How To Stay Strong And Motivated In Tough Times

It’s easy to become discouraged during tough times especially if you aren’t financially stable. Increased problems such as job security, fear of the unknown and stress from normal everyday issues can lead to anxiety and depression. 

The power of thinking positive. When so much is out of control it’s important to remember what is in your control. Thinking positive is a strong force everyone can tap into.  Do your thoughts nuture you and bring you hope for your future? If not create a healthy belief system. Think uplifting thoughts, choose uplifting feelings and focus on creative ideas.

Toxic thoughts create toxic emotions. If you think fear you will feel fearful. If you think you’re desperate you will feel desperate.  You can set yourself up for a good life or a life of failure. Try being positive, thinking positive and dream about a happy future. What do you have to lose?

Choose determination over desperation. Think of how you feel when you feel desperate vs determined. Living in fear, anxiety and negativity will cause you to feel desperate. It will lead you into a downward spiral. As long as you have food, shelter and clothing you aren’t desperate. As long as you have family and friends you aren’t desperate.

Determination on the other hand offers hope. It’s necessary to trust and embrace possibility. Yes even in tough times. Be determined to take persistent action everday toward making your life better. Be bold and do whatever it takes.

Go On a Media Fast. Don’t worry if something happens that you need to know someone will tell you.  Or you can read just the headlines as you walk by a newstand. If you have your money in the stock market for the long run you don’t have to worry about it going up or down everyday. You aren’t going to do anything about it anyway. If you want to know what is in the news today I can tell you. It’s the same as yesterday. Same fear different story.

Uplift yourself. Choose to listen to music, watch comedy,  old movies or play games. There are a million ways you can spend time uplifting yourself. Any time you engage in something positive you produce neuropeptides that match happiness, contentment, excitement, joy and hope. When you do this your energy will change as well.

Read inspirational stories, listen to positive podcasts or DVD’s about people who have overcome great obstacles. There is no difference between them and you. Countless people have survived war, the depression, recessions and have literally lost everything. Yet they came back stronger than ever in all areas of their lives.

Appreciate everything.Learn to live in a state of gratitude. Acknowlege the value within and the value without. When you are fretting and fearful stop and think of your best memories. Stop and dwell on them for a while. Remember the happiness and joy. Bring the feelings into the present moment.

The more you acknowlege gratitude the happier you will become. Gratitude heals. Your energy from this exercise will bring you even more things to be grateful for in the future.

You can choose to focus on what’s missing in your life. What you need instead is a solution. It’s not necessary to have a new relationship, a new home, or a better job to be happy. You can choose happiness now by choosing gratitude and appreciation.

Learn to Live With Less. Most people blow their needs out of perportion. No matter how much stuff they have there is an insatiable desire for more. They live in a constant state of dissatisfaction.
When I was growing up I had one pair of shoes. Today I have several. Shoes don’t bring happiness. In fact they are often in my way.

How would your life change if you became satisfied with what you have? Get rid of clutter.  Become aware of how much you bring in your home vs how much you carry out or give away. Stop wasting anything. Choose to lead a more simpler life.

Forgive Yourself. Forgive yourself for anything you could have done but didn’t do. If you would have known better you would have done better. Let go of the past and any mistakes you have made. You will feel lighter and free. Take off the ball and chain you’ve carried for too long.

This too shall pass.
Nothing is permanent. Tough times offer us an opportunity to grow. The sun will rise and the sun will set. It always does. Thing of all the things you have been through and have not only survived but have become stronger in the process. Take one day at a time.

Stop and Breathe. When you catch yourself feeling fearful, worried and desperate stop and take a deep breath. Bring yourself to the present moment and remind yourself that you can choose to feel peaceful instead. Unless someone has a gun to your head you can choose peace in any moment. Learn to stop scaring yourself with your thoughts.

Relax your muscles. Quiet your mind. Think of the people you love and the joy they bring you. Let go of striving and become aware of thriving. The quality of your days increases, you experience more joy.

Seek Professional Help. It’s normal to be stressed, down and frustrated when you live in uncertain times. It’s important to monitor your moods. If you find you can’t shake anxiety and depression you  may need to seek the help of a professional. Be brave. Be bold. Take the necessary steps. It’s your life. Make it a great one!

{ 2 comments… add one }

  • Eric Hamm October 28, 2008, 1:15 am

    Media Fasts are always a good idea, financial woes or not. There’s just such an unbalanced message when you only watch the ‘doom and gloom’ news stations. Great ideas, Tess! Eric.

    Reply
  • nothemba April 23, 2010, 2:49 am

    wow i wish u can send me more of your motivatios you are healing med now i thank you just keep on doing that

    Reply

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