4 Ways to Keep Your Sanity When the Worst Happens (and One Surprising Result)!

*Updated August 2024

How can you keep your sanity when the worst happens? When bad things happen, moving forward can be difficult. So, what can you do to survive, or even thrive, when facing painful life challenges?

The pain and mental distress caused by an illness, a physical disability, or an unexpected loss can feel overwhelming. And, the road to recovery can be long. You may feel as though you’re traveling through a dark tunnel just trying to get to the other side. Life’s hardships can cause you to question everything you thought you knew. But, even though it might feel impossible to overcome your challenges now, life will get better.

Your survival and recovery will come down to the small decisions you make everyday. And, it’s up to you to take purposeful steps to ensure that you keep your sanity when the worst happens.

4 Ways to Keep Your Sanity When the Worst Happens

Before moving on, quickly save this Pin to reference later.

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying products.

Self Care

Committing to a self care routine will give you the strong foundation you need to keep your sanity when the worst happens. When I look back at the most difficult times in my life, I do so through the lens of gratitude. My gratitude stems, not from the challenge itself, but from my ability to find meaning from it and grow into an emotionally stronger person. And, although the pain may linger, the silver lining gives it a unique grace.

Although the root cause of your problem is unique, the solution is universal. If you want to keep your sanity when the worst happens, and come back stronger than ever, make self care a priority.

What is Self Care?

Self care is different than short term coping strategies like drinking alcohol, risk-taking, or overeating. Escaping from life actually makes things worse. However, authentic self care has long term benefits for the mind, body, and soul. Self care is any action you take to nurture your mental, physical, and emotional health. Here are some effective ways to practice self care:

• Create a wellness routine.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Build a personalized vitamin and supplement routine.
• Get enough sleep.
• Keep up with medical and dental appointments.
• Work toward attainable goals.
• Meditate, meditate, mediate.
• Connect with trusted friends and family.

Effective Self Care Strategies

1. Connect with Trusted Friends and Family

The quality of your interactions matters more than ever at this critical time, so don’t isolate. Make it a point to get out and socialize, even if you have to force yourself to do it. Meet a friend for coffee, peruse the shelves of a local bookstore, or enjoy a brisk walk with a neighbor. These simple activities can soothe your soul and help you keep your sanity when the worst happens.

Conscious Connections

When bad things happen, people may disappear from your life or want to rush in and save you. Unfortunately, a few may even enjoy seeing you struggle because it makes them feel better about themselves for a while. Don’t take any of this personally. Now is not the time to concern yourself with what others are thinking or doing. It’s time for you to do what’s best for you!

Therefore, make conscious decisions about who you let into your life. If someone doesn’t uplift you or make you feel better after a conversation, limit your interactions. You can also chose to stop speaking to them altogether. Deep down you know who has your best interests at heart. Unnecessary drama and chaos will only make things worse. So, set boundaries and confide in those you trust.

2. Develop Mental Resiliency

Psychological resiliency refers to your ability to face life challenges. Resilient people are mentally flexible and good at solving complex problems. As a result, they’re better equipped to deal with disappointments, stress and change. Resiliency develops when you successfully overcome challenges, or bounce back from failure, and move forward with confidence and determination.

And, when you learn take life in stride, you are happier and more successful. A 2012 study concluded that, “Resilience therefore has a positive prediction effect on the level of satisfaction with one’s life.” Additionally, mentally resilient people are more likely to engage in difficult activities that enrich their life experience. As a result, they experience an overall greater sense of self-fulfillment.

Meditate

Meditation is a great way to practice mindfulness. It allows you to connect more deeply to the present moment. And, it’s in the present moment that you have the ability to consciously create your future reality. Repetitive and fearful thoughts are your worst enemy when working through painful life experiences. However, when you meditate, you can return to the present moment by refocusing on your breath and coming back to center.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness simply refers to your ability to stay focused on the present moment. And, when you’re going through your most difficult times, it can be a lifesaving coping strategy. Mindfulness helps you to identify negative thoughts and stop them in their tracks!

By practicing mindfulness, everyday activities will take on a new meaning. So, whether you’re brushing your teeth, driving to work, or interacting with a stranger in a checkout line, give each moment your full attention. As a result, you open yourself up to all of life’s unique and wonderful possibilities.

Passive and Active Recovery

Many people think of recovery as lying around on the couch, having a glass of wine, or watching a movie. This is passive recovery, or what we refer to as “down time.” And, we all need this once in a while!

However, bouncing back from trauma or loss requires that you engage in active recovery as well. This means that you get back to doing what you love: gardening, yoga, painting, etc. These activities are an essential part of who you are. And, being back in a routine will inspire gratitude and make you feel like your old self again.

3. Practice Yoga

If you want to keep your sanity when the worst happens, practice yoga! Yoga is a wonderful way to stay healthy. Exercising will be the very last thing you’ll feel like doing, but do it anyway, especially if it’s a part of your normal routine.

Physical activity helps you cope with life challenges and is essential to healing. Stretching your muscles, challenging your body, and connecting to self are just some of the benefits of yoga. And, practicing yoga is an effective way to manage stress.

In the article, Yoga: A Preventative Medicine, Dr. Natalie Nevins states that yoga can help manage stress by “developing coping skills and reaching a more positive outlook on life. She adds that, “Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity and calmness; increases body awareness; relieves chronic stress patterns; relaxes the mind; centers attention; and sharpens concentration.”

Don’t Forget Cardio

And, try to fit some cardio in, if possible. A quick run, a kickboxing class, a brisk walk or bike ride will get your heart pumping and clear your mind. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins that boost your mood. Even a 30 minute walk can shift a negative mindset. Try keeping a fitness journal to chart your progress. It will give you the boost you need when you start to lose your motivation.

4. Think Big (Why now is the best time!)

The best time to start doing something new is precisely when life doesn’t feel normal. When you are in pain, and everything seems hard, there is greater opportunity for change. It’s because you don’t feel like yourself that you can more easily do things that are outside of your comfort zone. Pain creates a unique opening that you can only access in times of despair. So, take advantage of it!

Make a list of your interests and notice which topics get your heart racing. Or, revisit the things you’ve always wanted to do, but have been too scared. Don’t be afraid to think big: run a marathon, start your own business, or find a way to help others in the same situation. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Move Forward with Grace

Although you may not be able to see it in the moment, your greatest challenges are your best teachers. And, when life feels overwhelming, it’s your job to work through the pain. How the story ends is up to you and a result of the choices you make now. So, in order to keep your sanity when the worst happens, use your most difficult challenges as your greatest life lessons.

Hardships are invaluable to your personal evolution. It takes time and effort to get over the pain and loss, But, you’ll know you’re healing when you begin to accept what was lost while acknowledging your own incredible strength, courage, and resiliency. Finally, remember that you are at your best when you are creating, teaching, learning, and giving. Living life with passion gives you the courage to conquer your fears, and nothing is more healing than that!

What were some of the biggest challenges you’ve had to face in your life? How are you able to keep your sanity when the worst happens? I’d love to hear from you! Let’s get the conversation started below

If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe and share with friends! And, be sure to follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram. Let’s take this journey together! Your support is greatly appreciated!

Disclosure: Melissa Damiani is a participant in the Routine Probiotics Program an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to merchant, and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking amazon.com. Although I only promote products that I love, use, and have confidence in, always do your own research before purchasing any product or service. Read my disclaimer here.