Sometimes life can get a little too much to handle. Work can get on top of you, family dramas get knock you sideways, worrying about anything and everything happens and before you know it your head is about to explode.

For me, this year has been tough… actually, the last few years have been a little tough. Family members making false accusations, cases of mistaken identity and death threats… then last weekend I found out my father had died. No one told me, I found out from reading a conversation on social media. While I wasn’t close to my dad, he wasn’t a good person, it still felt like I’d been hit by a bus. It hurt that no one had the decency to just let me know. Apparently he’s been dead for a month and nothing. I don’t want to get into it all too much and I don’t want sympathy or any condolences. I just want to get on with my life.

So, with work piling up and finding it so hard to focus on anything right now, I feel it’s time for a little self care to help me get back on track. If you’re going through anything too here are a few things you can do that may help.

Be Gentle To Yourself

With deadlines looming and jobs piling up it can be all too easy to beat yourself up if things don’t get done. I find being like this can lead to even less getting done because you’re constantly punishing yourself. Take a little time to breathe and take stock of whats going on in your life.

Allow Yourself to Feel

Bottling up feelings can be the worst thing to do. Cry, scream, laugh… whatever. Let it all out and move on. Just don’t feel guilty.

Make Lists

If things are getting overwhelming, make some lists of what needs to be done and tackle them in order of priority. Don’t rush through everything for the sake of it. Do everything to the best of your ability. If you can’t give it 100% right now then do something else and come back to it later. If you have deadlines to meet then break everything up into smaller tasks and tackle each one at a time.

Do Things That Make You happy

A friend gave me this piece of advice and it’s true. If you’re focussing on positive activities you don’t have time to dwell on the sucky stuff. Watch cat videos on youtube, allow yourself that Netflix marathon, take a bubble bath, go for a walk, go meet a friend for coffee. I find that watching inspiring TED talks are great too when I’m in a rut.

Be Creative

Studies have shown that creativity can really be therapeutic in times of stress. Try art journalling, colouring books for grown ups, look at pinterest for some inspiring DIY projects you could do. A creative outlet can be a great way to channel your stress. Try meditating or even exercising.

Have a Cleansing Ritual

Trust me on this, I know it sounds a little “woo woo” but I really believe this stuff works. You can google some great rituals and find tips on how to get the energy flowing again. If you have issues from your past bothering you I find that writing them down on a piece of paper and burning them works wonders. Fire is one of the purest things on earth so burning your negativity is a great way to banish it. (PLEASE be careful when doing anything that involves any sort of burning. Don’t do it under the influence of alcohol, and either do it in the garden… a BBQ is great, or a safe spot in your home. Use a cauldron or metal pot. Don’t EVER leave fire unattended and don’t allow children near.)

You can also give your house a really good clean and declutter. I know the last thing you may want to do when you’re down in the dumps is to pick up a mop or sort through laundry but you’ll feel so much better afterwards. Your head will also feel less decluttered if you aren’t looking at mess and energy will flow through your home a lot easier.

Sometimes things can be so difficult to deal with that counselling or therapy may be the only way to deal with them. I’m not ashamed to say that I take antidepressants every day. I doubt I could function some days. There will be days when you just feel like a broken mess. When they get really frequent I urge you to see a doctor and get help. Talk to someone and get advice.

I’m off to take a bit of my own advice right now.

Have a great day x