In the depths of the cold and cloudy winter, it can be hard to find things to be happy about. Whether you or someone you know is going through a hard time, it can take a toll on your mental health when you feel lost looking for a solution. Despite how dark times may feel, one thing to keep in mind is that you have the power to lift yourself up. Leaning on friends and support systems is important, but a shift in perspective can be the key to finding the path to happiness. If you find yourself stuck in a funk, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Look Within
Before reaching out for help, you have to be willing to change your perspective. Many people that suffer from mental illness, or even just an occasional case of the blues, feel helpless. The feeling of not being able to do anything and feeling as though everything is against you can be crushing. However, the important thing to realize is you have much more power than you think. You have the power to be happy and to make a change. All you need to do is ask.
Take Action
If you feel yourself slipping into a negative mindset, there are things you can do to help yourself. Seeking professional help may not be the route that everyone is most comfortable with, but it is still important to reach out. You don’t have to go through things alone. Asking for help is not something to be ashamed of. One thing to keep in mind is that no one is expected to know how to do everything without being taught first – like how your parents taught you to walk and talk. It is OK to need a little help being taught to deal with your emotions. You’re the one who has to be responsible for your own recovery. Speak up and say something!
It’s a Bad Day, Not a Bad Life
The path to a happy life is not easy or without rough patches. Pulling yourself out of a funk may take time and lots of effort, but it’s important to not be discouraged by setbacks. Here’s a quote to keep you going through the bad days: “It’s a bad day, not a bad life.” Positivity is another huge part of perspective that can cause a big difference. If you convince yourself that you will be unhappy forever, you probably will be. Finding the good things in every day, even the smallest of things, can open your eyes to the possibilities before you.
You Get What You Give
Similar to the last point, exuding positivity into the world will bring it back to you. Staying secluded and pushing other people away will only make yourself feel worse. As hard as it may be, giving your best effort to connect with other people and listen to what they say can expand your perspective. In almost every case, there is someone else around you who has gone through something similar to you. Tune into these people and lean on them for support rather than closing yourself off from the world.
Be Kind to Yourself
All of these suggestions are ways to take care of yourself mentally, but physical self care is also important. Remember to be kind to yourself and take time to care for your body. Sleep, nutrition and water are all important to your well-being, especially when you’re not feeling your best. Simple tasks like showering or brushing your teeth can also boost your motivation. Be patient with yourself. Healing is a process that takes time, and treating your body and mind well is a simple step to feeling better.
While all of these things are not one way tickets to happiness, they can be helpful in gaining the strength to move forward. The cycle of feeling hopeless and shutting down from the world is a tough one to break, but simply trying is the greatest first step. Changing a negative perspective can do wonders for one’s mental well-being, and it can get you moving in a more positive direction. While nothing is a quick and easy solution, being willing to help yourself is necessary to a full, positive recovery in life.