What To Do When The World Makes You Feel Like Giving Up

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By Shae Hansen

Sometimes we all have those days – or weeks – when we feel like the entire world is against us, we feel like giving up and we want to just throw up our arms in defeat. These are usually the times when I implement some coping methods, that I’ve found that have helped me in the past whenever I feel like my world is crumbling around me.

Take a nap

When I feel down or just feel like giving up on life and curling up in a corner, taking a nap always makes me feel better. Escaping reality for just a little while seems to do wonders. I wake up refreshed and have an entirely different outlook on my situation.

Take a shower or bath

There is nothing more relaxing or rejuvenating than taking a nice long shower or bath. While in the shower or bath, I am able to look at my situation from above and see things in a different perspective. While in this relaxed state, I am able to think more clearly and I often find solutions to problems that I am having.

Do an activity you enjoy, like reading a good book

When I am feeling down, doing an activity that I love seems to always help. I usually snuggle up in a warm blanket and open up a good book. Distracting myself with something I enjoy doing is always welcome when I am having a bad day. Getting myself out of my head and focusing on something else for a little while works wonders for my mood and also for how I perceive my situation.

Stay away from negative social media

There is nothing more toxic to your mood than negative social media. While there are a lot of good things that can come from social media, there is also drama, negativity in general, body shaming, fighting, and so many more negative things that may be easy(ish) to ignore when you are in a good mood and feeling okay with the world, but when you feel like the world is against you and you feel like giving up, social media is probably not the place to be just now.

Be with family, or positive friends

When I feel like giving up I turn to people that have my back no matter what. I go see my parents or hang around positive friends (I’m sure we all know friends who’ll just tell you to suck it up and get over it. Don’t be around those friends when you feel like this). When I feel like giving up, I need supportive people to help build me back up. Be sure to surround yourself with people who will support you and lift you up in your time of need.

Take a road trip

When everything in my life seems to be simultaneously plotting against me, sometimes it’s just nice to get out of town for a little while. I grab my husband and a few changes of clothes and we head out. Taking a road trip never fails to distract me from the things that I had been so worried about at home. Giving myself a break from the stress of it all is just something that needs to be done every now and then.

Watch funny cat videos

I’m not sure about you guys, but whenever I feel down, a funny cat video or two never fails to cheer me up at least a little. Cats can be hilarious. I know this personally, having two myself. When I’m sad, in a funk, or just need a bit of something funny in my life, funny cat videos are perfect.

Do something for someone else

I know this sounds super strange. That’s what I thought when I first heard of doing this. My first thought was ‘I am having a hard time and you want me to do something for someone else???’ (not to sound selfish or anything but when I’m having a hard time, other people usually aren’t on my mind). Surprisingly enough, it works! Doing things for other people gives me this amazing feeling. It makes me feel better about myself. Funny how that works, huh?

Spend time with a pet

People have animals for a reason. Animals give them comfort. That’s most definitely why I have pets. Not only are they soft and cuddly (most of the time), but they also seem to understand you in a way that most people can’t. When I spend time with one of my pets, they make me feel so much better. That unconditional love that they give is so special.

Read inspirational quotes and articles

When I am down and feeling unmotivated I look for inspirational quotes to help lift my spirits. Pinterest is a great resource for that. Whenever I am on Pinterest, I leave feeling 10 times more motivated than when I came. Another thing that helps me is seeing other people that have been in the situation I am now, who have prevailed. It gives me hope that there’s better stuff out there for me on the horizon.

Start a hobby

Speaking of Pinterest, Pinterest is a great resource for finding a new hobby! There’s nothing like a new hobby to give you a shiny new perspective on life! Hobbies are great because they distract and motivate at the same time! There are so many hobbies to choose from (I chose blogging!). For me, blogging has been a sort of emotional outlet. It has been a way for me to let the world know how I feel about things without having to actually meet all of the world (because I have anxiety and meeting new people is not something I do well). So far, blogging has really helped put a new spin on how I view the world!

All in all, it is up to you to pick yourself up, brush yourself off and keep going. I’ve learned that. That doesn’t mean that we can’t take a small break to recoup before we keep going though. When I feel like giving up, it can seem like even breathing is a struggle. We’ve made it this far though. We are strong. I love and respect you guys.

I hope this post helped. Thank you so much for reading! I’d be so grateful if you’d share this post! Feel free to comment, I’d love to hear from you!

Reproduced with permission, originally posted here