Staying Positive in Difficult Times

Pandemic. Lockdown. Social distancing. These have been the harsh realities of life this past year. It has been full of challenges and heartache for all of us. However, learning ways to stay positive in difficult times is crucial to our overall health and wellbeing. 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Please remember to take care of yourself, and never be afraid to reach out to someone if you need help. ❤️

Start Your Day Off Right

How you begin usually sets the tone for the rest of your day. So, start your day with something positive. Maybe it’s going for a run or doing yoga. Maybe it’s enjoying a cup of coffee in silence before the chaos of the day begins. Or, maybe it’s reading your Bible and spending time with God.

Whatever it is, start your day on a positive note.

Keep a Gratitude Journal

Writing things down is a great emotional outlet. If journaling about something difficult or stressful, follow it with writing down things you are grateful for.

We all need gentle reminders from time to time that we are truly blessed. And, what better words to read than your own. 💗

Thankfulness

Openly state what you are thankful for. Note all of the blessings in your life and choose to focus on those.

Limit News and Social Media Exposure

Reading or watching too much negative news causes you to think negatively. Additionally, getting sucked into the negativity and debates of social media can cause you to become discouraged, angry, and feel hopeless. 

Limit your exposure to negative platforms. And, follow more positive people on social media. Or, maybe you just need to turn your phone off altogether. 

Take Care of Yourself

I always say: self care isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. Set aside time every day for your self care and take time for you. Read more on this here.

Do What Makes You Happy

Do something fun! Surround yourself with things that make you happy. Maybe it’s people, things, or hobbies. Whether it’s cooking, baking, knitting, playing sports, reading books, taking a relaxing bubble bath, or snuggling with your pet–take time to enjoy whatever makes you happy.

Eat a Healthy Diet

What we eat greatly affects not only our physical health, but our mental health as well. 

For more information on the benefits of a plant based diet, read 34 Reasons to Start a Plant Based Diet Tomorrow.

Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep decreases stress and improves mood. Studies show that people who are sleep deprived report increases in negative moods (such as anger, sadness, frustration, and irritability).

Stay Physically Active

Have a regular fitness routine, go for a walk, or do yoga. Staying physically active lowers your body’s stress hormones. In addition, exercise also releases endorphins–those “feel good” chemicals that improve your mood.

Surround Yourself with Loved Ones

Whether it’s (safely) in person or virtually, spend time with your loved ones. Focus on positive relationships that bring you joy and enhance your life. Limit or eliminate relationships and friendships that bring out the worst in you.

Get (and Give) Plenty of Hugs

Positive physical contact lowers stress hormones and releases oxytocin, a.k.a. “the love hormone.”

As author and family therapist Virginia Satir once said: 

“We need 4 hugs a day for survival; and 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.”

Cry

Acknowledge that it’s ok to feel down sometimes. Allow yourself to cry and let it all out. In fact, crying releases endorphins–those “feel good” chemicals that ease both physical and emotional pain.

Smile

Notice crying is quickly followed by smile. 😊 Smiling also releases endorphins and causes you to feel happier and more positive.

In this age of mask wearing, it can sometimes be difficult to smile at someone. Something as simple as saying hello to someone and “smiling with your eyes” has the potential to brighten both their day and yours.

Get Outside

Fresh air and sunshine can brighten any mood!

Random Acts of Kindness

Pay for a stranger’s lunch. Compliment someone. Thank someone for the job they are doing. Send flowers to a nursing home. Donate clothes, food, or supplies to someone in need.

You may never know how much that plate of cookies meant to your neighbor or how desperately your friend needed that handwritten note of encouragement. 

Focus on the Here and Now

Don’t think too far ahead into the future. There are so many aspects of life that are out of our control. Focus on the here and now. What can you do in this moment to stay positive?

Resources

If you are or someone you know needs help, there are resources available. 

If they are in immediate danger, call 911 (in the U.S.) or take them to an emergency room.

Call the Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Go to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) for additional resources.

And, you can also find digital resources here.

Staying Positive in Difficult Times

I always make a point to start my day by reading the Bible and spending time with God. It starts my day on a positive note and gives me tools to help navigate the day ahead.

I also write down my thoughts and always try to focus on more positive than negatives. When life is most difficult, I am reminded of how much God loves me and that He will always be by my side.

Additionally, you may find the article about Ways to Decrease Stress helpful as well. ❤️

Focus on positive, calm, and joy, especially in difficult times. Deep breath and smile. Life is a blessing. 🥰