Finding Joy When Life is Hard

Living with pulmonary hypertension, sometimes life is hard. You may not feel well. You may have lost someone close to you. You may be in a funk. Maybe there’s no reason at all — life is just weighing heavily on you.

For times like that, here’s a list of things to be grateful for, to find joy in, or acts of self-love to give yourself a boost. I have found these help me; hopefully they can brighten your life, too.

• Have coffee with a friend. Even better, a friend who will listen to you cry and vent. Then they can hold your hand and give you a pep talk.
• Take a nice, long bath. Add some Epsom salts, or a bath bomb. Turn on good music. Light some candles. Turn off the lights and lay in the hot water. Sit with your feelings, and remember that everything will be okay.
• Take a yoga class. There are tons of classes out there, either at the Y, or a studio, or even on YouTube. They have classes for every stage. Beginner? No problem. Advanced? Get it! It’s soothing. It’s calming.
• Find a therapist. There should not be a stigma when it comes to mental health. Folks, we are dealing with heavy, hard things. We need to be talking to a professional who is equipped to deal with our issues. If they suggest medications — antidepressants or anti-anxiety meds — do not automatically balk. When dealing with a trauma your brain automatically will make less serotonin. These medications can help you find your footing again.
• Have a movie day. Get all your favorite movies, make some snacks, and park yourself in front of the TV.
• Take a nap. Reboot yourself.
• Get out of town! Leave for a weekend. Go somewhere new and recharge your batteries.
• Have a massive cry. Cry out all your feelings.
• Make your favorite dinner.
• Get your chores done. It doesn’t have to be all of them. If I’m feeling frazzled, as long as my bed is made, I kind of feel like I have it together. Maybe for you it would be getting the dishes or laundry done.
• Take a breath.

Things always work out, even when they don’t feel like they will. It will be okay. Trust me, I have pulmonary hypertension, too.

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Note: Pulmonary Hypertension News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Pulmonary Hypertension News or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to pulmonary hypertension.