Let’s face it: We’ve all been there. Maybe you’re there now. Maybe you feel like the world is coming out from under your feet and you have no control. Lost on how to handle this? I was too – especially after having to postpone my dream school for two years after high school. I’m sharing some of the ways I bring myself out of the dumps.

1. Let yourself completely acknowledge your feelings. I had a hard time learning this one. Growing up, I would sweep all my feels under the rug. The more and more I brushed everything off, the more difficult it got to clean up. One day, it all exploded. Not fun, friends. Not fun. My husband dropped some logic on me tonight and reminded me that if it seems scary, it’s probably the right thing to do. Don’t let your feelings scare you! The sooner you embrace them, the sooner you can address the issue and move forward.
2. Work it out, don’t drink it out. This is a game changer, people. I mean don’t get me wrong, I love enjoying a glass or five of wine as much as the next girl, but it’s not really going to help you like a good workout can. Alcohol is a depressant, and if I’m already having a tough time, I don’t really want to add to that. Instead, release those endorphins! For me, the pool is my happy place. I can completely zone out in the water while I train my little heart out and swim my worries away chasing that black line up and back each lap. If swimming is not your thing, just DO something. Anything active is a good choice! Running, biking, hiking, boxing, you name it! I promise you will feel better after. Plus, I bet the people around you will thank you when you’re less grumpy and all together a better human.
3. Trust The Man Upstairs. This might be the simplest, yet hardest on the list. It’s so easy to rely solely on ourselves. It’s so easy to get frustrated when things don’t go according to our plan. What’s truly difficult is giving it all to God and trusting that He will take care of you. I didn’t know how praying or spending time alone with God could help with anything really for a long time. The more challenges I face as I get older, the more I realize there is no other option than to rely on Him. My way simply doesn’t work. Seeing all the doors He’s opened up in my life has been nothing short of incredible and miraculous. Just the fact of you reading this blog is proof of that (but that’s a story for another blog). He planned it all better than I ever could have, and I continue to trust in that process.

Tough seasons are still hard no matter how many practices you put into place. This list does not mean I’m able to snap myself back into it every time I’m feeling down. Not even a chance. It is so HARD, but so worth it to have some routines in place that help you work through your tough seasons in a healthy way. Have any tips to share with me? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below! We’re in this together!