What helps you?

The other day I was sent a message from a follower and we talked about mental health.
They asked what helps me when I am feeling low.

I gave a jumbled answer, because sometimes I need different things at different times.

I decided to put together a list of things that help me slow down and breathe easy and remember how good it is to be alive.

This is my list.

This is what helps me.

You are welcome to make your own.

I think you should.

When the heaviness comes and hope seems far, there are a few things I know that help me find and remember the beauty of being alive. Sometimes it’s food or nature or you. The noise of this world is deafening, but I’ll keep listening to the sound of hope.

Coffee helps. 
Loud music helps. 
Friends help.
Fried cheese helps.
Prayer helps.
Family helps.
Books help.
Hope helps.
Community helps.
Sleep helps.

Drinking water helps.
Humor helps.
Writing the words “just happy to be here” helps.
Screaming helps.
Cookies help.
Gratitude helps.
Solitude helps.
Reminders of the truth help.
Dogs help.
Walking helps.
Poetry helps. 
Silence helps.
Breakfast food helps.
That video of cheese slices being thrown on the faces of cats always helps.
Art helps.
Rest helps.
Blankets help.
Sunshine helps.
Kindness helps.
Long drives help.
Reruns of The Office helps.
Candy helps.
Making a list helps.
Jesus helps.

What helps you?

For more of my poetry, check out my books!

About the Author

Tanner Olson is an author, poet, speaker, and podcaster living in Nashville, Tennessee.

He is the author of I’m All Over the Place, As You Go, Walk A Little Slower, and Continue: Poems and Prayers of Hope.

You can find Tanner Olson’s books on Amazon.

His podcast is The Walk A Little Slower Podcast with Tanner Olson and can be found wherever you listen to podcasts.

Tanner Olson travels around the country sharing poetry, telling stories, and delivering messages of hope.

You can follow Tanner Olson on Instagram (@writtentospeak) and Facebook where you’ll daily find encouraging words of faith and hope.