Build a Personal Support System

Why do we need a personal support system?

When things aren't going well, or we're just not feeling great, we all need support and encouragement.

It can be a difficult, uphill battle for those who try to tough it alone.

On the other hand, much wisdom, experience, and insight can be gained from friends, family, or colleagues who have been there and have learned what it takes to prevail.

Before we get to the point of great difficulty or in anticipation of life's little setbacks, we should implement strategies or have a support system to help us through some of those rough spots.

Here are some tips and strategies:

⮞ Turn to family and friends. There is no substitute for family and good friends to support and encourage you when the chips are down. Sometimes, just talking to someone can lift your spirits and help take the weight off your shoulders. Having someone listen to your concerns helps make you feel supported and understood, thus encouraging you to look at things differently.

⮞ Cultivate a variety of interests. Read more, go to the movies or a play, listen to great music, enjoy beautiful art, and learn to dance. Engaging in healthy and mind-expanding activities can preoccupy you when you need a healthy distraction. Not only do they preoccupy you, they help you grow and develop, therefore leaving less time to brood or stay down for too long.

⮞ Exercise and play sports. Have an assortment of exercises or fun sports you can draw upon to work out and let off some pent-up energy and steam. There is nothing like a good workout to stimulate your happy hormones (endorphins). The after-effects can last up to three hours and put you in a positive frame of mind.

⮞ Take a short, affordable trip. We all have someplace we've always wanted to visit but never got around to. Travel to a big city such as New York, Montreal, Boston, or Toronto and partake in its cultural treasures. The experience can expand your horizons and give you that change of scenery you need. If you happen to live in one of these bustling big cities, take a trip to the countryside and enjoy the rustic surroundings.

⮞Create a quiet place or sanctuary for yourself. Find a quiet place in your home, a corner in your local library, or a park where you can meditate, contemplate, or rejuvenate yourself. It could be a nice bubble bath with candles and soft music at home. In the library, you can find a secluded corner where you can curl up with a book and lose yourself to the world. You can go for a stroll in the park, enjoy the flowers, trees, and birds, and connect with the surroundings.

⮞ Volunteer at a hospital or a home for people with disabilities. Take a day and volunteer your services to someone who needs your help. Giving support is as important as receiving it. It would put things in perspective. Life is short. Learn to appreciate and make the best of it.

Rather than resorting to unhealthy outlets such as over-eating, alcohol, or other harmful substances when we are down, we can find positive ways of expressing ourselves while at the same time building resilience.

We are here to build our resources rather than deplete them or bring harm to ourselves.