Even When the Road is Dark

Things that can help get you through a difficult period.

1. Positive mentality

One of the most maligned methods. So much easier said than done. How on earth am I to think positively when all this objectively terrible stuff has happened to put me unequivocally in a bad position from which pulling myself out currently seems implausible at best and impossible at worst?

Except people do. The world is full of countless examples of those who have faced the most trying of circumstances and wrestled themselves free starting with the power of their own determination. Let those people be the example

2. Sleeping

Ideally not during the day. But if you really need a nap then I say go for it. Sleep should be a priority. The mental payload delivered by a solid night’s rest is invaluable in assisting with #1. It’s hard to think what you want to think when your brain is still trying to catch up with what’s going on due to a lack of sleep.

How does one do this? Drugs can put you to sleep, sure. But sleep is a very active process for the brain and if you can do it naturally then that process seems like it will be more effective. My best tip for going to sleep without fretting is to be exhausted when you do. Whatever you’re up to during the day can be so taxing that sleep is a blessed relief, and this is what I go for personally, but whatever works for you.

3. Eating

We are what we eat right? Whatever your diet, just make it a good one. Meat, vegetables, fruit, it doesn’t matter what you like the most as long as you make mindful decisions to eat the good stuff. You already instinctively know if what you’re consuming is good or bad so don’t overthink it and just go with your gut. Speaking of which, eat things that are good for your gut. 

4. Moving

Some way. Any way. For any affliction there are noted examples of people out in the world who have lived with - or overcome - the same, and movement in some form is a part of all of these stories. Whatever you can do. There is no right or wrong. Actually there is a wrong and that’s not doing anything.

If this can all be summarized into one neat little ball I would term it as (5) Hard Work. It’s all hard work. It’s always effort. And effort can be expended in so many different ways. There is a flavor for everyone. But you have to do it. If you’re not doing anything then that is your problem. And if it’s not a problem now then it’s going to be a problem. Life is hard work. Existence is effort. Let’s not let it all go to waste.