Barely Holding it Together
Life can be heavy.
Sometimes, it’s a slow build… the little stresses stacking on top of each other.
Other times, it’s like a tidal wave, hitting all at once and leaving you gasping for air.
I’ve lived through both.
As a woman, a mom, an entrepreneur, and someone who’s walked through deep loss and daily anxiety, I know what it feels like to wake up and wonder, “How am I going to get through today?”
There have been seasons where the grief felt endless, my work felt overwhelming, and the noise of life just wouldn’t stop. Some days, I’ve felt like I was barely holding it together on the outside while falling apart on the inside.
Some days feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.
I’ve lived with anxiety and deep sadness most of my life. Add in the heartbreak of watching someone you love fight for their life, and it can be hard to even breathe… let alone smile and pretend everything’s okay.
The truth? Life is heavy. And if you’re feeling it too, you’re not alone.
It’s no wonder that every day people are searching for ways to improve mental health…
The Weight We Were Never Meant to Carry
We live in a world where we’re bombarded with stimulation 24/7.
We know what’s happening across the globe, in our friends’ lives, and in strangers’ lives on social media… all in real time. But I don’t think we were ever meant to carry all of that.
Even the people who look like they have it “all together” are often struggling with something. They just don’t talk about it.
And sadly, mental health is still something people shy away from discussing, as if it’s a shameful secret. But it’s not shameful… it’s human.
How To Improve Mental Health
If you’ve ever felt that way too… please hear me… you’re not broken, and you’re not alone.
Our minds, like our bodies, need care. And sometimes that care has to be intentional.
So… how do you start to feel better?
When life gets too heavy, I have a go-to list of things that help me find my footing again.
They’re not magic fixes, but they’re tried-and-true for me.
Here are 7 ways (plus a bonus) that have helped me improve my mental health… and might just help you too.
1. Spend Time in God’s Word
When my thoughts spiral, opening my Bible slows my heart and shifts my focus. Verses like Psalm 34:18… “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted”… remind me I’m not carrying my burdens alone. Even a few minutes a day can strengthen your mental wellbeing.
2. Ground Yourself… Literally
When my anxiety spikes, I take off my shoes, step outside, and let my bare feet touch the earth. It’s called grounding, and it’s one of the simplest ways to improve your mental health. The fresh air, the grass underfoot… it’s a small, natural reset that makes a big difference.
I love this practice so much that I now use indoor grounding products, but I only trust this company.
3. Try the Pause App
Some days, my brain feels like 47 browser tabs are open all at once. That’s when I use the One Minute Pause app… it gives me space to breathe, pray, and clear mental clutter. You’d be amazed at how much better your mental wellbeing feels after just a minute.
4. Write It Out (Writing Therapy)
Writing is my therapy. When life feels too heavy to hold inside, I grab a notebook and pour it all out… no filter, no editing, just release. Writing therapy is powerful because it helps you process emotions and untangle thoughts, leaving you lighter and calmer. When my mind feels cluttered, journaling helps me breathe again.
Try journaling prompts like: “What feels like too much right now?” or “What do I wish someone would say to me?”
5. Create Something
Sometimes, words aren’t enough. That’s when I turn to creative outlets… coloring, crafting, or even simple DIY projects. Creativity not only improves your mental health, it also boosts your mood and focus.
6. Step Away from Social Media
We’re not meant to carry the weight of the entire world in our pockets. News, comparison, constant noise… it takes a toll. Taking breaks is one of the easiest tips for mental health I can give. Less scrolling means more peace. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your mood improves.
7. Get Outside and Move
Exercise for mental health is actually a thing! Walking clears my head in a way almost nothing else can. Even 10 minutes can improve your mood. Fresh air, sunshine, and movement are a free form of therapy your body and mind will thank you for.
Bonus: Ask Yourself… Will This Moment Matter in 20 Years?
This is my power weapon to better mental health and less regret…
There was a time when I lived in constant regret. I’d replay conversations I wished I could do over.
I’d ache for one more day with someone I’d lost.
I said “no” to moments with my kids because I was “too busy”… only to realize I’d missed time I could never get back.
One year, I skipped visiting my dad at Christmas because I thought I’d have more Christmases with him. (I was “too busy” with work) That was his last one.
The regret was too heavy to carry, so I made a choice: before I make a decision now, I ask myself… Will this moment matter in 20 years?
It’s a simple question that changes everything.
No, it won’t matter that I took the back road instead of the highway.
But it will matter that I sat with my daughter and listened to her heart instead of answering one more email.
It will matter that I said yes to a last-minute beach trip with her… and now have pictures that still make me smile years later… instead of working on a project I can’t even remember.
When you ask yourself this question, you give yourself permission to live for what really matters.
And often, those choices are the ones that heal our hearts the most.
Final Thoughts
Mental health isn’t a one-and-done fix. It’s a daily choice to care for your mind, your heart, and your soul.
Some days will still be hard… but you can fill your life with small, life-giving habits that carry you through the heaviness.
You’re going to be okay. Not because life is easy, but because God promises to carry you when you can’t carry yourself. 💜
Resources That Help Me:
- 📱 The Pause App… mental clarity & connection with God
- 📖 Brilliant App… daily biblical encouragement
- 🌿 Grounding… calm your nervous system naturally
- 💻 Pinterest Marketing Academy… for simplifying business and reducing overwhelm for faith-driven entrepreneurs.
If life feels heavy today, start with just one thing from this list. You don’t have to do it all.
You just have to start. 💛
Start small. Take one step. Try one thing from this list today.
And if all you do is breathe and whisper, “Lord, I need You,” that’s enough.
Until next time…