Tips on Getting Through Difficult Times

In uncertain times, it is normal for our attention to shift to the "bigger picture". Large-scale issues in current politics, social and economic concerns dominate our thoughts and it's easy to feel overwhelmed. We also tend to focus more on our physical body, but maintaining your mental health is just as important. Just like our bodies need to get into a daily routine, so does our brain. "If we don't pay attention to our daily habits, we get stuck in our emotions, which very often leads to maladaptive thinking" says therapist and well being coach Shira Taylor Gura. "This leads to negative effects on our health (physical, emotional and mental) and ultimately on our life".

There isn't a cookie cutter answer for everyone on how to get better. But when you can improve your ability to navigate the difficult times, not only do you live a happier life, but you also grow as a person. See some tips on getting through difficult times just a little bit easier:

Stay Positive.

Sometimes its easier said then done, and yes its cliche but there is truth to this. When you stay positive, you're putting yourself in the best position possible to make it through the bad times, but become a better person through the process

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Get Creative

There are times when you can't do much to change the situation. But there are times when you can actively work to make the situation better.  Whether it's picking up a new hobby, or having your hand at something you've always wanted to do (business, creating, fixing something). Having a creative insight helps pull you through the difficult times and looking forward to something new.

Learn From The Difficult Times

When one finds themselves in a bad situation, you cant help but to beginning nit picking and see where you could have possibly gone wrong and done differently. If you find the value of learning something out of it, it can help paint the bigger, clearer picture and help you not end up in that same situation again. Should you find yourself in a similar situation, you know now what do to to minimize the difficulty of this situation. 

KNOW WHAT YOU'RE GRATEFUL FOR 

This is a big one personally. Gratitude means showing appreciation for all the good in your life, instead of focusing on the negative. If you're not sure how to start, begin by writing them down. The difficult times you'll go through will seem less significant when compared to everything that is going right in your life. 

Focus on What You Can Control, Not on What You Can't

Some situations are beyond your control, which sets you up for frustration and focuses your time and energy elsewhere. Focus on what it IS you can control, this will be the only way to make a change that can actually help. 

Lastly, Be Kind to Yourself

Take a walk, read an amazing book. Do something for you and only you that gets your mind and body engaged in your higher self, so you don't get stuck wallowing.