Every day can be special for you, and it should be. Even if you feel like you’re not doing your best, just being here—healthy and able to navigate the world—is a day worth celebrating. For better every day.
Sometimes, it feels like nothing is working out, and everything and everyone is against us. It’s easy to feel like the world is conspiring against your happiness.I’ve found myself overwhelmed quite a bit this year, and in the process, I’ve developed some tools that really help. Hopefully, they can help you too if you ever feel like you’re drifting in uncertain waters.
I get that you can appreciate your life and still have days when you don’t feel your best. Whether the issue is big or small, it can throw off your day—and that’s just part of life. However, if you have ways to lift yourself out of those moods, I say go for it. Life is too precious not to.
As Jay Shetty says, “You’re not stuck; you’re just finding your balance. You’re not failing; you’re learning from what life throws at you.” These tough moments are actually a part of growing. They’re not obstacles but stepping stones that help us become better versions of ourselves.
When you’re at your lowest, it’s difficult to see or acknowledge this.
Why is that?
Because feeling like you’re failing every day can feel like a never-ending cycle. You just hope that the next week, month, or year will be different. While we might not be able to control what’s happening to us, we can choose to see it as happening for us and search for the silver lining.
Through years of practicing mindfulness and personal development, I’ve learned that there’s always a higher purpose in these moments—we just might not see it yet.
Here are some rituals, or simply activities, that have helped not only me but also others who have tried them. Interestingly, they are mostly simple and not very time-consuming, but they do require you to pause. And that can be the challenging part.
Embrace Gratitude
It starts with gratitude. This is probably the millionth time I’ve said that, but I still think it’s worth repeating.
Even when your day isn’t going as planned—when the train is late, the car breaks down, or life feels overwhelming—it’s crucial to find something to be thankful for. Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right. Don’t settle for thinking there’s no good, because there always is.
Simple Rituals for a Better Day
1. Meditation: is one of my favourites.
Take a few moments to sit quietly and focus on your breath. Meditation can help clear your mind and bring a sense of calm and clarity to your day. There are so many sources on YouTube, podcasts or many apps that offer guided meditations (e.g. Calm, Rise & Conquer)
2. Breathing Exercises: Simple breathing techniques can reduce stress and increase your sense of well-being. Practice deep breathing for a few minutes when you start to feel overwhelmed. This can help in managing anxiety and bringing you back to a state of calm.
I love to use this when I feel anxious at work. You only need a couple of minutes, and it works miracles.
3. Mindful Pauses: Throughout the day, take short pauses to reflect on how you feel and what’s happening around you. This practice encourages mindfulness and helps you stay grounded. These pauses help us reconnect with our inner self, providing clarity and peace, and also with your goal. Not a life goal at this point, but a daily goal or even an hourly goal. Thinking small is a great idea at this stage.
4. Affirmations: Start your day with positive affirmations—also one of my favorites. Remind yourself of your strengths and the potential each day holds. Affirmations can help set a positive tone for the day and reinforce self-belief. I recommend placing your favorite affirmation on your phone’s wallpaper so that you can see it every time you check your phone.
My current one is: “Where attention goes, energy flows.”
5. Connecting with Nature: Spend some time outside, whether it’s a walk in the park or simply sitting in your garden. Nature has a way of soothing the mind and revitalizing the spirit. An extra thing you can do is incorporate physical touch, such as walking barefoot in the grass or touching a tree. For some reason, this really helps.
6. Engage with Your Hobbies: Take time to do what you love without the pressure of turning them into a profession. Enjoy your hobbies purely for the joy they bring, not as a means to an end. The moment you start worrying about monetizing your passion, it may stop being a source of relaxation and joy. Not everything you love has to be a career; sometimes, its value lies in the happiness and fulfillment it brings to your life.
7. Daily Planning with a Personal Touch: Write in your little notebook, especially when overwhelmed by daily tasks. List what you wish to accomplish, and include time for yourself. Remember, when you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to support those around you.
8. Handle Challenges by Staying Focused: When things get tough, try breaking tasks into smaller, doable steps—it makes everything feel less intimidating. And remember, focus on what you can control. It’ll help you feel a bit less helpless when things get chaotic.
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