When You Feel Worthless: How to Bounce Back Stronger Than Ever

Whether it is from a breakup or a rejection letter, when you feel worthless, it can be difficult to bounce back. Luckily, we’re here to help.

Listen, if there is anything I know, it is feeling worthless. I’ve had my fair share of let downs and heartbreaks in my lifetime, just like anybody. I’ve developed a system to bouncing back that I think is foolproof. It works wonders for me, and I hope that it will help you as well when you feel worthless.

It is important to note that everybody heals differently, and because of this, you may need to alter my method slightly to suit your needs and lifestyle better. We are not the same person, so it is natural for this method to need altering to suit you.

Healing over time

Before we get into the details of my “bounce back” method, I need to tell you this. Whatever it is that has made you feel this way, please know that it is only temporary. Pain heals over time, and you will too. You are strong, and you’re capable of getting out of this funk. I know it.

Be patient, and push yourself everyday. Consider the fact that some days if all you do is get out of bed, you are succeeding in getting better. Some days we move mountains, and other days we just survive. Both days are great days. [Read: How to deal with insecurity and feel magnificent]

How to bounce back when you feel worthless

When you feel worthless, getting better really isn’t even an option. That’s sort of the issue. If you feel worthless, you don’t feel like you are worthy of getting better, but I assure you that you are. You’re worthy of feeling fantastic, so give yourself permission to heal.

#1 Identifying the problem. Why are you feeling this way? This might seem like an easy question to answer, but for some of us, it can be the most difficult question. Sometimes we just feel this way, with no apparent reason. But think long and hard about this, because there is a reason you are feeling this way. [Read: The daily habits that will help when you feel worthless]

#2 Dig a little deeper now. Okay, so you’re upset because you didn’t get that job? Alright, now dig a little deeper. Was it really the job that you were excited about? Or was it the fact that people would call you “successful.”

I recently didn’t get a job that I swore I had in the bag, and I started to fall into this rut of feeling worthless. When I sat down and really thought about why I was feeling this way, I began to realize that it wasn’t necessarily the job that I wanted. I just wanted to make people proud of me. I think that is something that a lot of us strive for. [Read: 20 habits of incredibly happy people]

#3 Create a gratitude journal. So, now that you know why you are feeling worthless, you need to begin to heal. One of my favorite ways to do this is by appreciating the wonderful things that are going right in my life. Keeping a gratitude journal is an excellent way of doing this.

You don’t need to write in this every single day like a regular journal, even if  you just write in it when you feel worthless, like you do right now. Eventually you will have a notebook full of fantastic reasons to be happy. Look at this when you feel worthless.

#4 Set a time limit on your sadness. I swear I’ve recommended this before, but it’s my biggest recommendation. When I am feeling low and down on myself, I give myself 24 hours to feel this way, and then I need to stop feeling sorry for myself and pull it together. I highly recommend doing the same. Oftentimes, I tell myself this and begin to feel better within a few hours, instead of the full 24.

#5 Talk to the people that build you up. For me, I have four solid people that always make me feel better, and they all have different ways of doing so. My friends Alex and Kate are just incredibly supportive ladies that throw kind words on me like confetti. Then there is my mom, who says mom things–tough love basically. And then my boyfriend, who basically just reminds me that I’m a rock star and that I am doing the best that I can.

Being reminded that you are loved is a great way of feeling less worthless. [Read: Why good friends are like stars and why you need them in your life]

#6 Talk to somebody qualified to help. I think we are afraid of going to someone for help, but I really think that counselors and therapists are severely underused. If you need help to feel better, don’t be afraid to reach out and get it. Seriously, I think we all need to do this at least once in our lifetime. No shame in taking care of your mental health.

#7 Listen to a podcast. I have a lot of podcasts that I listen to when I’m feeling worthless, because it is almost like talking to an old friend. Ones like “Earn Your Happy” by Lori Harder are amazing for feeling better when you are in a funk.

#8 Get outside. Maybe it’s just me, but being surrounded by nature is the best way to feel better. It’s like I reconnect with my true self, and I recharge my energy when I’m outside. It always makes me feel better. Go for a hike, a walk, or even just go sit in the park.

#9 Force yourself to love yourself. Sounds easier said than done, I get it. But when I’m feeling worthless, I force my mind to change gears. Instead of thinking of the bad parts of me, I force myself to think of the good things about me. But I don’t just think about them, I look at myself through a mirror and say them to myself. It sounds absolutely insane, and like it would never work, but trust me, it works wonders.

#10 Hangout with some cats or dogs. It is seriously impossible to feel worthless when your furry friends shower you with love and wet kisses. Seriously. Go to your local animal shelter or a friend’s house and just hang out with some four-legged friends for an afternoon. [Read: 20 positive ways to embrace life in the now]

#11 Go on a date by yourself. Treat yourself to ice cream or a good book in your favorite coffee shop. Get to know yourself a little bit better. How could you not love you? You’re fantastic!

[Read: This is how to find yourself again when life has knocked you down]

I get it, I really do. When you feel worthless, it’s hard to feel any other way, but trust in my advice, and try at least a few of these tips. I assure you, you will be back to your better self in no time!