There’s so much not taught to us growing up, only recently has the societal narrative pivoted to appreciate mental health and well being. Before it was all “suck it up” “get over it” “others are worse off” “stop crying or I’ll give you something to cry about”. There’s nothing wrong with hurting, let’s stop damaging our healing process by denying our pain.
Nurturing your mind and body in a time of healing is crucial to the process. though healing is very individual here are a couple of things I recommend or have worked for me. Also you don’t have to tell anyone you’re doing any of these things, or you can, or you could do them with a friend, really up to you.
- Cry about it!
And I mean cry, ugly cry in the shower, screaming the most depressing song you can’t sing and really just let it flow. There’s something so cathartic about it, being cleansed by warm water that wipes the tears from your face. - Watch Stupid happy movies
or romcoms or sad movies you can sob at, get really bundled up in blankets and pillows, get a warm tea, and if its hot put the aircon on. Indulge in ultimate comfort and cry laugh at stupid movies - Write about it
Journal the sad out, I’m not joking it feels like a weight off your shoulders just to get whatever it is out on paper, there it is written out so its no longer taking up so much space in your head 🙂 - Cuddle a loved one
Find someone who will let you give them one of those good squishy hugs that feel safe and full of love, usually the best from family members or close friends, partners if you have one but they aren’t compulsory. - Indulge in something that brings you joy
Be that reading, gardening, painting, singing, doing your make up, getting your hair done, buying shoes, yoga, organising. Seriously anything that brings you joy, eat ice-cream in your undies, whatever, this is about you! - Breathe,
remember that pain is always the most intense in the beginning and then we grow with it, so when you think about it the hardest part is already over, so don’t give up now. - Talk to someone
Be that a friend who will listen or a counsellor, it can be so meaningful to feel heard, I’ve recently stumbled upon a website called 7 cups that has a free service available to chat online to a person trained in active listening, or a paid service to talk to a professional therapist. This isn’t an ad I just think the idea of a community driven site full of people volunteering to train in active listening, to support people who want to be heard is the most beautifully wholesome thing. You can also sign up to be a listener if that’s your thing.
It’s important that we care for ourselves when times get tough, that we nurture our pain till we get that seedling of growth, because its in there I promise you. Give yourself time and be patient, allow yourself to process the hurt, eat loads of chocolate, cry, just be beautifully imperfectly unapologetically human for a bit. Embrace it with open arms.
Take care of yourself and be kind ♡
Peace, love n big hugs!
-Kj ♡
Well Beings 