WELLNESS

5 WAYS TO SUPPORT YOU THROUGH A CHALLENGING TIME

Written by: Amy Crawford @theholisticingredient

In every direction we look right now, people are facing a challenging time. But, Covid-19 aside, most of us were dealing with a challenge of some sort well before isolation kicked in; the loss of a loved one, the demise of a friendship, an unwell pet, ill health, a breakup. 
Life will never stop throwing challenges at us, and whilst we may be left wondering what we’ve done to deserve the difficulties, we may also question our capacity to find strength to push through.
Whatever the case, it’s important we remind ourselves that no matter the challenge, we’ve got all we need within us to help see us through. Here are 5 ways to support yourself through this time, and through every challenge you face. 

1. The tougher the challenge, the bigger the transformation.
To get up and out of a difficult time you are required to go deep within, to build new resilience muscles and to do the work required to see you to the other side.  It stands to reason then, that you can only come out the other side a stronger, wiser, more resilient version of you.
Always remember this as you navigate a challenge, as there is much comfort to be found in this learning.

2. Take time to feel all the feelings.
Sadness, grief, shame, guilt, frustration – whatever the feelings, it’s important that we never push them down and ignore them; what we push down will eventually find its way to the surface and too often it's via an inexplicable explosion of emotion, illness, anxiety or stress.
Feeling angry? Punch pillows, scream, speak your truth if appropriate. Sad? Let the tears roll (just don’t unpack and live there). Whatever the case, never forget that you're human - these feelings are there to be felt, and in time, let go.

3. Talk it out.
You know this - a problem shared is a problem halved, yes? 
Bottling things up, ruminating on lingering challenges, this can create far bigger problems. Maybe going out to meet a friend is the last thing you feel like doing. Yet, how often have you forced yourself to do just that and walked away feeling so glad you made the effort - relieved at the renewed perspective, or fuelled with new ideas to help navigate a way forward. 
4. Make selfcare a priority.
With significant emotion and struggle comes stress. With stress comes a compromised immune system, poor sleep, and even poorer food choices. And on the roller coaster goes!
It’s time to prioritise your selfcare. Focus on nourishing yourself with a wholefood diet; minimise alcohol intake and remind yourself that it is not your friend (sure, it will feel good in the moment, but ultimately it'll only exasperate your issue); prioritise sleep; mediate; take walks in nature; be selective about the media you consume and the TV shows you binge.
Whatever the case, keep it simple and be kind to yourself. No energy for a gym session? Go for a gentle walk over your lunch break instead. Can’t find the energy to cook healthy meals this week? Call in a healthy home delivery service.

Visit Wellness Hub, Amy Crawford @theholisticingredient