Hard times are part of the human experience. From financial, to emotional, to a loved one’s incarceration sentence, there are many reasons why one may feel they are in hard times. As you seek to overcome a challenging season, you may feel like you have no way to change your reality. If you feel like this, one of the best things you can do for your mental and overall health is to find peace in the midst of it.
Release What You Cannot Control – There will be moments in your life where you will encounter moments you can’t control. These moments can hold us captive if we allow it. Learning to let go of things that are out of your control will free you from the burden.
Let Go of Trauma – Trauma can hold you back from enjoying life. In fact, more than half of Americans have experienced trauma throughout their life. If left unchecked, trauma can seemingly put life on hold. For those of you who are dealing with trauma, find a way to let it go.
Don’t Go It Alone – Many people make the mistake of trying to go through a hard time by themselves. There may be times where being alone is necessary, and certainly a part of the healing process, but no one should have to fight a hard season by themself. If you are able, find someone who you can trust to walk through it with you. As you build a support system, consider who will cheer you on and empower you. Take time to include them in your life.
The Healing Power of Forgiveness – When harm has been done to us, it can send us in a negative cycle of bitterness. When we hold onto bitterness, it can keep us bound. But, when we release wrongdoing we release the burden that bitterness brings.
Learn to Laugh Again – It has been said that laughter is the best medicine. In fact, laughter is proven to reduce stress, prevent heart disease, boost your immunity to disease, relieve anxiety and tension. As you work to find joy in life, take time to revisit things that bring a smile to your face.
Take a Social Media Break – With all the negative news, influencers and headlines, it can be discouraging to constantly revisit these negative voices. It can be tempting to be so immersed in negative voices that it disrupts your ability to find peace in your life. In fact, many studies shown that long term exposure to social media has a similar impact on the brain as that of drug use or gambling. It might be time to take a break from social media. This includes the news or other outlets that may be impacting your mental health.
Practice Kindness – When we begin to think beyond ourselves, we can create new patterns in our life. Whether it is random acts of kindness or committing to supporting a non-profit organization, finding ways to improve the world around us can push us into a new season of gratitude and hope for our future.
Shift Your Thinking – Hard times, be it a week, a month, year or decade, can create a negative routine in your life. Especially in prolonged seasons of hardship, it can put you in a negative cycle in your life. If you are in this boat, it is time to shift your thinking. When you move your thoughts away from negative thoughts and focus on positive, you have the opportunity to see the world around you differently.