Humans aren’t built like machines that can endure an infinite amount of stress and never break down. And even machines need downtime to recover from all the work they do. People are emotional creatures that need to feel loved and supported. And sometimes, that means admitting that you can’t do everything alone.
That’s why it’s okay not to be strong all the time. It’s perfectly normal to need a shoulder to cry on or a hand to help you when feeling down. Asking for help doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human. So next time you feel overwhelmed or like you can’t possibly be strong for one more second, reach out to a friend or loved one.
Tell them you need their support, and don’t be afraid to show your vulnerability. They’ll be happy to support you, and you might find it’s a lot easier to face the world when you’re not trying to do it alone. Here’s how you can relax and let your guard down without feeling like you’re admitting defeat:
Talk to someone you trust
Talking to a friend or family member about what’s stressing you out can help lessen the burden and make it more manageable because you’re sharing it with someone else. So, don’t be afraid to open up and let someone in, even if it’s a professional therapist.
For instance, this could be as simple as telling your best friend about your fight with your partner or venting to your mom about how frustrating work has been lately. Getting everything off your chest can help you feel lighter and less stressed since you’re not holding it all in anymore.
Ask for help
Most people grew up thinking that asking for help is a sign of weakness because society ingrained that ideology in their heads. But the truth is, asking for help is a sign of strength because it shows that you’re not afraid to admit when you need assistance.
The idea of a self-made person is a myth; everyone needs help from others at some point in their lives. So, don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed. Whether you’re struggling to finish a project at work or need help with childcare, there’s no shame in admitting that you need assistance.
Even if it’s just to ask a friend to pick you up and drive you home after your wisdom teeth extraction or to borrow some money from your parents until your next paycheck comes in, it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. Don’t think you have to do everything independently; that’s just not realistic or healthy.
Write down your thoughts
Sometimes, getting everything swirling around in your head down on paper can be helpful. Writing can be cathartic and therapeutic because it can help you organize your thoughts so that you can better deal with them. And this way, you can help yourself breathe better because your mind is clearer.
Whether you achieve that by writing with a pen and paper or typing out your thoughts on a blog or in a document, getting everything down can help to clear your mind and give you some much-needed perspective. If you’re not sure what you’re feeling or why you’re stressed, writing can help you to figure it out.
So, give it a try the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed. It doesn’t matter if you think your words don’t make sense to other people as long as they make sense to you. After all, these are your private thoughts and musings, which means there are no wrong answers.
Take some time for yourself
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget to slow down and take care of yourself. It can be hard to relax and just be when you’re always go-go-go-go. But it’s essential to take some time for yourself every once in a while, even if it’s just for a few minutes every day.
Self-care is crucial for managing stress and keeping your mental health in check. So, make sure to schedule some time for yourself every day, even if it’s just for a quick walk around the block or taking a long bath. And if you can, try to take some vacation days now and then to completely unplug and recharge. You deserve it!
It’s perfectly okay not to be strong all the time. It’s okay to let your guard down and admit that you need help. Lean on your friends and loved ones when you’re feeling overwhelmed, and take some time for yourself when you need to relax. Remember, you’re only human. So, don’t act like you’re not.
