Do you ever have days when everything feels not very ok at all? And sometimes you don’t even know why you feel not very ok, you just know that you do?

Last week was mental health awareness week.

So, if you did hear a lot about it last week, please don’t forget about it this week.

It really is important for us all to look after our own mental health and wellbeing every week of the year. And it’s equally important to look out for the wellbeing of others too. 

Sometimes we wake up in the morning and we just don’t feel ok. There might not be any apparent reason why we wake up feeling that way.

We all have those ‘not ok’ days. Every single one of us. And it can be comforting to know that we are never alone.

I know I have those days too. Days when everything feels like an uphill struggle and I often don’t even know why I feel that way. I just wake up, and I don’t feel ok. 

I have learned that it’s ok to not feel ok. 

I don’t always have to put on a brave face. 

I have learned that I don’t need to bottle it all up. There are people that I can reach out to when I am not feeling ok.

I have realised that there are others out there too that are having a hard time. Even though on the face of things they seem to be doing just fine – but perhaps that’s not how they are feeling inside. 

Here are 5 things that really help me when I’m not feeling ok:

1. Reach out – I’ve learned that it’s ok to reach out to someone close and ask for some support. The more I do this, the easier I find it to let someone know that I might need a hug or ask them if I can have 10 minutes of their time to listen to me. Who would you reach out to first?
2. Vulnerability – I know I don’t always have to be the strong one, I can show people that I’m struggling, and that I’m finding it tough. I’m only human after all ;-). How might you let someone know that things might be bit tough for you at the moment? 
3. It’s ok – I’ve learned that I don’t have to beat myself up when I’m not bounding around with joy. I’m allowed to have an off day and I give myself permission to not feel ok. The more I allow myself to feel it, rather than ignore it, the quicker I find the feelings then pass.
4. Ask myself what I need – I don’t push myself quite so hard anymore when I’m feeling flat and unmotivated. I give myself permission to go slower, and not push to get everything done. What might you let go of a little when you’re finding it tough?
5. It’s normal – We all have off days, and those around us that appear to have it all sorted, possibly haven’t got it sorted all the time. They will have ‘off’ days too. Who do you know who might be struggling a little at the moment?

So, please don’t suffer in silence, there really is no need to. And don’t forget others that might be putting a brave face on it, might be suffering too. Let those you love and care for know that you’re there for them… for the laughter and the tears! It will provide great comfort to you both.

Remember:  Start small and build from there.

Much love,

Natasha x