How to Keep Spirits High in Tough Times
Most of us can agree that positive thinking is essential for our well-being and productivity. Maintaining a optimistic mindset not only boosts our mood but also helps in managing stress effectively. However, life is a blend of both highs and lows. We encounter various challenges, whether on a personal scale or within a larger scope. Coping with these inevitable crises can be demanding, affecting our ability to stay optimistic amidst adversity.
To stay positive during difficult times, it can help to acknowledge that bad things happen to everyone, not just you. While this can be a hard pill to swallow, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Finding a support system of friends, family, or a professional can be invaluable for emotional and mental health.
Personally, I tend towards creative projects, people and outlets when I am going through a rough time. You can also turn to creative outlets like journaling, drawing, or writing to find a constructive outlet for your emotions. Connecting with your passions or exploring new hobbies can help remind you that there is still joy to be had in life. As hard or intimidating as it may be, looking for the silver linings in life's toughest moments can help you learn and grow.
If you are struggling to stay positive and hopeful when going through tough times, you can try following these tips:
Keep Your Head Out of the Sand
No matter what you are dealing with, ignoring it is rarely the answer. While ignoring problems might feel good in the short-term, it will sap your long-term positivity. Plus, many of the other tips listed here require you to acknowledge your circumstances first.
To take it one step further, actively working to improve your situation is the most worthwhile path to take. This often requires thinking about problems differently and pushing yourself out of the echo chamber of negative thoughts and feelings. That can be hard, certainly, but it is well worth the effort since this can help you realize that many of those problems may be more manageable or potentially solvable than you first thought. It is an opportunity to take back your power and set yourself up for positive change.
Remember, This Too Shall Pass
When you are in the midst of a crisis, it is nearly impossible to keep things in perspective. That said, you need to recognize that your circumstances are temporary. Things might seem dire at the moment, but try your best to remember that "this too shall pass." Tough times are just that - a matter of time.
I'll take a moment here to speak to my writing and coaching clients and friends - this thought is especially important when it comes to content creation. And most especially in times of crisis. The content you create cannot just be temporary patchwork that fails to address the true nature and necessity of your message.
It has to be unique, it has to be engaging, and it has to effectively communicate the desired outcome. It may take more effort on the front-end, but you will be grateful for it when the content speaks for itself. And I know that you know how beneficial and healing it is to write in your journal!
Okay, carrying on.
Make a Plan and Put it Into Action
One of the single best things you can do to maintain positivity during tough times is to make a plan on how to deal with it. When you focus on the solution rather than the problem, you will naturally feel more positive. You will feel like you are rising to the challenge.
Creating a plan not only allows you to break down the difficulties you are facing into manageable chunks, it also serves as a road map for moving forward. When you have a clear understanding of the steps that you need to take to reach your goal, things can seem a little bit easier. Instead of being overwhelmed, you can take action and start feeling in control of your destiny.
It is also important to understand that making a plan is an important part of the problem-solving process. By focusing on solutions rather than problems, you create an environment of hope and optimism, which can help you stay positive, productive, and motivated.
Think About the Things You are Grateful For
Even during great personal turmoil, you still have things you are grateful for. When things get tough, it is vital to remember that there is good in the world, and more importantly, in your life. When you are struggling, take some time to list the things in your life you are grateful for.
By actively practicing gratitude, you will shift the focus away from the negative to the positive. You can even take it one step further and start a gratitude journal, in which you record a few things each day that you are thankful for.
This not only helps to keep things in perspective but it can also help to put a smile of your face and start new conversations with those around you. Gratitude helps to remind us of the beauty and joy in life, even in the darkest times.
Reach Out for Support in Tough Times
Support in and support out! Reach out to loved ones and offer your support. Reach out if you need assistance too. When things are dire, it is always reaffirming when people pull together and help each other.
It’s moments like these that help build a strong community, reassuring that we can rely on the people around us and that they’ll be there in our times of need. Human connection is so important, especially when we’re going through difficult times—we’re not in this alone.
