When You’re Feeling Down: Small Ways to Support Yourself Through Life’s Toughest Moments

There are seasons in life when everything feels heavy - when the road ahead is foggy and you’re not sure how you’ll make it through. It might come after a health diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a job loss, or some other upheaval that shakes the foundation of your world. For me, it’s been a slow recovery from ACL and meniscus surgery, an injury that’s impacted not just my mobility but my ability to work, my income, and my independence. It’s left me feeling helpless, scared, and at times, deeply alone - even though I’m surrounded by people who care.

If you’re in a place like this too, I want to say: I see you.

This isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s okay to feel what you’re feeling - grief, frustration, fear, or even numbness. Acknowledging your pain doesn’t mean you’re giving up; it means you’re human.

But what I am learning is small things can still make a difference. On the days when everything feels like too much, these little acts may help:

• Make your bed. It may seem minor, but creating one small sense of order can offer a tiny win to start your day.

• Get some sunlight. Step outside, even if just for a minute. Let the light touch your skin. It matters so much more than we think.

• Move your body gently. Whether it’s stretching, walking (with support), or simply breathing deeply, movement can help move energy through.

• Let someone in. Text a friend. Facetime. Share how you’re really doing. People want to show up - let them, even if it's hard.

• Speak kindly to yourself. You’re not weak for struggling. You’re courageous for continuing.

• Remind yourself: this is temporary. It won’t always be like this. Healing is not linear, but it is happening, even when it feels slow.

I’m still in it. Some days are harder than others. But I’ve come to understand that feeling low doesn’t mean you’ve lost your strength. Sometimes, your strength is simply choosing to keep going, one small step at a time.

Whatever you’re walking through, please don’t give up. The light will return. The energy, the joy, the ease - it will come back. For now, take the next small step. And then the next. You’re not alone in this.

 Affirmations for Life’s Low Points

• I honor where I am, knowing this moment is not my forever.

• Healing takes time, and I am allowed to move at my own pace.

• I am doing the best I can with what I have, and that is enough.

• It’s okay to rest. My worth is not measured by my productivity.

• I trust that brighter days are ahead, even if I can’t see them yet.

• I am not alone. I am supported, even when it’s hard to feel it.

• I allow myself to feel what I feel, without shame or judgment.

• Each small step forward is a powerful act of resilience.

• Even in this hard moment, I am growing in ways I can’t yet see.

• I give myself permission to hope, to heal, and to begin again.