8 Ways to Climb Back up when You've Hit Rock Bottom ...

Climbing back up after hitting rock bottom can feel like trying to ascend Everest in flip-flops, but trust me, it’s not impossible. It’s like life’s way of telling you, “Hey, maybe you needed to rethink those flip-flops,” while handing you a nice pair of hiking boots. I've had my fair share of rock-bottom moments; let's just say my twenties resembled a poorly-scripted reality show. But here we are in 2024, and with a sprinkle of resilience and a dash of humor, I'm still standing. Buckle up as we explore these 8 effective methods to get back on track.

Firstly, it's crucial to recognize that mental health often takes center stage when you're down. A wise friend once told me, “When you're going through hell, keep going; just make sure you’re wearing sunscreen!” Start with acknowledging your feelings and understand that they're valid. Sometimes, you have to embrace the suck to move past it.

Introducing a little meditation into your daily routine can work wonders. You don't have to be a monk or live in the mountains. Even 5 minutes a day can help clear the mind and center your thoughts. Trust me, my first attempts looked like a hamster trying to sit still, but over time, it became a comforting habit.

Now, if you’ve been experiencing burnout, I can relate. Burnout is that sneaky guest who overstays their welcome. That's when you need to re-evaluate your priorities. Maybe your current gig isn’t what you wanted to be when you grew up. If my days in triple shift hospitality taught me anything, it’s that dragging yourself through every day without a sense of meaning is a one-way ticket to misery.

To climb out of that rut, one of the most talked-about approaches is to surround yourself with positivity. Easier said than done, right? Well, small changes, like unfollowing those soul-sucking accounts on social media and opting to hang out with friends who lift you up, can lead to surprising shifts in your mood and outlook.

Another game-changer on this journey is developing a growth mindset. Sometime last summer, I stumbled across an old journal (think dinosaur era, pre-iPad) and was amazed at the difference in my thought process over the years. Prioritize constant learning and adapting—your future self will give past you a high-five.

Lastly, finding joy again is crucial—be it through a long-lost hobby or new adventures. Imagine picking up those old paintbrushes or finally signing up for that salsa class (trust me, you'll laugh a lot and maybe twist an ankle, but it's worth it).

So, ready to swap those flip-flops for sturdy boots and start climbing? Let’s make 2024 the year you rise back up!

1 Let Your Emotions out

The only way to get back to the top is to feel. Feel every single emotion that is weighing you down. Whether it is happiness, anger, guilt, anxiety etc., acknowledge the emotion, and let it go. You have to move past anything weighing you down to get back up again.

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2 Take Your Time

There is not a time limit on reinventing or finding yourself. Take as much or as little as you feel you need. It could take weeks, months, or years until you are completely happy with the way things are. Just remember this is your life that you are trying to figure out. Do what is best for you.

3 Take Responsibility for Your Life and Your Choices

You are the ultimate deciding factor in your life. If you want to do something, do it, but if it doesn’t turn out the way you want, don’t blame someone else. Own up to your own mistakes and accept the consequences.

4 Try New Things

If you are reinventing yourself why not try something you have never tried before. You won’t know if you don’t like it unless you try it. Go try that new restaurant, go on a blind date, or give that gym membership a try. If you don’t enjoy it, at least you gave it a try.

5 Surround Yourself with Those Who Make You Happy

Words of encouragement and appreciation will go a long way at this point in your life. You need to know that there are others out there who have your back. Take this time to re-evaluate some of the people in your life. If they do not add a positive quality to your life, do you really want them to continue into your new life?

6 Stop Waiting and Start Doing

No one else is going to make the moves for you. This is your life remember? If you want to do something, do it. Don’t wait for someone else to make the decision for you.

7 Realize What You Have and What You Want

Stop taking the things and people in your life for granted. Be thankful that they are there for you when you need them (and even when you don’t). Figure out what you want out of life and make it a goal to achieve.

8 Be Persistent

You are going to have days that you feel like nothing is working, or you haven’t progressed any. Push through those thoughts and keep going. One day you are going to be able to look back and realize how far you have come.

Just remember you are never given more than you can handle. Sometimes you need to be reminded how strong you really are. What advice will you use to find yourself after hitting rock bottom? How did you put your life back together? Let us know in the comments.