Supporting each other is a powerful thing. You don’t even need to have the answers—listening and being present can sometimes be enough. So, connect with each other, help one another, ask for help if needed, and build a strong community.
Give Yourself a Break
Sometimes our circumstances are so dire that we are forced to think about our problems constantly. It is OK to take a break. You can take a break from the news, social media, or other people. It might not be easy but taking a break from external stimuli can help keep you positive.
Take a break from the worries and problems that overwhelm you during these tough times. Find time to do something that brings you joy. Listen to music, read a good book, watch a movie, take a walk, or spend quality time with family or friends.
Remember that it is important to show yourself some love and care. Taking a break from stress and worry can help ensure that your mind and body stay healthy. So, don’t forget to take a break every now and then to recharge and stay focused.
Grab a Pen and Journal Your Feelings
Journaling is a powerful tool in so many ways. By simply giving you a place to express your fears and concerns, a journal helps you maintain positivity outside of its pages. Do you know how good it feels to vent to a friend? Well, consider your journal as your best friend.
Journaling helps you gain clarity in times of confusion and keeps you grounded in times of emotional turmoil. It gives you an outlet to explore your thoughts and feelings in a manner that feels safe and free. Not only can it spark creativity, but it also offers you the opportunity to process, develop, and start to make sense of the many ideas and emotions that can swirl around in your head.
Writing it down also serves as an act of self-love, where you are setting aside time and energy to care for yourself.
Bring Your Focus to Things You Can Control
When your world seems like it is spinning out of control, you may feel helpless. One way to address this and stay more positive is to focus on the things you can control. Instead of fretting about things out of your control, focus on making sure you do your best job on the things you can control.
This could mean making small changes like tidying up your workspace and writing down a list of tasks that you need to complete for the day. By planning out your day and having a clear goal in mind, it can help you feel a sense of control and accomplishment.
Beyond that, you can also take time to practice self-care, like taking a break to enjoy a cup of tea, meditating, or going for a walk. By carving out time for something that nourishes your soul, you can get a sense of clarity and energy that can help you tackle anything that comes your way.
Tough Times Call for Embracing Distractions!
Distractions are usually the worst. We are often trying to learn how to avoid or deal with them. They aren't that bad when you are struggling to stay positive in tough times, though. No matter how silly they seem, you should embrace distractions that bring you joy in tumultuous times.
Distractions can be a great source of relief during tough times. Whether it’s painting, crafting, knitting, or playing an instrument, there is value in focusing on activities that bring you joy. Even the seemingly trivial can offer a catharsis, a brief break from reality to let your troubles dissipate and make room for new ideas.
Distract yourself with something small, something that puts a smile on your face and gives you a mental break. You will be surprised by how much sustaining your own joy can help you cope with the struggles of life.
Here are some ideas you can put into action right now:
Write down your feelings. Think about everything you are dealing with and how it's affecting you and write that down. Don't worry about grammar or spelling; just focus on getting your feelings out of your head and onto paper.
Reach out. Whether you are reaching out to offer support or request it, reaching out will help you feel like part of a community. When we all work together, we can overcome anything.
Make a plan. Think about what your biggest struggle is right now and devise a plan to tackle it. Set some goals and deadlines. You will feel more positive by just having the plan, and even more positive if you act on it.
Reward yourself. After completing some of the tasks, give yourself small rewards that will help you stay motivated moving forward. It can be as simple as setting aside a few moments just for yourself or letting yourself indulge in a favorite snack. Having something to look forward to will help keep you going!
And to my writing and coaching friends and clients, remember that creating good content can be hard work, so it's important to remember to take a break every now and then. Taking some time off, even if it’s just for a few minutes, can be a great way to give your mind and body the reset it needs. Small rewards like enjoying a cup of coffee or reading a book can go a long way in helping to refresh your focus. Plus, the feeling of accomplishment from these small victories can really help to keep you motivated.