When it comes to mental health, there are many cliched phrases I find myself gravitating toward to talk about health and wellness. I like to think of these phrases are things to turn to when my brain is tired, or I feel like I’ve been moving too fast and need to take a moment to reacclimate myself. One of the phrases I turn to often is a reminder: take things one day at a time. Over time, I’ve realized how important it is to take my mental health day by day – and how often, it’s what helps me get what I need.
It doesn’t take much research to learn this cliched statement has a long history. There are a few different ways to phrase it, but the intent is the same. In fact, there’s even a dictionary definition. According to Merriam Webster, “taking it one day at a time means, “to deal with each day’s problems as they come instead of worrying about the future. The phrase is commonly used as advice when someone is thinking too far ahead or expecting issues or change overnight.”
Commonly used to calm people’s nerves about the future, trying to take things one day at a time has become sage advice for people dealing life’s many challenges, including mental health issues. And even though it can feel impossible to do in the moment, this phrase can serve as a useful reminder, and that’s what I want to expand on today.
Taking things one day at a time is not a call to action; it’s a reminder. My mental health journey is one that will last a lifetime, and so will yours. There will be good times and there will be bumps in the road, but the only thing we have control over is what’s in front of us. And an important way to recognize what’s in front of us is to slow down and (say it with me)…take things one day at a time.
Taking things one day at a time might sound like very slow work for some of you, and that may be true. But there are times when we need strength to get from one hour to the next, one minute to the next, or even one moment to the next. This phrase is also a reminder that each day brings a new opportunity – and if you’re struggling with something, another chance to work toward change. Things don’t often get easier overnight, but by tackling each new day with the challenges it brings, you can look back and see you’re in a better place than you were a while ago. It takes time, but it is worth it.
How do you feel about the phrase, ‘take things one day at a time’? Do you like it, or is it a bit too cliche? Let me know in the comments below!
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