By Eliza Hartley
We all have moments when we feel like we’re falling apart, no matter how strong we appear on the outside.
The difference between strong people and others is how they handle these challenging times.
Strong people have a way of dealing with their problems privately, without letting others notice their struggle.
These individuals have developed certain strategies to keep it together, even when everything seems to be falling apart.
They manage to maintain an image of strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
In this article, I’m going to share seven things that strong people do when they’re falling apart but don’t want anyone to notice.
These are not tricks or manipulations, but genuine actions that can help anyone in a tough spot:
1) Maintain composure
When life throws a curveball, strong people are known for their ability to maintain their composure.
This doesn’t mean they don’t feel the weight of their problems.
On the contrary, they feel it just as intensely as anyone else.
What sets them apart is their ability to manage these feelings without letting them spill over into every area of their life.
You might notice them keeping a regular schedule, sticking to routines, and continuing to meet their commitments.
This consistency provides a sense of control and normalcy, even when things are far from normal.
This is no easy feat and requires practice and emotional resilience, but it’s an effective strategy that helps them navigate through the rough seas without sinking the ship.
Maintaining composure means managing emotions in a way that doesn’t derail your life or become an undue burden on others.
2) Seek solace in solitude
I’ve always noticed that when times get tough, I instinctively seek a bit of solitude.
It’s not about isolating myself or shunning the support of loved ones.
Instead, it’s about carving out a little space for self-reflection.
I remember when I went through a particularly challenging period in my life; I was juggling a demanding job, a failing relationship, and a health scare.
It all felt like too much to handle and I could feel myself starting to crumble.
In the midst of this chaos, I found solace in solitude.
Every day, I would carve out an hour just for myself.
During this time, I would shut out the world and sit quietly in my room, sometimes journaling or just sitting in silence.
This personal retreat became my lifeline.
It gave me the space to process my feelings and plan my next steps.
It was during these quiet moments that I found the strength to navigate my way through the storm.
Strong people understand this power of solitude.
They know that sometimes, you need to step back and regroup before you can face your challenges head on.
3) Practice mindfulness
When everything around them is falling apart, strong people can often be found practicing mindfulness.
This is a powerful mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings and thoughts.
Mindfulness has been backed by numerous scientific studies showing its effectiveness in reducing stress, anxiety and depression.
It’s also been found to improve memory, focus, and even relationship satisfaction.
This practice allows strong individuals to stay connected with their emotions without being overwhelmed by them.
It helps in creating a mental space where they can objectively analyze their situation without getting lost in a whirlwind of negative thoughts.
Whether it’s through meditation, yoga, or just taking a few moments to breathe and focus on the present, mindfulness acts as a shield against the storm for strong individuals.
4) Embrace change
Change is inevitable, but not everyone is comfortable with it.
When they’re falling apart, they don’t resist the change or try to cling to the past.
Instead, they embrace it, knowing that it could lead them to a better place.
They adopt a flexible mindset and are willing to make adjustments in their life as needed.
They understand that life is dynamic and constantly evolving, and they are ready to evolve with it.
Embracing change allows strong people to see potential where others see only difficulties.
It’s this perspective that helps them stay resilient in the face of adversity.
5) Keep moving forward
When I was going through a particularly trying phase in my life, I realized that the only way out was to keep moving forward.
I had lost my job, was nursing a broken heart, and felt like everything was falling apart.
But I knew that dwelling on the past or the pain wouldn’t help.
So, every day, I made it a point to do something, anything, that would push me a step forward.
Some days, it was as simple as getting out of bed and making myself breakfast; other days, it was sending out job applications or going for a run.
It was a reminder that every action, no matter how small, was a step towards recovery and rebuilding.
Strong people understand this concept well.
They know that even when things are falling apart, the only way to get through it is to keep moving forward, one step at a time.
6) Maintain a positive outlook
Having a positive outlook doesn’t mean ignoring the reality of a difficult situation.
Rather, it’s about holding onto the belief that things can and will get better.
They focus on potential opportunities and look for solutions rather than dwelling on the problem; they understand that negativity only drains energy and makes it harder to cope with tough times.
This optimism helps them to keep going, even when things are tough.
It encourages resilience and determination, and acts as a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.
A positive outlook is like a compass that keeps strong individuals moving in the right direction, even when they’re navigating through a storm.
7) Know when to ask for help
The strongest among us know that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather, a sign of strength.
It takes courage to admit when you’re overwhelmed and need support.
When things are falling apart, strong people understand the importance of leaning on others.
They’re not afraid to confide in a friend, seek professional help, or simply ask for a listening ear.
Recognizing that we can’t always face life’s challenges alone is a crucial part of being strong.
It’s about understanding that everyone needs support sometimes, and it’s okay to reach out when you need it.
The heart of resilience
The essence of strength and resilience, as we’ve seen, is not about never falling apart.
It’s about the courage to face adversity, the wisdom to understand that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, and the determination to keep moving forward.
A common thread running through these strategies is the power of self-awareness.
The ability to recognize our emotions and manage them effectively is what helps us navigate through life’s storms.
