Bouncing Back

No matter what you do, you can't seem to catch a break. Every time you try to get ahead, something knocks you back down. This can be incredibly frustrating and discouraging. But don't worry, in this blog post, I will discuss 10 ways that you can immediately start feeling better when you're facing setbacks.

1. Take a break.

When you're feeling down, it can be tempting to keep pushing and trying harder to climb out of your slump. But the truth is that we all need time to recharge our batteries every once in a while. So take some time for yourself – go for a walk, watch some movies, read a favorite book – whatever will help you relax and get away from the stress of dealing with setbacks.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." –Matthew 11:28-30

2. Talk about what's bothering you.

Sometimes when we're facing difficulties, we feel like nobody understands us or empathizes with our struggles. But talking about what's on our mind can actually make us feel better because it helps us to process those thoughts and feelings more clearly, perhaps even giving rise to a solution that we hadn't thought of before. So find someone you trust and open up to them about what's going on in your life.

3. Focus on the positive.

Despite any setbacks that you may be facing, there are probably still a lot of things in your life that you can appreciate and feel grateful for. By taking the time to truly savor these positive aspects, you will be able to lift yourself out of your funk more quickly.

4. Reconnect with old friends or family members who make you feel good when you're around them.

Having strong support networks is one of the most important things we can have in our lives – whether those networks involve friends, family members, or even pets! It's so important to nurture these relationships, especially when you're facing hard times because they can provide that extra boost of support and positivity when you need it most.

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." –Galatians 6:2"

5. Practice mindful meditation and centering prayer.

Sometimes we feel like we can't get past our current challenges because our minds are too clouded with rumination or worry about the future. Prayer and meditation help us to quiet those racing thoughts and focus on the present moment, which can be a huge relief after days or weeks of stress and anxiety. There are many different ways to pray and meditate, so try out a few methods until you find one that works best for you.

6. Go outside and connect with nature!

This one is my favorite! Nature provides such an incredible source of healing energy – just being near trees, grass, and other plants can have a positive effect on our moods. If you're feeling down, go outside for a walk or just sit in your backyard and breathe in the fresh air. You'll be surprised at how much better you feel afterward! I like to do a prayer walk as I go…naming the things I’m thankful for and stopping to listen to God.

7. #HolyMischief: Give back to others by volunteering at a local charity or community organization.

Sometimes we need to put things into perspective and think about what's really important in life before we can start feeling better again. When we do some #HolyMischief to help others, it reminds us that there are more important things than our own problems – like caring for those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

8. Exercise regularly (even if it's just taking a short walk around your neighborhood each morning).

Exercise is a great way to release all of those pent-up negative emotions and frustrations that we feel when faced with setbacks. It can also help us to build up more positive energy and focus on the future instead of dwelling on the past. Repeat after me: I do not need to over do it. I just need to do it.

9. Do something creative!

One reason why we sometimes feel like we can't get over our problems is because they have taken over all aspects of our lives – both mentally and physically. By doing something creative, you can take your mind off your troubles while still exercising your brain in new and interesting ways. This will give you some much-needed relief from stress and anxiety, helping you to feel better quickly no matter what's going on in your life.

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." –Psalm 51:10

10. Take action!

People often feel stuck in their lives and like they can't do anything about it. But the moment you start taking action towards your goals, no matter how small that action may be, is the moment when you'll begin to regain control of your life again. And with a better sense of control comes a renewed sense of hope – which is crucial for feeling better during hard times.

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Always remember that no matter how challenging things may seem in the present, you’ll be able to overcome anything once you put your mind to it. And when that time comes, think of these 10 ways to immediately feel better next time you're facing setbacks!

Until Everyone Hears,

Dr. K