Finding your feet again after life gives you a hard blow - what you should know

Life is so unpredictable. One moment you're enjoying all the finest things life has to offer. Another moment, it's looking all gloomy with no light in sight. The truth is that experiencing life's hardships is a universal phenomenon, although people may encounter their most challenging moments in different ways.

For some, it comes as losing a job, while for others it could be a heartbreak or even a hard financial downturn that breaks them. But what really matters is what happens after the fall. How do you rise? How do you find your balance again? How do you even start?

We understand how difficult answering these questions can be in a moment when the chips are down, and that's why we want to help you get through it.

Here are some steps that can help you get back on your feet when life knocks you down.

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When you hit life's lows, there's always a pressure to bounce back quickly. But the truth is that real healing isn't on a stopwatch. Thus, there's no deadline to getting back on your feet. Understanding this takes away a great deal of pressure. Of course, you are allowed to be confused, angry, numb, or all of the above. Processing your emotions fully is not a weakness. It's, in fact, a necessity. So give yourself grace. Feel what you need to feel and let it be a spring that spurs you out of your situation.

When crises hit, they often leave you feeling like you're the only one who's ever been where you are. But pain is a great equaliser. Behind closed doors, more people are silently struggling than you realise. That's why we often recommend reaching out and talking to someone. Whether it's a trusted friend, a therapist, or a family member, talking to someone relieves you of the burden, since you're no longer carrying it alone. These days, there are even support groups for various types of cases. You can find one that suits your situation and share your story to get the encouragement you'll need.

Often, when people think about starting over, they feel like it means going back to square one. But it's not. Instead, it means taking everything you've learned throughout the process, including the heartbreaks, and using them to build differently. Your pains do not break you, but they're reforming you.

Start small. Set tiny goals - getting out of bed, responding to messages, and eating a full meal. One little win leads to another. Don’t underestimate the power of momentum.

When life hits hard, your thoughts can become your biggest bully. The inner voice might whisper lies like “you’re a failure” or “nothing will ever get better.” Stop and challenge that voice. What would you say to a friend in your shoes? Say it to yourself. Replace criticism with compassion. Write affirmations. Remind yourself of who you’ve been - and who you’re becoming.

When life feels heavy, joy can feel like a foreign concept. But it’s still around - waiting in laughter with friends, a warm cup of tea, an unexpected compliment, a sunset that reminds you to breathe. You don’t have to wait for a major breakthrough to feel okay. Joy in small doses is still joy. Let those moments carry you forward.

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Finding your feet again after life hits hard isn’t about pretending it didn’t happen. It’s about standing in the aftermath, shaky but determined, and taking one more step. Then another. Until one day, you look back and realise: you didn’t just survive - you rebuilt.