Things to try

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Showing 9—16 of 35 for “See all”

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Text or call someone to say you care about them
For:
Grief & loss ,
Guilt ,
Loneliness ,
Sadness
Sending out a simple text asking how someone you care about is doing can offer mutual benefits for you both. Doing so reinforces your connectedness to others, and helps to remind you that you have support when you might need it.
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Volunteer
For:
Burnout ,
Grief & loss ,
Loneliness ,
Trauma ,
Workplace issues & unemployment
Aside from helping others, volunteering has amazing feel-good effects for you. You'll also experience elevated oxytocin levels and a dopamine release along with a sense of meaning that can help reduce stress and burnout. Volunteering is also a great way to build and strengthen social connections, which is increasingly important as social isolation is on the rise. In addition to making new connections when you volunteer, you might make existing connections even stronger when you volunteer with loved ones. (One study even shows that couples who volunteer together were more likely to stay together.)
Lightbulb Activity
Create a sleep routine
For:
Anger ,
Burnout ,
Guilt ,
Worry
Creating a sleep routine (also referred to as practicing sleep hygiene) is something nice you can do for yourself to wind down at night and improve your chances at getting enough sleep (7-9 hours) and high quality sleep. Setting a "device curfew", going to bed at the same time each night, keeping your bedroom cool and dark, and doing calming activities like taking a bath, journaling, reading, or meditating are all good things to try. Charging your phone outside of your bedroom is also great if you can manage it—getting an alarm clock can help!
Lightbulb Activity
Try talking about it
For:
Opening up to friends & family ,
Trauma ,
Non-substance addiction ,
Relationship issues & breakups ,
Substance use ,
Chronic health issues & disabilities ,
Coping with discrimination & stigma ,
Family conflict ,
Grief & loss ,
Guilt ,
Loneliness ,
Navigating your gender & sexuality ,
Shame
It might be that talking about what you're going through is the last thing you feel like doing. Or, it might be that you don't feel like talking to your loved ones about it. Ironically, this is usually a sign that getting something off your chest may be essential to healing. Consider asking a therapist or someone you trust to be a sounding board for you. You only need to start with one person.
Lightbulb Activity
Be vulnerable
For:
Grief & loss ,
Guilt ,
Money issues ,
Chronic health issues & disabilities
"It's ok to not be ok" may be overused—but for good reason. Hiding feelings of anger or sadness might actually make you feel more stressed or isolated. And at worst, could even lead to depression, anxiety, or physical illness. Try sharing how you're really feeling with a trusted friend, family member, or partner. This can help deepen your connection, and get the empathy and support you need. You don't need to tell everyone everything all at once---try starting with something as simple as "I am having a hard time."
Book Read
Get a massage
For:
Burnout ,
Loneliness ,
Worry
Though getting a massage might sound overly indulgent, it can provide healing benefits like calming your nervous system, increasing circulation, relieving muscle tension, eliminating toxins, and boosting immunity. Massage has also been shown to decrease cortisol (a stress hormone) and increase levels of oxytocin (known as “the love hormone.”) Though it's always an option to book at a spa, you can also try self massage or ask a partner.
Lightbulb Activity
Ask for support from friends and family
For:
Grief & loss ,
Loneliness ,
Sadness ,
Worry ,
Opening up to friends & family ,
Relationship issues & breakups ,
Chronic health issues & disabilities
If you're going through a challenging time, think about who you feel comfortable with, and what interactions might feel supportive so you can tell people what you need—whether it's talking about how you’re feeling so you can release some pent-up emotions, or finding comfort by time together with no words exchanged.
Lightbulb Activity
Ask for specific help
For:
Grief & loss ,
Guilt ,
Loneliness ,
Sadness ,
Chronic health issues & disabilities ,
Family conflict ,
Money issues ,
Burnout
Though making a specific ask when you're going through difficult times might feel strange, well-intentioned friends who say “Let me know if I can do anything” will be glad to have a clear idea of how to be helpful. If you aren’t sure where to start, consider: Practical support: errands, cooking, babysitting, etc.; Social/well-being activities: taking a walk, going to coffee or lunch, etc.; Emotional support: spending time together—to talk, or just spend time together.

Showing 9—16 of 35