If you are like me, then you are the strong support system within your family and friends. People come to you for advice and to listen to their problems. You are the rock that keeps your friends and family grounded. When they need someone to support their decisions, you are the one to turn to.

I was the rock for my family and friends. When something bad would happen, I would be the one they looked to for comfort. I hardly cried; I hardly complained. When my friends needed someone to talk to about their relationships or about their breakups, it was me there holding them as they cried. My family has been through a lot of messy complications.

But what happens when you need someone to be strong for you or you don’t think you’re strong enough for yourself?

The hardest part is to feel strong when you don’t think you are. But no matter what, you are always strong, whether it be for yourself or someone else.

But in case you don’t feel that way, here are some ways to help.

1. Get Out of Bed

I know this sounds very minimal. But not letting yourself sulk in what is going on will make you feel better. Get out of bed and move around. Doing something other than laying around and thinking about it will give you more energy and and actually will you get work done.

2. Don't Sweat The Small Stuff

If you are stressing about every little thing going on top of trying to be strong in what ever situation you are dealing, it is not going to end well. Remember to focus on what is important. Make sure you are working on the things that need to be done such as homework or work. Don't get upset if things don't go as planned or the exact way you wanted. Everything will find it's way to work out in the end.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Talk To Someone

You may ask what is the point of trying to feel strong if you need someone to talk to. But here’s the thing, someone else can help you feel strong again. Talking to someone about what is going on in your life or what is consuming your thoughts can help you get a sense of relief. With that feeling you may be able to do so much more. Being able to have someone give you the strength you give others will help. Talking to someone doesn’t show weakness, it actually means the complete opposite.

4. Exercise

Go for a walk or go to the gym. Pushing yourself by working out or doing some sort of physical activity can make you feel as strong as you are on the outside. It also helps you concentrate on something else than what is bothering you. Not to get too technical here but exercising creates endorphins. Or as Elle Woods would say “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” So working out or even just going for a walk in the park could make you feel so much better.

5. Be Creative

Giving yourself time to relax and channel your creativity is important. Being able to connect energy and creativity could help you create something meaningful. Write down your feelings in poem. Draw out your thoughts on paper. Write a song. Paint a picture. Bringing together emotions, thoughts and art can create a beautiful project. Sometimes it can be hard to talk to someone about what's going on so, creating a release can give you that same sort of comfort. Art can help you release the stress and tension of the situation as well.

6. Don't be Afraid to Scream and Cry

Sometimes all you really need to do is scream. Here's my advice for it. Go to your room, turn up some music and scream. Letting out your emotions through a single yell and give you sense of relief. Another option is going to a park or maybe the wood (if you have access to them) and scream there. You want to give yourself that time to let go of everything. But on the other hand, sometimes all you need to do is cry. Some say that crying won't help, but I disagree. Crying can help you with a release as well. It is a good way to get rid of the stress and tension. If you don't want to just cry, try a romantic movie or a movie you know will make you cry. My choice would always be Charlie St. Cloud.

7. Take a Nap

I’m serious here. I’m sure whatever is bothering is causing you to not sleep very well or at all for that matter. Taking a nap will help catch you up on missed sleep but will also make you not think about what is going on. Taking a nap will also help with relaxation. You may also wake up refreshed and able to work on things like schoolwork or personal work. Naps are an essential necessity for life.

8. Dress Up For No Reason

I used to not believe in this but now I do. Sometimes when I am feeling not too great about myself or something is really bothering me. I dress nicer than I normally would to help me get a little boost of confidence. When you are feeling too hot, getting a compliment can mean a lot. Or just seeing yourself in the mirror in someone really nice can make you feel a million times better than yourself.

9. Treat Yourself

This is no joke. When you are going through a lot, one of the most important things is the treat yourself. Do a little shopping or go out for ice cream. Have an extra dessert with dinner. Giving yourself something to look forward can go along way. This can make your day a little brighter. Make sure you treat yourself well and give yourself rewards, especially when you need them. Treating yourself can help your mood increase.

10. Don’t Forget to Smile and Laugh

I know you’re totally thinking this is lamest advice ever but honestly it helps. Being able to smile and laugh during a tough situation can help the tension decrease. A smile is contagious. So if you smile, anyone else going through something tough or even the same thing, as you will feel better. Don’t be afraid to laugh. Laughing can create a warmed environment and you will feel better from it. Seriously. Smiling and laughing means you found something good in the situation.

Just remember everything happens for a reason though. No matter what you are going through, eventually it too shall pass.