By Nancy Virden (c)2026 AlwaysTheFight.com

There it is- the unexpected emotional upheaval. This time, it feels like it may overwhelm you. That is when you pull out your resiliency skills.

1. Go for cold. You are probably feeling a little hot, so try to lower your temperature. Put a bag of frozen peas under your armpit, or stick your head in the freezer for a minute. Stand by the AC unit or go outside. This “shocks” us just enough to draw our attention away from the urgent and can help to calm us down by buying time.
2. Practice intense movement. This could be anything from dancing to running in place, housecleaning with a vengeance, or any exercise. This gets your blood pumping throughout your body.
3. Pace your breathing. You may be breathing harder or sporadically. Breathe in on four counts, hold it four counts, and exhale on four counts. Repeat.
4. Relax your muscles. Squeeze both fists, then let them open slowly and steadily. Do the same with your shoulders, legs, and toes. As you release, tension goes away. Repeat as necessary.
5. Self-Soothe. You have already begun by relaxing your muscles; now do something nice for yourself. Use lotion, take a shower, listen to music, take a nap, or sit with a pet. These ideas and more can help you feel more positive.
6. Choose distractions. Get your mind off the emotions that are threatening to wreak havoc. Do chores, play games, play music, read, write, or copy an affirmation, practice your favorite art.
7. Take it to the Lord. “Help” is the only prayer you need if you are following Jesus. He hears you and offers strength for the moment.
8. Finally, use radical acceptance. Some things can be changed, and others are out of our control. Recognize what you have and have not control over. Accept the facts as they are. This is not the same as endorsing someone’s wrongdoing; this is simply accepting, and not fighting, what is not yours to change.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

2 Timothy 1:7 esv

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

If you are feeling suicidal or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S., call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room; in the EU, call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here.) Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

_{HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIVING TRANSLATION, COPYRIGHT © 1996, 2004, 2015 BY TYNDALE HOUSE FOUNDATION. USED BY PERMISSION OF TYNDALE HOUSE PUBLISHERS, INC., CAROL STREAM, ILLINOIS 60188, PER BIBLE GATEWAY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. RETRIEVED FROM HTTPS://WWW.BIBLEGATEWAY.COM/}