STAYING POSITIVE THROUGH TOUGH TIMES

Crises happen. That’s a problem we all face at one point or another. Not just now. Despair can make keeping your spirits up hard. That’s why staying positive through tough times is so critical. Consequently, positivity takes away stress, makes you productive, and helps you to feel better. 

• Write down your feelings – this helps to release pent up emotions. 
• Reach out – offer support to others or ask for help.
• Make a plan – because it helps to give you focus. 

So, if you’re struggling to stay positive and hopeful, read on for our nine thought-provoking tips. 

Having a tough time right now?

Ignoring the problem isn’t the answer.

Stay positive. No matter what you’re dealing with, face it head-on. Don’t ignore the monster in the closet. It’s very likely, you’ll find when you open the door; it’s just clothes hanging in there. All that worry and fear can sap your strength and steal your time. Stop to think about the thing that is taking up most of your thoughts. Once you’ve identified the problem, then you can move on to our other recommendations.

This, too, shall pass.

Nothing in this life is permanent. Life itself is fluid. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that your crises is temporary when you’re in the moment. Things can seem grave and hopeless. But it’s not. On the contrary, there is hope, especially when you have a goal, a desire, or aspirations.

You’re positively in control now.

Make plans.

One of the best things you can do in the middle of your temporary difficulty is to deal with it by fixing it. When you switch your focus from the problem to the solution, a little light tends to shine. You will naturally feel more positive. Things tend not to feel so hopeless. When you’re doing something constructive, you tend to feel a little more confident and in control.

Be grateful.

There are things or people you can be grateful for, even in turmoil. When things get tough, it’s more important to remember the things that are right in the world and your life. Take five minutes to write down everything in your life that you appreciate. The more you write, the more things you’ll find to enjoy. The more things you realize you enjoy, the easier it is to stay positive.

Support within and outwardly.

You would be surprised at how much you will receive when you reach out to loved ones and offer support. If you need cheering up, then most likely they do too. Let them know you can use encouragement too. Sometimes admitting a fear, a problem, or a dilemma will trigger helpful attention. It’s better to get the issue out in the open and off your chest. You will find relief when people of like minds come together to help each other.

Be constructive in tough times.

Take a breather.

Sometimes our concerns or problems are always on our minds. It’s okay to let it go. Turn off whatever is allowing the problem to grow in your consciousness. Is social media, news, or other people keeping you worried? You don’t have to pay that much attention to the problem. You’re allowed to laugh.

Stay positive through tough times by journaling.

Journaling is powerful in so many different ways. Giving a designated place to express your fears and anxieties helps to maintain positivity outside of its pages. It’s almost like venting to a friend over coffee or wine. Now your journal can be your best friend.

Pro tip: When the situation has resolved, burn those pages of the journal. Destroying the pages that hold your deepest and most private thoughts will be like releasing the problem forever, so you’ll never look back on it. 

Focus on things you can control.

Feeling helpless as your world seemingly spins out of control is typical. But there are things in your life that you can control. Ask yourself a simple question: Can I fix this? Focus on the stuff you can correct or can control. And then do that thing to the best of your ability. Be proud of whatever you can accomplish.

Finally, embrace distractions.

Usually, we try to avoid distractions. But to find joy in turbulent times and to stay positive in tough times, you have permission to welcome interruptions. Use constructive distractions like taking the phone call, walking the dog around the block an extra time, or soaking for an extra-long bath in the middle of the day. Derail negative, scary thoughts and allow yourself joy, laughter, and enjoyment.

Please share this article, you may never know who else could use a little encouragement. Thanks and be well.