The Real Chic Life

Here at the Real Chic Life, we aim to help women look and FEEL their best. But sometimes world events or things going on in our personal lives can feel heavy, and coping with those events can be difficult. If you are feeling overwhelmed, finding ways to manage your emotions, process your experience, and support yourself is essential. Here are some approaches that can help:

1. Allow yourself to feel- Don’t try to push away or ignore how you’re feeling, instead take time to let it out. Suppressing sadness, anger, or frustration can make it harder to cope in the long run. Give yourself permission to feel whatever comes up and acknowledge that it’s okay to be overwhelmed.
2. Talk about it- One of the best ways that you can acknowledge your feelings is by talking about them out loud. Reach out to friends or family to discuss the issue at hand. Even if you don’t come up with solutions together, talking can still be incredibly relieving. If you’d like to work through your feelings with a professional, therapists and counselors can provide useful coping strategies. But if you’re not ready to talk with others, journaling is also a powerful way to process your thoughts.
3. Take stress breaks- Be intentional about scheduling small breaks to watch a favorite show, go for a walk, or work on a creative hobby. Focusing on something comforting or distracting helps reset your mind and body, so you have more energy for dealing with challenges. And exercise, even when it’s gentle movement, releases endorphins that naturally boost your mood. Whether it’s yoga, stretching, or another exercise, moving your body can relieve tension and help manage stress.
4. Practice grounding techniques- Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness can help calm your mind and provide a sense of control. Try exercises like the 4-7-8 breathing method (inhale for 4 counts, hold for 7, exhale for 8) or download a meditation app like Headspace. 
5. Focus on Hope- When faced with challenging times, it’s common to feel powerless. Focus on the things within your control, like your actions and immediate choices. Remind yourself that while you can’t change everything, you can make a difference in small ways. Read inspirational quotes, follow people who inspire you on social media, and identify one small action that you can take to work towards a better outcome. 

And remember sometimes coping just means making it through the day. Take things one day at a time, and be kind to yourself. 

Xo,

Courtney