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7 Tips for Staying Positive When The Going Gets Rough

by Sammy Nickalls
staying positive

When you’re going through a rough patch, do you find it difficult to look on the bright side?

Even if you’re the funniest person in the world, it can be difficult staying positive when tough times present themselves. Sometimes, problems can seem overwhelming.

However, we will all go through many difficult situations in our lives, and we don’t want to waste our lives being sad. Looking on the bright side will help pull you out of your funk and stay on top of your game. Staying positive when you’re going through a difficult time is easier than you think if you follow a few tips.

staying positive

Tips for Staying Positive in a Difficult Situation

1. Figure out the little things that make you happy

Earlier this month, I was incredibly stressed with the amount of workload I had, and I was really starting to get negative. I cuddled myself up in blankets, put on my Santa hat, and listened to Christmas music to get some work done. I instantly felt better.

Why do you ask? Because all those things make me happy! Figure out what makes you happy so you can surround yourself with these things during the hard times and stay positive no matter what.

Related: 4 Easy Steps to Happiness

2. Focus on what’s good

When something goes wrong, have you found yourself thinking about everything that’s ever gone wrong in your life? It can be tempting to focus on the negatives of your life when the going gets tough. But don’t let yourself get swallowed up in the darkness—focus on the light!

It’s there, and it’s what you need to pull you out of your bad mood so you can stay positive. Count your blessings, not your curses.

Related: How to Overcome Limiting Beliefs

3. Work towards a goal

Staying positive is easier to do when you’re working towards something you care about. Going through some hard times doesn’t mean you have to be unproductive. Whether that goal is to run a marathon, finish a work project, or learn how to play piano, figure out what you want to work towards and let that be your creative outlet when you’re feeling down.

4. Wear your favorite outfit

When you’re feeling down during tough times, it may be tempting to grab the nearest pair of sweatpants, but ignore that urge. Grab that suave sweater or your favorite pair of jeans, instead. If you feel good about how you look, it’s just one more positive thing to add to your day. Wear the outfit that always makes you look your best, and you’ll be more likely to feel your best!

5. Eat right

I mean, we at Inspiyr think everyone should always eat well, but it’s especially important to mind what you eat when you’re going through a hard time. Macaroni and cheese or Nutella might be tempting comfort foods, but they’ll make you feel sluggish and tired, which will likely put you in a worse mood.

To stay positive, eat fresh, healthy foods, and treat your body right, and you’ll have more energy so you can push through any tough times.

Related: Healthy Eating 101 – The Benefits of Real Food

6. Find your mantra

Is there a short quote that always lifts your spirits or gives you resolve no matter what? A common one is “this too shall pass.” There are many positive affirmations you can tell yourself, from “I can do this” to “Good things are coming my way.”

Figure out what your mantra is so you can repeat it to yourself whenever you’re feeling down. (Repeat it silently, though—don’t freak out people around you!)

Related: The Incredible Power of Self-Talk

7. Vent

Staying positive is much more difficult when you’re bottling up all of your emotions. It’s healthy to talk it out and vent to someone you trust—someone who will support you no matter what. Talk to someone and get some advice.

Sometimes, just hearing that person’s voice will help lift your spirits to bring you back to your sunny self.

Related: The Benefits of Friendship

The Takeaway

It can be tempting to crawl under the covers and shut yourself away from the world when difficult situations present themselves. However, staying positive is easier than you think, and is essential to getting through a rough patch healthily and happily.

By surrounding yourself with things you love, focusing on the positives, working towards a goal, wearing your favorite outfit, treating your body right, finding your mantra, and venting, you can stay sunny on even your cloudiest days.

Take our quiz to find out if you’re a positive thinker.

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sammy nickallsSammy Nickalls is the Content Manager at Inspiyr.com. She is an avid health nut and a lover of all things avocado. Follow her on Twitter or Pinterest.

Photo by ganesha.isis

Originally published 1/2014 and updated 11/2014.

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