As a woman I often feel I have to be strong and independent, I look upon these traits in other women as admirable. We take on so much as women, we have to prove ourselves in the workforce, we have to be a career to our family, and as a mother I know I can feel like the whole world will fall part if I take just ten minutes to myself.
I want to be strong, I want to be fearless, but the truth is I am not always those things. There are times I feel completely the opposite. I feel vulnerable and scared, but that is OK right? Most of the time I know it is. I am fine with being imperfect, I am fine with being my true self. I am OK with crying, I am OK with admitting I need a hug, but then there are times when I feel completely vulnerable, almost naked, so lost in my own swirling thoughts, that I feel as if I am weak, moments where I feel angry at myself for allowing my vulnerabilities to show.
I know I am not alone in these feelings, and I certainly know logically that I am not weak for having struggles. Sometimes however, when you are feeling low it is not so easy to see logic. Emotions take over and it is easy to feel like we are letting ourselves and others down. So what can we do, how can we stop self-defeating thoughts from interfering with our ability to be happy.
- During difficult times taking care of yourself is even more important than ever. Preventing undue stress and emotional overload has to become the thing you prioritise.
- Negative self-talk will never help, avoid it at all costs. Don’t let anyone else talk to you with disrespect either! Try and write a list of traits you love about yourself, or at the very least that you like about yourself.
- Surround yourself with supportive people. People who will not try to ‘fix’ things, but will offer support, and hopefully make you laugh. Sometimes all we need is someone to hear us, to listen. Don’t be afraid to tell people this. Let them know you are not looking for a solution from them, you just want your feelings to be heard.
- Similar to above, be with people who validate you, avoid anyone who will deter your healing process.
- Exercise can be a fantastic way to clear your thoughts and increases those positive endorphins you need right now. Jogging, walking, swimming can really rejuvenate you.
- Other great stress relievers can be massage, yoga, a hot bath or shower, prayer, or going to a spa.
- Consider keeping a journal, getting your thoughts out on paper or your computer can be very therapeutic.
- Healthy meals, try eating regularly, small portions are fine. Fresh vegetables and fruit will refresh your body. And it goes without saying but water will help cleanse your body. If you don’t like water on its own try a splash of lemon, lime or even cucumber. Eating can feel like the last thing you want to do, but it is so important to keep your health and strength up during times of stress.
- Give yourself permission to take some time out, some quiet moments of reflection.
- Try to avoid too much alcohol, or even too much coffee when you are feeling high levels of stress, especially before bed. Try to get as much sleep as you can.
- If you are having trouble sleeping try a meditation app like Smiling Mind to help you unwind. These can be downloaded for free. Speak to your GP if you need too.
- Have fun! Play, dance, go to the park, listen to music, meet up with friends even if you have to push yourself a little. Play with your pets.
- Hug! Hugging, touch, or massage from someone we love and trust, can be a great natural painkiller and help us feel happier.
- Be kind and gentle to yourself, don’t put time frames on yourself. Be patient.
I hope some of these tips help you, or someone you know who is hurting right now. If you are unsure if you are coping please don’t hesitate to talk to your GP. If you have a friend going through a difficult period remember to be supportive and patient.
It is not easy to be vulnerable, but allow yourself time, be patient with yourself, and strive to always be fearlessly authentic.
Thanks for joining me, love Mackenzie xx
Don’t forget to tag your images on Instagram with #livingfearlesslyauthentic! Stop by my blog every Monday to see if you’re featured!
12 comments
Thank you for sharing, very useful tips, I do some of these things…
This post is so important and one I hope many take on board. The photo is absolutely gorgeous xx #dreamteam
Love, love, love. I think being vulnerable is the ultimate sign of strength! Putting on a brave face or suppressing when we feel weak or just not ok helps no one in the long run.
My post this week is talking about living an authentic life, so you may enjoy it. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your post! And being vulnerable and strong.
#dreamteam
This is such a great post and I love all your tips you have included. It’s so easy to forget about looking after ourselves when lots of things are going on. But little things do make a difference. Thanks so much for joining us for the #DreamTeam xx
Such great tips. I completely agree with all of them, especially the exercise one. Sometimes it’s the last thing you feel like doing but it makes you feel so much better! #dreamteam
There are some fabulous lifestyle tips here which can really make a difference when you are feeling overwhelmed which as you say we all do occasionally. The point that struck the biggest chord with me is making sure you surround yourself with positive people and that they understand you don’t necessarily need advice just support. We all have a variety of friends who fit different roles and some are good for lifting our spirits but not good at offering advice and sometimes that is all we need to go through the lows. Lovely post Mac. Congrats on joining the team. #ablogginggoodtime
This is such a fabulous post! Surrounding yourself with positive people helps so much when you’re down and out. And meditation and journaling help with almost everything!
Really positive post, I thibk we can all feel like this at times and taking care of yourself is really important X #ablogginggoodtime
Wonderful list of tips, thank you for sharing! Since the start of this year I have found swimming really works for me as a stress reliever. Love your last tip too! x
#ablogginggoodtime
It can be a confusing time for women- we are told we should behave a certain way, be strong, non emotional and be able to do everything and anything that men can do, but sometimes it’s nice to just be yourself and whatever you want to be. Being emotional should never be seen as a negative thing. #ablogginggoodtime
All these tips are great for those times we are not Wonder Woman! When we can;t fake it till we make it. Positivity really helps, and sometimes is hard to come by in these times. Seek it, search for it, find it! When in doubt, SMILE! They are catchy! #Ablogginggoodtime xx
A great little post. I’m loving the great advice. Sometimes as a parent, we’re too caught up in trying to look after everyone else that we forget about ourselves. Thanks for sharing! #ablogginggoodtime
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