How to Stay Positive During Tough Times

With so much going on in the world, there’s no shortage of people going through struggles and hard times. It happens to all of us. Many of us have to struggle with no help or support system which makes things worse. However, tough times do not last forever. There is a light at the end of every tunnel. If you’ve been feeling like a dark cloud is continually hanging over your head, here are some ways to stay positive.

 

Make a gratitude list

It’s easy to forget about all the things that we have to be grateful for when things aren’t going too well. It’s normal to want to complain at times. The key is to not feed that energy more than you feed your gracious attitude. Joy and gratitude can’t live in the same space. When times are hard, write down a list of all the reasons you’re grateful. You may be surprised at how many things are on that list. Writing the list may not make things 100% better, but it is guaranteed to change your perspective.

 

Take a break from everything

When we are operating from a place of hopelessness, depression, or fear we cannot live or perform at our fullest potential. One of the quickest ways to burn out is by doing too much, with too many people and not taking a break. The human mind and body can only run for so long without a break. In conjunction with a bad diet, overconsumption of caffeine, lack of sleep, overstimulation from social media, climate change, etc and we are bound to run out of gas. It’s perfectly fine to take a break sometimes. Whether you’re a mom, a student, a grandparent, or CEO please take care of yourself. Your family and friends need you.

 

Set boundaries

Have you ever felt drained from people constantly taking from you without giving back? Do you feel that you sacrifice a lot and get little to nothing in return? Are you holding on to toxic relationships because of history or fear? We have all been there. Setting boundaries is another way to stay positive during tough times. Maybe you need to turn off your phone for a few days and not answer messages. Maybe you need some time away from work to recharge. Sometimes you just need to say no. There is so much power in being able to say no, especially when you feel taken advantage of. Setting boundaries will be uncomfortable at first. You may lose some people along the way, but you will also feel so much weight lifted off your shoulders in the long run.

 

Have a support system

Going through tough times alone is one of the biggest ways to fall deeper into a hole. It’s important to have close friends or family around to support you. Many of us think that going through things alone is the only option. We would be surprised at how many people are not only going through similar circumstances but are also willing to help out. You just have to be willing to open up. This can be a friend, counselor/therapist, family member, or neighbor. Reach out to someone. Even if things are going well for you, try being there for someone else. You would be astonished to find how many people are suffering in silence but can relate to your struggles. If you feel you don’t have anyone you can trust there are community resources and safe havens in every city to help any group of people. Don’t go through tough times alone, you deserve all the support you can get.

 

Adversity builds character in people, but one person can only handle so much. Staying positive is definitely easier said than done, especially when you feel like the world is crashing down around you. You are stronger than your circumstances. You have people out there who love and care about you willing to guide you through anything. Most importantly, you are not alone.