Reset Your Mind: Simple Steps to Overcome Anxiety & depression
A 95-Year-Old Grandma’s Viral Mental Health Tip: A Simple Reset Button We All Need
Life can feel overwhelming, but sometimes, the simplest advice is the most powerful. A 95-year-old grandmother, Christine, has captured hearts on TikTok with her down-to-earth mental health wisdom. Shared by her granddaughter, Christina.
Her message has resonated with people struggling with anxiety, depression, and everyday challenges.
A Simple Message with a Powerful Impact
Christina Symes, a 30-year-old artist, found herself facing a difficult period marked by depression, anxiety, and agoraphobia. The COVID-19 pandemic had upended her life, leading to the loss of her career, the end of a long-term relationship, and the passing of a close family member. Feeling lost and overwhelmed, Christina moved in with her 95-year-old grandmother, Christine, seeking guidance and support.
One day, Christina recorded a conversation with her grandmother about mental well-being. Christine’s advice was simple yet profound, offering a practical approach to managing difficult emotions and regaining a sense of control.
Christine’s Advice: Small Steps, Big Impact
Christine’s core message revolves around breaking down the day into manageable tasks and rewarding oneself for accomplishments, no matter how small. Her advice includes:
- Start with the Basics: “Look at yourself in the mirror, wash your face, put your makeup on, put your clothes on….
- Focus on the Present: ‘What must I do next?’
- Small Tasks, Big Wins: “I must have a little breakfast, or I must have a cup of tea. And then I will start to do this little thing that needs doing”.
- Reward Yourself: “‘I’m dressed. I’ve got some makeup on. I’ve done that task, it has taken me two hours or three hours. I need a cup of tea in the cafe and gallery.’ I’ll go there and have it! That’s my reward, and I deserve it. I deserve it because I’ve done those things”.
- Let Go of the Past and Future: “And you can take pride in the fact that you’ve done them. Never mind about what else has happened years ago…or what’s going to happen in the future”.
Why This Advice Resonates
Christine’s advice offers a tangible way to combat feelings of overwhelm and helplessness. By focusing on small, achievable tasks, individuals can build momentum and regain a sense of control over their lives. Rewarding oneself reinforces positive behavior and promotes self-compassion.
As Christina explained, “When I view everything as a whole, it can feel overwhelmingly daunting, leading me to inaction. However, breaking it down into smaller steps with little rewards, as my grandmother suggests, makes it feel more achievable. These small steps can pave the way for more significant progress. Sometimes, the simplest advice is the most profound”.
Focus on the present, take small steps, and celebrate every achievement. It’s a reset button for mental well-being that anyone can use.
A Viral Sensation
The TikTok video of Christine sharing her advice
“People have said, ‘Oh, I’ve been depressed for a few weeks and hearing this video made me get out of bed finally.’ And they’re listening to it on repeat every day,” Christina shared.
In a world filled with complexity and uncertainty, Christine’s simple yet profound advice serves as a powerful reminder to focus on the present, take small steps, and celebrate every accomplishment, Her message offers a much-needed reset button for anyone struggling with their mental health, proving that sometimes, the most valuable wisdom comes from the most unexpected sources.
If you are facing challenges with depression or anxiety, remember that support is available.
