Let’s face it: Life is awesome at hitting you while you’re down. The fact is that while we can lean on our loved ones, we can also lean too far. Sometimes, it boils down to what we can do for ourselves when life throws us a right hook. Our tendencies may be to self-soothe with some bad habits and destructive behaviors, but that ends up causing more damage. Here 10 healthy ways to self-soothe when life gets hard.

1. Take a hike.

There’s something about nature that brings us back down to earth, literally and figuratively. Not only does a walk in fresh air spark your endorphins, it also allows you space to breathe and think. Hike to somewhere scenic and enjoy the view. Leave your phone behind, or, if you’re by yourself, take it with you, but keep it on silent and enjoy some time with yourself.

2. You call it crying, I call it “ugly cry sobbing”.

I have a fear of crying because I feel weak when I cry. I have the feeling that I’m not alone in this fear. Crying does not make you weak. Instead, it releases the emotion that you’re trying to control. When you cry, you end up feeling more capable of letting go. Don’t force the tears. Let them come as they may. However, when they come knocking, don’t hold back.

3. Punch life back.

There are times when life throws a right hook and it pisses us off. This is not always a bad thing. Get your emotional release from heading to a kickboxing class or trying one of of YouTube. If you’d rather get even, try throwing everything you’ve got into that project that you’re working on or the one you’ve wanted to, but have feared other’s judgment or it totally flopping. Channel this emotion to something phenomenal.

4. Watch a funny movie.

Sometimes, we just need to watch something silly and stupid to lighten up. This is a great tactic when you feel like you’re taking life a little too seriously. With Netflix and Hulu at our disposal, it’s easy to find something to laugh at. By pass the drama and romance flicks for now and opt for a movie like Legally Blonde, License to Wed, or even a TV show like FRIENDS.

5. Chill with your transitional object.

Huh? A transitional object is something you’ve kept from your childhood. It’s usually a “feel good” object. For example, one of mine is a blue necklace and family heirloom I was given when I was 9. When I’m not feeling great (or even when I am), I always put it on. For some people, it’s a photo, blanket, handwritten note, or stuffed animal. Find yours and sit with it for a bit.

6. Spa-daze.

With your local drug store housing just about everything, an at-home spa day can be done cheap and easily. No advanced appointments needed! Take some time to give yourself a manicure, pedicure, and a stellar facial. Throw a bath bomb into your tub and unwind with some tea and relaxing music.

7. Read an intense book.

This is not the time for a blah book. This is also not a good time for a self-help or non-fiction book. Get lost in another world! On top of that, why get lost in a mediocre world? Go for a Pulitzer winner! Or for a New York Times Bestseller! Below are a list of some books I recommend that you get lost in:

• The Husbands Secret by Lianne Moriarty (funny, whodunit)
• Big, Little Lies by Lianne Moriarty (funny, whodunit)
• All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doer (Pulitzer, fascinating, Paris during WWII)
• Dark Places by Gillian Flynn (twisted, whodunnit, chilling)
• The Help by Kathryn Stockett (inspirational, moving)

8. Make a gratitude list.

Gratitude is always the right attitude. When life kicks us in the gut, it can feel like we have nothing going for us. But that’s not true! There are a lot of things going your way. How do I know? Because you woke up today and are reading this. You may not have it all figured out, but you’re here and you’re trying. Go make a list of everything (every little thing) you’re thankful for.

9. Let out your inner child.

I always imagine Phoebe, from FRIENDS, running in the park. Go to a jungle gym or play ground! Take some time to hang off the monkey bars and play a pick up game of basketball with friends. The childlike joy that sprouts from being silly is enough to cure the worst of days!

10. Meditate.

Now, this may seem hokie, but it’s important to take time to feel your feelings, even when they’re ugly and scary. I want you to go beyond “I’m sitting in a meadow and listening to birds”. This meditation(s) should be acknowledging your inner thoughts without judgement and without getting hung up on them. You will be amazed at how much you learn about yourself by doing this for 10-20 minutes!