In a nutshell, here are five things that to do during challenging times:
Control what you can (sleep, food, workouts, people around you)
Life is messy and so much is OUT of our control, but assert control in the areas that you can. Taking control of things like your sleep, your nutrition, the ability to get a workout in and the people around you will help immeasurably.
Focus on the Positives
Although it’s a challenge, try not to give into negative self talk. Negative talk will only serve to send you further down the rabbit hole. Try to avoid the ‘what if’ loop as much as you can…you know, the ‘what if this happens? what if that happens?’. The 5 second rule helps to get you out of this loop. Say ‘5, 4, 3, 2, 1 – and then think of something positive. Surrounding your self with positive people is a must, in challenging times and always!
Give Yourself Something to Look Forward To
There is something called ‘future casting’. Tell yourself ‘I’ll get through this’ and then by visualizing yourself doing something positive it’s a reminder that you actually will get through the challenge.
Use the ‘5 second rule’ (from Mel Robbins)
Know that nothing is permanent and that unpleasantness will pass. The 5 second rule is basically a mental trick to help you move forward and avoid procrastination. When you have an instinct to do something, your brain will find excuses to avoid action if you don’t move ahead in 5 seconds. So give yourself the countdown: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 – and then move! Action relieves anxiety and motion beats mediation to help you get through challenging times. Do something to help your cause. (Make sure to read Mel Robbins book: The 5 Second Rule)
Reward Yourself
Even in the darkest of times, find something positive and give yourself a pat on the back. You don’t necessarily need to break out the champagne, but finding the smallest of wins to give yourself a high five for will help pull you out of a pit.
You’ll weather the storms of life more easily when you’re healthy and maintaining good health is more mindset than anything else.
If you need some help along the way with your health goals and a supportive community of positive women behind you, go here. Having direction, being accountable and having support, especially during challenging times can make all the difference in the world.
