Hi everyone! I hope you all are doing well.
Today, I wanted to write about a more serious topic, in hopes that it could help someone out there who might find themselves confused, scared, or lonely when facing those low days.
As I completely understand that it can be really hard to implement positive coping strategies in the actual moment (when you are already deep into the low), I wanted to share a strategy that, while still involves work and dedication, is far more sustainable and easier to stick to, especially as the busy days of life pass us by.
I have found that guarding yourself with this kind of knowledge can make a big difference. So if you’d like to learn more about this strategy, continue reading below:
PREVENTIVE ARMOR
One of the more certain things about life is that there will be good days and there will be bad days. However, something I learned during the course of this pandemic is that a more preventive/proactive approach is a powerful strategy when it comes to protecting my mental health. What I mean by this is simple. If I protect my mental health on days that are good and/or neutral, I am better equipped to protect it on days where my mental health is made vulnerable in the face of external factors.
Every single day, I have to devote time and energy to practicing a healthy, daily routine that lends itself to curating the life I want to live. It’s kind of like wearing your armor into battle vs. walking straight into the battle with no armor. However, even on good days I have to keep wearing that armor every single day. It’s not just a one day thing.
Life can quite literally be a battle, especially for those who are suffering from mental illnesses, so being proactive is of utmost importance. I call this the preventive armor strategy.
But how can you actually implement this strategy in your life? Where do you begin? I broke down this strategy into 3 simple steps for you
STEP 1
On a relatively good and/or neutral day, sit down in a quiet place and close your eyes. Try to envision what your best life would look like. What does happiness, peace, joy, and success look like to you? Don’t just think long-term/future goals. Think of those small daily activities, that you want to incorporate into your life, that can help you curate a life you want to live and that you are proud to say is yours. This can include something like: reach out to a different friend everyday, write in my gratitude journal, or spend the first 15 minutes of the day meditating. Each one of these daily activities evoke different feelings upon completion, and can therefore provide you with a sense of fulfillment despite being so simple. These are just a few examples, but let your vision guide when you think of activities that will work best for you.
STEP 2
After you’ve had some thinking time, write these ideas down. Make a game plan of how you are going to incorporate this into your daily routine. Are you going to do at least 3 things every morning and 1 at night? Are you going to do everything in the morning? What works best for you? Make sure what you choose is something you are willing to stick to. While some people may prefer starting their day off with a bunch of healthy activities in the morning, others may only have time in the evening/night. Make a plan – you got this!
STEP 3
Wear your armor every single day, without fail. Wear it on good days. Wear it on bad days. Wear it on neutral days. Put those healthy habits into practice and build a life you are proud of. Even if you are the busiest person in the world, you can simply add 1 or 2 things a day and just go from there, because prioritizing your mental health is key!
If you find yourself struggling to deal with the low days, and are unsure how to overcome them, try out this strategy for a couple of months and see how it goes.
I am here rooting for you! Stay strong, you got this 🙂
With lots of love and warm hugs,
Snigdha
There is certainly a lot to find out about this issue. I like all of the points you have made. Merla Penny Lothair
Cultivate is a good word, I’m glad she had her moment here
Wow !!!
Interesting article
Thank you so much for this information!!
Thank you Abhi! I’m glad you liked it!
You nailed it Snigdha. Preventive armor strategy is what we call primary prevention, like wearing a seatbelt when you get into the car. Having a plan and implementing it every day is the key to success. 👌
Thank you! And yes, exactly! I love the seatbelt analogy!