How to Cope With Feeling Lost

I’m feeling a bit lost lately. It’s been two months since I started feeling this. This is not the first time that I have had this feeling. Usually, I just try my best to move forward regardless of whatever I am feeling, just like now.

In my mind, I always try to think that this too shall pass, just like before.

I figured that I might as well share on my blog what I am doing to cope with feeling lost.

Photo by Omar Sotillo Franco on Unsplash

Why Do I Feel Lost

As I have mentioned above, I have felt this way before. I already lost count on how many times.

But, as usual, I tried to ignore the feeling and I tried my best to move forward. This time around though, I think this is the longest time that I have ever felt so lost and anxious. I have taken a break from my online selling gig because I just can’t do it for now.

Luckily, I have this blog and I’m using this as an outlet to express my feelings and emotions and also, as a refuge. I do enjoy writing and it takes my mind off my day-to-day worries.

Based on my observation, there are numerous reasons that trigger this kind of thing that I am feeling and these are:

Reality vs Expectations

Looking back, one of the triggers is when my target outcome with whatever I am doing is not met. This time, it’s the sales turnover of my business that affected me greatly financially.

I am aware that I am not the only one that is affected by the pandemic. But still, this is making me doubt myself and as well as my decisions when it comes to my online selling business.

I’m trying to shake this feeling off but I just can’t (for now).

So, I figured, I might as well take a break in the meantime and use this downtime to re-assess everything in my life right now.

Work Overload

Another reason that I could think of that triggered this feeling is work overload. If you have been following my blog, you know that I am a one-man team and I do everything by myself.

When it comes to online selling, there are so many tasks that I know I should delegate to another person in the future. I was actually planning to hire someone to help me, but then the pandemic hit.

And because of this, I’m also questioning if the income is worth all the effort. Prior to the pandemic, it was though. There were even some months that I have exceeded my past income when I was still employed.

But now, it’s barely enough to sustain my day-to-day expenses and it’s stressing me out.

External Situation

Again, I am aware that I am not the only one stuck at home. I am aware that there are more people that have been affected greatly by the current situation.

But this current situation, sometimes makes me feel alone and helpless.

Photo by Leo Foureaux on Unsplash

How to Cope With Feeling Lost

I am not a professional in dealing with this and I’m just sharing with you guys what I’m going through including the things that I am doing to pull myself up. Please do not take this as advice and please talk to your family if you’re also dealing with something similar or to a mental health professional.

Anyway, going back to the topic. I am a person who does not usually ask for help right away if I have a problem. I grew up this way. I try my best to solve everything by myself first because I know that everyone is also going through some tough times.

Having said that, here’s what I am currently doing to cope with feeling lost.

Acknowledge the Feeling

I am acknowledging whatever I’m feeling and I’m not resisting it. I’m acknowledging this because I want to understand this better. In my mind, I’d like to use this as some sort of a mini case study or a self-reflection opportunity and figure out how I can cope with this.

I’m also reminding myself that this is just part of me and this is not my entirety.

It’s Ok Not to Be Ok

I’m also reminding myself that it’s ok not to be ok. That sometimes, it’s not always fun and games.

When I first heard/read about this, I actually didn’t understand what it meant.

But now that I have accepted that it’s ok not to be ok sometimes, it actually gave me some sort of liberation. It’s like some sort of freedom if you will, the freedom to allow myself to feel whatever I am feeling.

Remove/Minimize Exposure to Negativity

I’m trying to get back on my feet as soon as I can and I’m avoiding every form of negativity around me.

I don’t chat with people that I usually chat with in the past to prevent myself from hearing other people’s issues in life especially if the issue is actually caused by them.

I don’t know if I’m being selfish or not, but I’m thinking, how can I help others if I don’t even know how to help myself.

Perhaps, I just needed some break from worrying about what I can do for the people around me, and just think of myself for the time being, even if it’s just for just a few weeks until I start feeling better again.

I’m also avoiding watching the news and I’m muting some social media feeds as well.

Give Myself Something New to Do and to Think About

I’m planning to engage myself in a new hobby that I’ve been thinking of doing for a long time.

Getting stuck at home during the pandemic while still running a small online selling business took its toll on me and I’d just like to do something new that I find very enjoyable and relaxing.

So in the next few days, I’ll be a bit busy prepping pots and buying plants.

Give Myself Something to Look Forward To

Once I start feeling better and energized, I’m planning to visit some new places here (as long as it’s allowed) perhaps with friends and family so we can all have something new to see and experience.

I’m also planning to re-think everything that I do in my life and perhaps re-design and re-structure it in such a way that it’s less stressful but more productive.

 

Final Thoughts

I’m sure that this will pass, as it did in the past. And for sure, it will re-surface again. But hopefully, when this happens again, I’ll be better and more equipped in handling this feeling.

Actually, in my gut, I feel that this is my way of transitioning to something new. My gut is telling me to take a step back and re-assess everything that I do in my life and change things as needed.

It’s been years since I have been drifting and perhaps it’s about time to forge a new path.

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How about you? Have you ever felt lost in your life? What did you do to cope with feeling lost?