Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.
Mark Twain
DISCLAIMER: Please note that this piece is merely a reflection of my own thoughts and feelings. I know each person’s experience with mental illness is unique and individual to them, therefore I wanted to a share a snippet of something that will hopefully rationalise my currently scrambled brain and aid my recovery.
Stop and pause. Take time to reflect on your achievements. Remember that though productivity can be important, taking time for yourself is too! Read a book. Watch a film. Meditate. Exercise. Speak to friends. Immerse yourself in nature. Whatever makes you happy in that moment. It may be an astonishingly simple formula, but life is about living in the present and putting your past or future thoughts to bed- as difficult as that can be. It may be disappointing that you made that mistake last week or last year, or choose not to do something you now regret, however all you can do is work towards creating a better NOW for yourself.
While it may also worry you that you’re struggling with a certain task or can’t get your head around it one bit, maybe all that’s needed is a break to refresh your mind and come back in a slightly stronger headspace. Being busy has many advantages, yet that doesn’t mean you can’t take a timeout to focus on your mental wellbeing. Avoid work. Get away from the stresses and pressures of daily life. You shouldn’t be switched on 24-7 like a robot- that isn’t helping anybody!
Do not, I repeat do not, feel guilty for attempting to become a better, healthier, more confident person.
Every day is a fresh opportunity to develop into a better version of yourself than you were yesterday. And the day before that. Setbacks are normal, yet that being said, this does not mean you should suffer with continuous procrastination and bring yourself to the point of sheer mental and physical exhaustion- just with the off chance that you’ll ‘get more shit done’. If things get too much, take a breath. Slow down. It’s absolutely, unequivocally, okay to do so.
And finally, listen to what your mind and body are telling you they desire much more often.
Thanks for reading,
Adam
Breaking The Stigma 