5 Tips For Dealing With What Life Throws At You

Dear Life: Ow. I Wasn't Ready To Catch That!  

I had another post planned today. One that included pictures from pinterest. However, there are so many pictures on pinterest that are not linked back to their original source that I could just scream.  What that means in plain English is, I gave up.

So, instead, quick tips for dealing with what life throws at you and how to get through those moments that make you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Note: life will throw stuff at you. A lot. This I know to be true. These tips are easy to remember and easy to employ.

1. Remember to Breathe
This seems like a given, but in times of stress you'll find that you can get all locked up and tight and honestly, completely forget to take deep, cleansing breaths. You can also forget during less stressful times. So all together now, breathe in deeply. Breathe out deeply. I like to take it a step further and use yoga breathing, or Pranayama and you can learn how to properly breathe this way here. It can do wonders.

2. Laugh As Much As Possible
Imagine, if a smile is a mood changer (literally, there is plenty of research on it) what would laughter do for you?  Even at times of major upheaval or challenge, when you can find something to laugh about you'll feel all the better for it.  Remember, sometimes if you don't laugh, you'd cry.

3. Do What You Can, When You Can
That is to say, don't expect too much from yourself. You are not a superhero.  Everyone deals with things in their own way and in their own time. Do what you 'can' do at that moment, and don't focus on what you can't do. Leave it at that.


4. Take Time For Yourself
If we could only remember this one thing, we'd all be better for it. Whether it's a moment of sitting in the sunshine, taking a walk, having a cuppa tea, or taking a bath- stealing moments that are just for us can help us be 'in the moment' and wash away the rest of the flotsam and jetsam.


5. Do Something For Somebody Else
Did life throw you a curve ball? Facing a big challenge? Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Take a break from 'your' stuff for a minute by doing something for someone else. It can be someone you're close to, or perhaps a random act of kindness for a stranger, but when you do something for someone else it just makes you feel better immediately. Give and you shall receive (perhaps a small bit of peace).

What do you do when life is overwhelming you for whatever reason? Do you have a coping strategy that helps get you through until things are better? And it's OK if it's a bowl of ice cream. Really.

Here's hoping life throws you a spoon for the ice cream today, instead of a curve ball.

Make it a great one.

Ciao for now,