, this can be incredibly detrimental in the long run and requires immediate attention.
A key step to ensure you are looking after yourself is to attempt to maintain your routine as much as possible. Make a conscious effort each day to stick to the basics – have a good sleep schedule, eat a diet centred around whole foods and exercise. If you begin to find this challenging, you can write out your routine in a journal or on your phone – this way you can easily consult the notes and even set reminders on your device. If need be, ask a friend to help you keep motivated. Ensure you seek immediate medical attention if you feel physically unwell.
In terms of mental health, it is important to establish a fine balance between spending time alone and being in a group with family or friends. On one hand, it is vital to set aside some time in your day for quiet self-reflection and meditation. At the same time, one should not completely isolate oneself from social contact. In your own time, take gradual steps to talk to friends and family, have video calls and even consider engaging in online support groups.
On the topic of isolating yourself, a key benefit of taking time to self-reflect is the opportunity to examine and analyse our emotions. One way to do this is through journaling. It is often much too difficult to talk to someone about our experiences in the beginning, thus, writing about them is an easier way to release our feelings. Robert N. Kraft, professor of cognitive psychology at Otterbein University, states that through the act of journaling “we get to know ourselves by revealing our most private fears, thoughts, and feelings”, “we are able to stand apart from our own writing and study it as an artefact for self-revelation”.1 Nevertheless, it is important to use this technique strategically. Journaling should not turn into an instrument of self-hatred, blame and hopelessness. It must be a vehicle for taking a step back and putting everything into perspective, with the aim of evaluating the situation better.
We often feel alone in our struggle but chances are that someone out there in the world has gone through a similar experience. Simply by acknowledging this fact, you will get a sense of inclusion. Whether we know these individuals personally or not, we can learn plenty from the experiences of others.
Living in the digital age gives us the unique opportunity to have access to many different people and their stories. Whether or not they have the same perspectives and beliefs as us, we have the chance to gain incredible insights simply by reading or hearing about what they have been through.
On a final note, as challenging as it is to regain our sense of control and optimism after a difficult experience, neglecting our health can have dire consequences in the long term. It is normal to feel down. Your feelings and thoughts are valid. You must acknowledge all your emotions. But amidst all of this, remember that your health must come first. Take small but tangible steps for your physical and emotional wellbeing each day. Difficult experiences will come and go, but it’s our ability to deal with them and our reactions that will have the most long-lasting effects.
With all my love and gratitude to you.
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