When everything that could possibly go wrong feels like it is, it’s enough to send you over the edge.
However, just because your life feels like it’s falling apart doesn’t mean it is. If you’re struggling to hold on to hope right now and are convinced that nothing will ever be okay again, here are some important things to remember.
1. You don’t need to have all the answers right now.
When life feels chaotic, it’s easy to think you need a plan to fix it all at once. The truth is, answers take time, and it’s okay to not know everything yet. Trying to figure everything out immediately just adds more stress. Take a step back, breathe, and let yourself find clarity bit by bit. Sometimes, giving yourself that grace is exactly what you need.
2. It’s okay to feel what you’re feeling.
When things get rough, it’s normal to want to push away the tough emotions. But allowing yourself to feel sad, scared, or frustrated is part of moving forward. Ignoring emotions only builds pressure, making everything feel heavier. Letting yourself experience your feelings helps release some of that weight. Emotions pass, and making room for them lets you process and heal.
3. You’re not alone, even if it feels like it.
In hard times, it’s easy to feel isolated, like no one else can understand. But chances are, other people have gone through similar challenges and would understand if you opened up. Reaching out for support might feel tough, but it can make all the difference. Knowing someone’s there for you, even just to listen, can lighten the load. You don’t have to go through it on your own.
4. Small steps count.
When life feels overwhelming, even small tasks can seem impossible. But taking just one small step at a time can start to shift things. Small progress is still progress, and every bit counts toward moving forward. You don’t need to tackle everything at once; tiny steps add up. Focusing on what you can do today keeps things manageable.
5. Setbacks don’t define you.
When things go wrong, it’s easy to feel like it’s a reflection of who you are. But setbacks are part of everyone’s journey and don’t take away from your worth. Each challenge is just one piece of your story, not the whole picture. Remembering that mistakes or failures don’t define you helps keep things in perspective. You’re allowed to struggle and still be moving forward.
6. Give yourself permission to slow down.
Life can feel overwhelming when you’re constantly pushing yourself to keep up or “fix” things quickly. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is take a step back and breathe. Slowing down doesn’t mean giving up; it just gives you space to think and recover. Rushing through hard times can make everything feel more chaotic. Taking it slow helps you find steadiness amid the storm.
7. Not everything has to be perfect.
In tough times, trying to keep everything perfect can feel like a way to stay in control. But perfectionism only adds more pressure and makes it harder to move forward. Allowing yourself to be imperfect can relieve some of the weight on your shoulders. It’s okay to do your best without everything looking flawless. Life’s messiness doesn’t make it any less valuable.
8. You’ve been through hard times before.
Think about other challenges you’ve overcome, even if they felt impossible at the time. Remembering past struggles reminds you that you’re stronger than you might feel right now. Each hardship you’ve survived has added to your resilience, even when you don’t see it. Knowing you’ve made it through before can give you strength. You’ve faced challenges, and you can face this one too.
9. Change is part of life.
When everything feels uncertain, it’s tempting to cling to how things were. But change is a natural part of life, even though it’s uncomfortable. Allowing yourself to accept change can help you adapt and find new ways forward. Resisting it only makes things feel harder. Embracing change, even slowly, helps you find peace in the unknown.
10. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish.
When life’s chaotic, self-care can feel like a luxury you don’t have time for. But looking after yourself helps you handle stress better and feel more grounded. Even small acts, like resting or doing something you enjoy, can make a huge difference. It’s okay to prioritise yourself when things feel hard. Taking care of yourself keeps you strong enough to face challenges.
11. You don’t have to solve everything today.
It’s tempting to try to “fix” everything as quickly as possible to feel back in control. But some problems need time, and pressuring yourself for instant solutions only adds stress. Breaking down challenges into manageable steps can ease the pressure. You’ll get there one day at a time. Giving yourself patience makes hard times feel a little lighter.
12. There’s no shame in asking for help.
Source: Unsplash When things feel overwhelming, it can be easy to think you have to handle it all yourself. But reaching out for support doesn’t mean you’re weak; it means you’re human. People often want to help, but sometimes they don’t know you’re struggling. Letting someone in can be a huge relief and remind you that you’re not alone. Support can make the journey a lot easier.
13. Growth often comes from challenges.
Source: Unsplash While it might not feel helpful in the moment, struggles often lead to some of our biggest personal growth. Difficult times teach us about our strength, resilience, and values. Overcoming challenges can shape you in ways you might not expect. Growth is rarely easy, but it brings a deeper understanding of who you are. Remembering this can help you find meaning, even in hard times.
14. This moment isn’t forever.
When life feels heavy, it can seem like things will never get better. But every difficult moment eventually passes, even if it takes time. Remembering that this phase won’t last forever can bring some comfort. Hard times come and go, just like the good ones. HHolding on tothat perspective can give you hope when you need it most.
