There will come a time when you feel like you hit rock bottom. That is, your life is falling apart. For example, you may lose your job, home, or partner. It seems like you are in the lowest part of your life, and it stinks. The good news is that you can only look up when you are flat on your back. Use these tips to pull yourself up and out of the pit.

1.  Assess Your Situation

Rock bottom looks different to different people. In all cases, it is wise to ask what happened and how you got to this point. Were there external factors or a personal mishap? Be honest with yourself.

2.  Revisit Your Goals

How does reaching rock bottom affect your goals? Do you need to get back on course with your goals, or is it time to create new plans? You can create your own success when you assess your goals and implement strategies to attain them.

3.  Go Easy on Yourself, But Don’t Wallow in Self-Pity

You may want to give into feelings of self-pity. That’s normal. However, wallowing in these feelings won’t help get you out of the mess. Be compassionate with yourself, but let those feelings overtake you. 

4.  Meet Your Physical Needs

Sometimes when you hit rock bottom, you let your physical needs go unmet. Now is the time to ensure you eat, sleep, and care for your hygienic needs. As you care for these needs, you will be in a better position to handle your emotional needs.  

5.  Take Responsibility

You may want to blame others for where you are, but that may not be true. You can get your life back on track when you are honest with yourself and take responsibility for your actions or inactions in this situation. Once you do this, you can take control of your life and make better decisions.

6.  Talk with Friends

Spend time with friends who care about you. They can help you overcome feelings of isolation and sadness at your lowest point. Friends offer support for both the good times and bad and help you feel connected to the world.

7.  Adjust Your Self Talk

Adjust your self-talk and negative attitude with positive affirmations. When you repeatedly tell yourself that life sucks, your brain will find ways to support that statement. For example, remind yourself that life is good, even if it doesn't feel that way.

8.  Keep Trying

Slinking off to a corner to lick your wounds only helps for so long. Soon, you need to pick yourself up and get back to life. Learn from the experiences you had and keep moving forward.

9.  Get Help from Professionals

There comes a point when all the steps you are taking stop working. That's when you need to seek help from a professional. They can help you develop strategies to get back on your feet.

FAST-ACTION STEPS

1. Take some time by yourself and look at what is happening in your life. Are there areas you need to address to get you back to where you want to be? What action steps can you take?

2. If you are not caring for your physical needs, make that your immediate focus. Take a shower, eat a warm meal, and get some sleep.

Schedule an appointment with a counselor or therapist. Look to them to help you address your feelings and develop the strategies you need to get your life back on track.