The Benefits of Positive Thinking in Tough Times
Life is a journey full of twists and turns. Sometimes, we find ourselves in very dark valleys. These valleys can be in the form of a financial crisis, serious health condition, broken relationships, or the loss of a loved one. It is during these times, that we can feel daunted, discouraged or doomed. Sometimes we cannot control the circumstances, but we can learn to control how we react to the circumstances. This is what makes positive thinking not only helpful but necessary!
What Is Positive Thinking?
Positive thinking is not ignoring the reality of a situation or pretending that the pain isn't real. Positive thinking doesn't mean acting like things are alright when they are not. Instead, it is a mindset- a conscious decision to deal with difficult conditions with a sense of hopefulness, optimism, and strength. Positive thinkers are more concerned with what can be done instead of what is going wrong. They try to find the lessons in adversity, look for solutions, and believe that things will get better.
Why Positive Thinking is Important for Despite Hard Times
Negative thinking can quickly take over during difficult times. You may begin to what-if about the worst case scenario, assume blame belongs to you, or you may feel locked up in a tough place. Negative thinking tends to breed anxiety, stress, which if it lasts too long can lead to depression. In contrast, positive thinking can provide you with positive mental clarity and emotional stability regardless of the external events and can even provide physical benefits, like lowered blood pressure, enhanced immune function, and improved sleep.
Scientific studies show that a positive mindset, or gauge of the mind, can actually change how the brain responds to stress. People with optimism are more likely to rebound from setbacks, consider better alternatives to solve their dilemmas, and make sense of their suffering. Ultimately, positivity gives you the intra-personal tools to get through life's storms.
How Positive Thinkers Handle the Tough Stuff
Positive thinkers don’t avoid or ignore pain or struggle — they simply engage with it differently. They believe:
Every challenge has an underlying lesson.
Difficult times will pass.
There is always something to be thankful for.
They are not too far from help and support.
Their response is more important than the event/eventuality itself.
This way of thinking explains how resilience can be developed (resilience is the ability to bounce back and continue to move forward in the midst and after hard times).
Easy Steps to Develop a Positive Mindset
You don't have to be a naturally positive person to be able to adopt that mindset. Positive thinking can be learned and developed through small consistent habits. Here are some simple ways to start:
1. Be Grateful Daily
While it might feel impossible to be grateful when things aren’t going well, there is almost always something you can be thankful for, even in the worst of times — like a friend asking how you're doing, a cozy bed, or even a beautiful sunrise. Try writing down three things daily you are grateful for. This simple act will help redirect your brain from what you think is missing to what is present.
2. Be Around People Who Lift and Inspire You
You are going to take on the characteristics of the five people you spend the most time with. Find those people who uplift you, inspire you and will support you. Their positive energy will undoubtedly influence your thoughts and feelings.
3. Be Kind to Yourself
How we talk to ourselves and what we think about can dictate how we feel. Instead of discounting your feelings and criticizing yourself for feeling down or for making a mistake, be compassionate and encouraging to yourself. Say to yourself what you would say to a friend struggling with similar feelings.
4. Control What You Can Control
You have probably heard people (including your mother) say that stressing about things you cannot control is a complete waste of time. When things are difficult, we sometimes obsess over things we wished we could control. Instead, try to focus on putting your energy into things you can control. Even simple things such as decluttering a room or setting a goal can help in relieving the disorganization of your mind and restore a sense of control.
5. Limit Negative Input
Being subjected to constant negative input through news media, toxic people, or social media will deplete your energy and feed your fears. Stay cognizant of what you input, and choose uplifting, hopeful, or educational input that nourishes your mind.
Real Growth Through Hard Times
It's true that hardship can break us such that we never recover, it's also true that it can build us. Many people look back on particular challenging seasons of their life and recognize that those challenging times helped shape them into stronger, wiser, and kinder people. Positive thinking allows us to grow through what we go through — no by ignoring pain, but by seeing beyond it.
When we embrace positivity, we allow ourselves to once again dream, that there are new possibilities, and we can move forward with courage. This doesn't mean it will be easy, but it means we will walk it with strength and hope.
In conclusion,
Living a positive state of mind, does not mean that the challenges infront of you are going to disappear, but having a positive mindset that you confront challenges with, will shift the experience around the challenges. I like to also say, at times it may feel lost of hope, or the obstacle in front of you is insurmountable, but sometimes all you need is a sliver of hope, a shimmering silver lining, to help you through what feels like an isolating obstacle. Positivity can be one of the best ways to foster resilience. It can help keep your wits about you as you navigate the uncertain moments and seek to create a new normal. So as you find yourself in those unknown moments- be hopeful, try to focus on the positives, take things moment by moment and don't forget- this too shall pass.
So keep going! Good days are in your future.
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