8 Simple Ways to Feel Better

Have you ever felt like all the things in life are heavy, as if you are weighed down by the responsibilities, problems, and worries you face? This is not how God wants you to live! He wants you to live freely and lightly in His grace.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. – Matthew 11:28-30, NIV

But knowing this and living it out are two very different things. Understanding how to come to God and accept His rest can be hard. When faced with challenging issues in our life, we often do not even know where to start. How do I lay my burdens down in order to feel better?

The best way to learn is to start simply by incorporating small changes into your life that are not overwhelming. As you do that, you gradually shift your thinking and actions, which leads to feeling better. It does not mean your problems will go away, but it does mean you can feel better as you handle them.

There are no magic solutions or quick fixes to make everything in your life different or to make you feel better. However, making small steps and being diligent to follow them can bring some hope, as you trust God to bring change.

Begin by reading through the list of ideas and choosing one or two to implement. If you attempt the whole list, it can become overwhelming. Instead, as you master a few small changes, you can then build upon that momentum once you have incorporated them into your life.

Do not dismiss this as another feel-good task list. Remember that you can learn skills that help you feel better. When it feels impossible, do not forget you have His help which makes it all possible.

Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’ – Matthew 19:26, NIV

Making a choice to help yourself feel better

Start by coming to God and asking for His help as you try these small steps. He will be faithful to hear your cry and help you with what you need.

I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. – Psalms 34:4, NIV

Reach out to a friend

People tend to isolate when there is suffering or significant problems in their lives. This isolation only makes people feel worse. If this is what you are experiencing, try to reach out to a trustworthy friend.

God created us to live in community with others. With a simple text you can begin to connect with a friend, whether someone nearby or a faithful friend from past that you haven’t talked to in a while. Be sure you choose someone who you know to be a positive, healthy person in your life.

Recognize your good traits

Hard seasons have a way of making us dwell on our negative qualities. Instead of doing this, be intentional about recognizing your good traits. Think about things you like about yourself or ways people have complimented you in the past. Ask God to show you the good qualities He embedded into your being when He created you. You are full of amazing traits. Write them down as a way of thanking and acknowledging God.

Notice nature

The world around you is full of reminders of God’s amazing creation. Whether it is the sky or the ground beneath your feet, look around to see what God has made in nature. If you cannot get outside, look out a window. Even things as simple as feeling the sun on your face or listening to the birds are effective ways to start feeling better.

Brighten someone else’s day

Challenges tend to keep us looking. We can often find encouragement when we turn outward and look for an opportunity to brighten someone else’s day. This does not mean ignoring how we feel. It is simply a way to make another person feel good.

Doing so has the added benefit of making us feel better. Whether it is a simple compliment, a kind gesture, or a small gift, brightening someone else’s day is an excellent way to brighten our own by shifting our perspective temporarily away from our own burdens.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV

Listen to music

Music is powerful! The things we listen to play a significant role in how we end up feeling. This is a biblical concept. What you listen to matters. Choose to listen to music that edifies and speaks life to your soul. This will help you shift your mood. Play worship music. Even if you don’t sing along or know the words, let it play in the background. Music is a powerful way to align your feelings with God’s best for you.

Finally, brothers and sister, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. – Philippians 4:8, NIV

Celebrate your success

When things feel overwhelming it is easy to focus on the negative. People tend to look at the way things go wrong, but also the things they do that feel like wrong choices or failures.

Instead, choose to be intentional about looking at your successes. Look for things in your life that are good and demonstrate your success. This can be something big like receiving an award or something small like accomplishing your goal of drinking more water. It is not about the level of success, it’s simply a way to shift your mind to see where God has been good and kind to you.

Enjoy solitude

When we are struggling, it sometimes feels easier to stay busy than to face the challenge, but sometimes solitude is what our soul most needs. Finding ways to enjoy some quiet time for yourself could yield life-giving insight and rest. Whether doing something you love or simply relaxing, the key is to embrace the silence and listen for the voice, grace, and love of God.

Talk to a professional to feel better

This may seem like a big step, but it does not have to be. Talking to a counselor is a wonderful way to improve how you feel. Instead of looking at it as a big step, consider how you can break it into simpler parts.

Start by looking for information about counseling. Next, find out more about the counselors available and choose a few that you might want to connect with. Then, make an appointment. Those are all small steps that lead you in the right direction.

Once you do that, you can go to your first appointment. Commit to not worrying. Do not be concerned with how long it will take, how many sessions you might need, or even what you will talk about. Simply go to one appointment. Get to know the counselor. Talk about why you are there. Your counselor can help you take small steps toward feeling better without getting overwhelmed.

If you are not sure where to start, ask God to show you. He can help you have the courage for the first steps. You can be confident that you do not need to take any of these steps alone. Just as Jesus described, He will teach you gently and from a place of rest. He will help you feel better, one simple step at a time.

Call our office today for that first step. We would be happy to walk with you on the journey to feel better.