Going through a rough time happens when you least expect it. For most freelancers, there is very little option to take time off from work specifically to deal with whatever crisis has popped up. Is there a right way to work through a personal crisis? No. But, there is a wrong way to do it. Join me below for suggestions to help you through a difficult time.

A personal crisis is personal to you

A personal crisis could be anything that really interferes with your ability to get your work done. It could be grieving a sudden loss, reeling from an argument with a loved one, or being so sick that you can’t tough your way through it. Working through a personal crisis is different from working through a professional crisis, too.

Tips for working through a personal crisis

Here are some tips and suggestions I’ve used when going through a difficult time while still having to meet writing deadlines.

• Accept that it might be hard to focus on work: This means sitting down at your keyboard and accepting that the day will be a little rough, and that’s okay. The main thing is that you’re trying. In some ways, admitting that to yourself can be liberating.

• Allow yourself to zone in and out: Like most people, I chastise myself when I realize I’ve zoned out from what I’m working on. Most of the time, I’m just thinking about pizza, anyway. While going through a personal crisis, zoning in and out allows your brain the “breathing space” it needs to process. Allow your attention to shift, and gently lead yourself back when you’re ready.

• Restrict your work hours: This one is critical and is one of the most helpful tips for working during hard times. If you usually start work at 8 and finish at 4, add some extra time for yourself. Maybe start at 9 or finish at 3. Or both. This way, you’re still working, but you are being kind to yourself and the need to move a little slower than normal.

• Put yourself first: Depending on your freelancing situation, you can apply this differently. Is a customer being difficult to work with? Push their deadline, so you don’t need to worry about it right now. Is there a job you really don’t want to do? Do it first so that you get it over with. Keep your health front-of-mind and take extra care of yourself however possible. You are your biggest resource, after all. You need to protect that!

It won’t always be this hard

Whatever your personal crisis is, it’s making you think it will always be like this. When that feeling overwhelms you, jump forward a week, a month, or even a year. Things will be easier and better later on. Right now, you must do the work of getting through it. In some ways, that’s the hardest part.

These have done wonders for me during rough times. Do you have any of your own tips that you’d like to put through? Do any of mine not work for you? Why not?