Finding Strength in Hard Times: 5 Steps to Rebuild Your Life After Hitting Rock Bottom
Feeling broken and stuck? Hitting rock bottom is tough, but it’s also a chance to rebuild. Discover 5 empowering steps to overcome challenges, heal, and find strength to take control of your life again.
Life can be tough, and sometimes, you'll find yourself faced with problems and pain that you're not equipped to deal with. Whether it's because you're not achieving what you had intended due to failure, or you're simply financially struggling and finding love seems hopeless, one thing to remember is that there are millions of people out there who carry your same burden.
If you have reached the bottom of despair, there is light at the end of the tunnel. You can't go any lower. Think about it. You've reached rock bottom, so there are two things you can do:
- Remain at the Bottom
This is an easy choice because you feel defeated, and if the world seems to have it in for you, it’s tempting to remain where you are, feeling like a victim. But in doing so, you may remain stuck in pity, letting the story end there. - Get Back on Top
Alternatively, you can get back on top and take control of your life again. It’s easy to say, but it’s challenging to do. You might think, “Easier said than done,” or “You don’t know what I’m going through,” or “I can’t begin to get out of my turmoil because I have no one or nowhere to turn to.”
Here are 5 ways you can start putting those wings together and lift yourself out of that bottomless pit:
1. Turn to Someone
You have to talk to someone about your problem. Sharing your burdens can help heal whatever you're going through, whether it's with family, friends, or coworkers. If you live alone and feel isolated, consider reaching out online; there are free support groups and helplines like the Samaritans. Bottling up those thoughts and negative voices only amplifies the darkness, so pass them on to someone who can listen and understand. This is a first step to healing. Don’t suffer in silence.
https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/supported-self-help/
2. Get To The Root Of The Problem
Discovering the real issue that's brought you down is essential. For some, it may be clear: a breakup, the loss of a loved one, job loss, or trauma from a specific event. If there is one defining factor, it’s easier to focus on addressing that pain. However, for many, it’s a combination of factors that have brought them to this low. It’s crucial to identify and prioritize which issues are causing the most trauma so you can start addressing them one by one.
3. Find Distraction
Distraction can be a powerful tool when you're at your lowest. Start by doing something you love, or that used to bring you joy. Maybe it's reading, painting, cooking, or getting lost in a new movie series. This isn’t about escaping reality permanently; it's about giving yourself a mental break and allowing your mind to breathe. When you focus on something other than the pain, even for a short time, you create a moment of peace. These moments can add up, slowly building your resilience. Eventually, this distraction can become a coping mechanism and a tool to help you step out of the darkness.
4. Get Physical
Physical activity has countless mental benefits, from releasing stress to boosting endorphins that naturally lift your mood. Even a short walk outside can help reset your mindset, and something as simple as stretching or dancing to your favourite song in your living room can make a big difference. If you’re feeling ambitious, start small by setting a few achievable goals, like a daily five-minute walk or gentle stretching. As your body moves, your mind will begin to follow, helping you gain momentum toward emotional recovery.
5. Acceptance
Acceptance is not about giving up or being okay with the pain you feel; it’s about acknowledging your feelings and understanding that it’s okay to be where you are right now. Rather than fighting against what has happened, allow yourself to sit with your emotions without judgment. Healing often starts when we stop resisting our reality and instead look forward. When you start to deal with where you are now, you’re also opening the door to where you can go from here.
Time is a healer.
Good luck.
