Breaking Free From the Sadness

Have you ever had one of those days where the sadness just kind of sits with you… and you can’t quite shake it?

Not because anything big happened.
Not because something went wrong.
It’s just… there.

I’ve had days like that more times than I can count. The kind where everything feels a little heavier, even the simple things.

I’ve been busier than usual the last few weeks, leaving me with little time for social media…but I am noticing a trend.

Each time that I am able to check in with what everyone has going on, it leaves me exhausted and with an overall feeling of sadness after just a little bit of scrolling through.

There are so many tragic and scary things that are happening everyday, some much more horrific than others.

Social media turns everyone into an expert and the end result is strained and broken relationships.

It can begin to feel like we are living in hopeless times if you don’t do something to change your focus.

My heart is heavy for all those that are personally involved in the tragedies that have taken place the last few weeks.

When the sadness feels heavy, try this:

Sometimes the best thing we can do is take one small step… not fix everything, just shift things a little.

Here are a few simple things that have helped me:

Step outside for a few minutes – Even if it’s just your porch or backyard. Fresh air can do more than we think. Reach out to someone you trust – A quick text. A “hey, can we talk?” You don’t have to carry everything by yourself. Look for one small good thing – It might be your coffee, a quiet moment, or even just getting through the day. It doesn’t have to be big to matter.

You don’t have to do all of these. Just pick one.

Sometimes one small step is all it takes to remind your heart that you’re not stuck.

Ways to break free from the sadness

When the world is swirling around you and you feel like there is no hope, try these tips for breaking free from the sadness.

Pray

Because honestly it is the first thing I always do in any situation, especially those that seem hopeless.

You know King David, a man after God’s own heart, spent many verses in the Psalms being pretty real and honest with his depression.

And God always saw him through it, and he wants to do the same for us too!

Reach out

Find someone you trust and share honestly how you are feeling.

Just talking about how you are feeling and bringing the darkness into the light can release a lot of what tries to hold you in your pit.

Fear and shame over what others will think if they knew how you felt or thought can be powerful when left unchecked.

Self Care

Make sure you are taking care of yourself with enough sleep, exercise, healthy food, and proper hygiene.

Getting ready each day from head to toe and spending some time outside can be very beneficial to your overall well being.

Limit Stress

Limit the activities that cause undue stress.

Obviously there are things you cannot limit, but all of the extras need to go when you are trying to come out of the fog.

Learning to say no is a HUGE tool that we all need to practice using more!

Relax

Find activities that you love to do and help you relax.

Maybe try taking a walk, reading a book, take a hot bath, listen to music, or watching a movie.

Mine happens to be writing and gardening!

Gratitude

Remind yourself of all you have to be grateful for.

It’s easy to get caught up in despair when you dwell on what’s wrong instead of what is right.

It might be difficult at first to change your perspective, but I promise you that once you start to look at the things that you have going for you, it will become easier to have a grateful heart for all that you have.

Grab this FREE Gratitude Journal.

Let Go

Make the choice to just let it go.

When you stop trying to control your circumstances you have no other option but to allow hope to grow within you.

Hope is the bridge that connects what is with what will be.

It is not an easy thing to do, but trust that things will turn out the way they should even if it is not the way you think they should.

I hope you will find some of these tips helpful, and I would love to hear your comments and which techniques you use to get through the cloud of sadness.

When you have tried to do all you can on your own, it might be time to reach out for professional help.

Use the diagram below to get a good idea where you are with your emotions. Work to stay on the positive side of things whenever possible.

If today feels a little heavy, you’re not alone in that.

And you don’t have to wait for everything to feel “better” to find a small moment of peace. Sometimes it starts with something simple… a deep breath, a quiet moment, or even just reminding yourself that this feeling won’t last forever.

You’re going to be okay.

And if you need a place to start, just take one small step today. That’s enough.