Life Feels Heavy? Here’s How to Keep Going Through the Storm

Some days, life just hits different—and not in a good way. You wake up feeling exhausted, unmotivated, or maybe even hopeless. The weight of everything feels like too much to carry. You’re trying your best, but nothing seems to get easier.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

There are times in life when the stress, suffering, and uncertainty seem to be too much to handle. However, you can continue even during the most difficult times. You don’t have to do it alone, and it won’t feel this way all the time.

Here’s how to persevere and regain your strength if you’re feeling exhausted, disheartened, or feel like giving up.

What Can You Do to Go Through Hard Times?

We know that this is not easy, but trust us, you’ve got this! Take a look at these tips to make your hard times easier.

Take It One Day at a Time

It’s easy to focus on all the issues, choices, and unknowns at once when life seems chaotic. However, that just makes things more stressful and overwhelming.

Instead, take a step back and ask yourself:

• What do I need to focus on today?
• What’s one small thing I can do right now?
• How can I take care of myself in this moment?

Some days, the best thing you can do is just make it through the next hour, the next meal, the next deep breath. And that’s okay.

Let Yourself Feel Without Judgment

Let’s be honest—when life feels heavy, it’s easy to push emotions aside and pretend everything is fine. But bottling things up only makes the storm last longer.

You don’t have to be “strong” all the time. It’s okay to:

• Cry when you need to
• Feel frustrated or angry
• Admit that things are hard
• Take a break without guilt

Feelings aren’t meant to be ignored—they’re meant to be felt, processed, and then released. So go ahead, let it out.

Lean on the Right People

Ever heard the saying, “You don’t have to do this alone”? It’s true. You weren’t meant to carry everything by yourself.

Find your people—the ones who:

• Listen without judgment
• Remind you that you’re not alone
• Encourage you to keep going
• Help lift the weight off your shoulders

Maybe it’s a friend, a mentor, a family member, or a support group. Maybe it’s your faith, your journal, or a therapist. Whatever it is, lean into what brings you comfort and strength.

Take Care of Yourself—Even When You Don’t Feel Like It

Self-care is typically the first thing to go when things get tough. You may neglect to take a deep breath, stop eating healthily, or skip sleep. The problem is that you will need your strength to overcome this.

So even when you don’t feel like it, do the little things that keep you going:

• Drink water. (Your body needs it, and so does your mind.)
• Get outside. (Even 5 minutes of fresh air can help.)
• Move your body. (A short walk, a stretch—anything.)
• Rest. (Your body and mind need recovery.)
• Eat something nutritious. (Food = fuel.)

Taking care of yourself isn’t about being “productive”—it’s about survival. You’re going through something hard, so be gentle with yourself.

Shift Your Focus From “Why?” to “What’s Next?”

It’s easy to get stuck in the “Why is this happening?” mindset. And while it’s natural to ask, sometimes there aren’t clear answers—at least not yet.

Instead of staying stuck in the “why,” try asking:

• What’s the next step I can take?
• What can I control in this situation?
• What can I learn from this?

You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just focus on the next step forward.

Find the Small Joys (Even in the Storm)

Even in the hardest times, there are tiny moments of joy—but you have to look for them.

• A song that lifts your mood
• A warm cup of coffee or tea
• A deep breath that brings peace
• A moment of laughter with a friend

These small things may not fix everything, but they help lighten the load.

Hold Onto Hope—Even When It Feels Distant

When life feels dark, hope can feel out of reach. But here’s what you need to know: Hope is still there, even when you can’t see it.

Hope is knowing that:

• Storms don’t last forever.
• You are stronger than this moment.
• You’ve overcome hard things before, and you will again.

Take on someone else’s hope even if you don’t feel hopeful today. Read about people who have persevered. Pay attention to those who have survived. Allow their optimism to serve as a reminder that you are also capable of surviving.

You Are Stronger Than You Think

This is not the end of your story, regardless of how difficult life may feel at the moment. Even though it doesn’t feel like it today, you will overcome this. One moment at a time, one breath, one step.

And if you need a reminder that faith and resilience can carry you through even the darkest moments, Living on a Prayer by Hannah Hartman is a book you need to read. This powerful memoir is a story of strength, love, and faith in the midst of life’s hardest storms.

Get your copy today, and remember—you are never alone. Keep going. You’ve got this.