In this article I am going to look at some strategies that you can use when it comes to how to cope in difficult times, as we could all use a guiding light from time to time.
Nobody’s life is easy, even though it is true that some people seem to have it easier than others. Yet, you can bet they’re suffering from one thing or another or trying to cope in their own way.
That’s why we should all try to refrain from imposing our personal views or jumping to conclusions. Instead, why not try to be more civil towards one another and show some empathy?
We could all use a bit more positivity in our day, don’t you think? Even the simple act of smiling as you pass someone by can brighten up their day. That’s how closely we’re all connected!
While we’re at it, we should mention that smiling is one of the best ways to endure difficult times. So, if you’re interested in finding out more ways on how to cope in difficult times, you’ve come to the right place!
Let’s get started.
How To Cope In Difficult Times
Be Patient
Our brains are hardwired to protect against all foreign and domestic threats. So, they tend to stretch out adverse events in our lives to make you think it’s been happening for a long time.
Yet, the worst part is that you start believing that the bad times will never go on forever. You feel like there’s no end in sight, and you’re doomed to lead a tragic life.
Don’t believe it.
One of the constants in life is change. So, whatever you’re going through—good or bad—will end eventually.
There will be situations that will call on you to act and help bring the problem to an end. With others, on the other hand, you simply need to wait out the storm and have faith in yourself.
Be Proud of How Far You’ve Come
You can’t have made it this far in life without having been in one or two bad situations before. So, whenever you need a bit of a boost during tough times, just remind yourself of similar situations you’ve endured in the past.
You probably either overcame the situation or didn’t. Either way, you came out having learned something and gained life experience.
It’s a great confidence booster to remember how well you managed to navigate difficult times and handle challenges with ease. It’ll also help shift your attitude from a sense of helplessness to feeling motivated to take action and do what needs to get done.
Embrace Your Weaknesses
Each of us has our own individualized set of strengths and weaknesses, attributes and flaws. The problem is that when things get tough, we only focus on how weak and helpless we feel.
We lose sight of our strengths and trick ourselves into highlighting our flaws. This makes us feel like losers incapable of rising above any challenging situations.
The key to avoiding this pit of self-doubt is to never compare yourself with anyone else. Then, remind yourself of all your strengths.
You can even make a list of all the good things you’re good at and hang it up. Make sure you place it somewhere you pass by frequently. It’s a great trick that will help shift your perception from feeling weak and vulnerable to feeling empowered and confident.
Keep Disciplined
Implementing even baseline self-discipline during hard times is an absolute game-changer.
Self-discipline brings a sense of structure, predictability and stability during the tougher times. Even a small thing like making your bed each morning will give you a sense of consistency, accomplishment, and an orderly start to your day.
Practice Gratitude
We started the article by saying that everyone goes through hard times in their life. That’s a given. But the difference between those who land on their feet and those who live a life of gloom is gratitude.
No matter how difficult things might be right now, there will always be a dozen other things going well in your life.
Is your relationship on the rocks? Be happy that you have a steady job, have a roof over your head, and can put food on the table.
Are you having problems at work? Be thankful for your health, family, and friends.
Then, there are all the little things we tend to take for granted, like beautiful sunsets, relaxing walks in the park, and delicious coffee. Change your perspective, and you’ll realize that things aren’t really that bad after all.
Learn from Your Experiences
Life coaches, psychologists, and therapists all agree that there’s no failure when it comes to personal development. There’s only your interpretation of the events and how you react to them.
Sounds simple enough, right? Yes! But as soon as you’re faced with a problem, all that wisdom flies out of the window.
This comes from years of being programmed that failure is a big flashing bulb telling us we’re not doing something right, causing us to steer off course. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, everything we now do so well came from a trial-and-error process, like walking, typing, and driving.
What you should do is try to figure out why this is happening. Then, use this experience to learn more about likes and dislikes, weaknesses and strengths. Eventually, you’ll be able to turn things around.
I hope that this has helped you see how to cope in difficult times. Please comment below if you have anything else to add.
This is the perfect match for someone that is going through a rough time.
After I’ve read what you’ve written in this post, I really felt a relief from every issue that I was facing. Even my parents always telling me that you have food on table and you can sleep in a room with air con, they asked me if there is someone who suffering with hungry all the time and how they survived.
Poverty is trying to survive even with just limited resources in every aspect, there is always someone better off than you and you could be better off than someone else. This seems to be a natural rule in the world.
After the storm and rain, we always have the sun back! Difficulty and tough time are not endless!
Now I feel better, much appreciated!
@Jun
This article on coping in difficult times is right on point. The ability to cope when times are tough is an age old mystery. No two situations are alike; although the similarities are comparable. Nine time out of ten, we are the factor that breaks the cookie-cutter mold. Needless to say, there are a number of differing factors that we each bring to the table. The guide provided in this article offers a solid foundation for working through any situation. Great read!
Thank you Canty and yes you are right, for each person the solution will be different but I hoped these tips old help to point someone in the right direction.
I love your coping strategies. I have been going through some pretty tough times recently. I’ve lost both parents, don’t have the best communication with my kids, and they both do not live close by. Out of all the great ways you listed for helping to cope with all kinds of situations — do you recommend any blend (or perhaps others) that you feel target coping with family related issues or do the ones you list apply to that situation as well?
Thank you for your help and guidance.
-Mike
Hi Mike, when it comes to family, there is nothing that beats constant communication with them. Life gets so busy sometimes that it is difficult to keep tabs on everything, but keeping up with your family and communicating with them as much as possible is key to building good relationships over time.
Sorry to hear that you have lost both your parents and I hope that you can work out a way to get a closer bond with your children.