When we’re stressed, it’s easy to turn to food, social media, or any number of ways to cope. It often seems easier to brush bad habits under the rug, giving ourselves a pass, or saying it’s only temporary, or a one time thing.
When we keep unhealthy habits to ourselves, it can accumulate behind the scenes and end up finding a permanent place in our lives. Whenever we think about it, stress pops up, and IT is the way we’ve managed to cope with stress in the past.
It’s a vicious cycle that anyone can find themselves in.
If you’ve ever questioned “how did it get this bad?”—IT being eating habits, overspending, gossip, negativity, anger, sin, shame, or anything else that feels out of control—you’re not alone.
The amount of people affected by mental health is steadily on the rise. With countless social and societal pressures, and major cultural changes, it’s no wonder so many people are feeling overwhelmed and grabbing anything within reach to self soothe.
We know we should change or even ask for help, but keep putting it off, because that would be, well… stressful. We’d actually have to address the source and change our natural instincts. Before we realize, it becomes that much bigger and more difficult to change on our own.
Grace is the reality that God doesn’t turn away from us in those moments, rather He takes on whatever burden and cuts our chains free.
If you struggle with a harsh inner critic in times of weakness, questioning “why can’t I pull myself together” “I thought this would pass” or “I should be better by now”… remember that humans crave having something constant and reliable in life, especially when outside factors feel out of control.
If you can start to reframe your thoughts and understand your feelings are likely being driven by the brain wanting a familiar comfort in times of discomfort, it becomes easier to replace bad habits with healthy coping skills.
Over time, with focused intention and a bit of effort, you can improve. Things weren’t always this way, but we can place Hope in knowing that it won’t always be this way moving forward.
(Also just a kind reminder that it’s important to seek professional help if struggling with something more serious!*)
Here is a list of simple ideas to try when tempted by unhealthy habits:
1. Pray
2. Read a book
3. Listen to music
4. Watch your favorite TV show
5. Listen to a podcast
6. Read the Bible
7. Talk to someone about it
8. Talk about something else
9. Write down what you’re feeling
10. Write down what you wish you felt instead
11. Imagine what you’d tell a friend who’s struggling
12. Now tell it to yourself
13. Start a gratitude list
14. Make a playlist
15. Go for a walk
16. Exercise
17. Do yoga
18. Repeat mindfulness mantras
19. Clean the house
20. Take a shower
21. Give yourself a facial
22. Paint your nails
23. Cuddle a pet
24. Scream into a pillow
25. Cry
26. Cry some more
27. Learn a new skill
28. Cook or bake
29. Make art
30. Meditate
31. Step outside
32. Look up at the sky
33. Take a deep breath
34. Deeper
35. Now exhale
Go through this list, and be fully present in trying each one. Add your own, jot down your favorites, keep a list on your phone. Write them on a mirror, print a copy and keep it in your car or kitchen, or wherever you need it most.
Be honest with yourself and adapt it to best help you succeed, removing potential triggers and adding what you need. Lean on Jesus, and know that in His strength and by His grace, you can overcome whatever it is you face. ♡
≫ What simple forms of self help do you find most beneficial?
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*Disclaimer: The information provided on The Beacon Road is not a substitute for professional medical advice, mental health advice, or treatment of specific medical and/or mental health conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. The Beacon Road is not liable for how the information is used and cannot be held responsible or guarantee any results. The Beacon Road is simply serving as a guide to help you reach your own health and wellness goals through simple holistic remedies and healthy lifestyle changes.
