Now more than ever it is necessary that we all learn how to stay positive during tough times. Here are 9 different ways you can stop negative thinking and stay positive when you are faced with adversity.

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I think we can all agree that a positive attitude is important to have. It will make us feel better, help us to be more productive and it can reduce stress. But what if you are finding it difficult to stay positive?

The problem we face is that our lives are complicated. Things don’t always go according to plan and can lead us into a crisis. Whether on a personal level, like a midlife crisis, or something much more widespread, like the coronavirus pandemic, we must learn to keep positive as we tackle challenges.

Keeping Positive in Tough Times

When something takes hold and affects our daily life, it makes it tough to keep our spirits up. Many of us struggle to find a way to stay positive and hopeful when going through the most difficult of times. If you find yourself having a hard time coping with a crisis, the following will be beneficial to you:

1. Don’t Ignore the Problem

Disregarding an issue may feel good in the short-term, but it isn’t going to help you stay positive. Putting your head in the sand won’t solve anything, nor will it help you move past a difficult time.

Take a deep breath, collect yourself, and accept what is in front of you. Ignoring it will not make it go away.

2. This Too Shall Pass

This too shall pass. It may pass like a kidney stone, but it will pass.

-Unknown

When we are in the middle of a difficult situation, it is nearly impossible to keep things in perspective. We need to recognize that the circumstance is temporary. While things may seem dire right now, it is so vital to remember that it won’t be this way forever.

3. Create a Strategy

One of the single best things we can do to maintain positivity during tough times is to decide on how to deal with it. When we focus on the solution rather than the problem, we will feel more positive.

If help is needed to kickstart your positivity, I have a free workbook that will assist you in releasing your negativity and becoming more positive in your everyday life. It also includes daily positivity affirmations.

You can download the Practicing Positivity Affirmations & Workbook from my Free Resource Library.

4. Count Your Blessings

Even during great personal turmoil, we still have things we are grateful for. When things get tough, it is vital to remember that there is good in the world, and more importantly, in our life. When we are struggling, take some time to list the things in life we are grateful for.

Use a gratitude journal to remind yourself of everything to be thankful for. You can read all about why I believe gratitude is an attitude, as well as take advantage of the inexpensive printable gratitude journal I offer in my shop. 

5. Reach Out

While we are going through a tough time, so are others. Reach out to loved ones and offer support. Helping others is a great way to help ourselves. It’s amazing how being of service to others can boost your own positivity while lifting the spirit of others.

If you feel you need support, don’t be afraid to reach out for assistance. Support in and support out. When things are dire, it is comforting when people pull together to help one another.

The Crisis Text Line website offers free assistance 24/7 to those in crisis. Use it if you need it or consider becoming a volunteer to help others.

6. Take a Break

When circumstances seem so severe that we are forced to think of our problems constantly, it is time to take a break.

It is perfectly fine to take a breather.  Turn off the news. Log off from all social media. Take a break from people that may be bringing you down. It doesn’t have to be for long, and it may not be easy at first, but a time out can help keep you positive.

7. Journal Your Feelings

Journaling is a powerful tool in so many ways. When we vent to a friend, we always feel better afterward. Consider the journal as your BFF. That BFF is always open to listening to you as you express your feelings, frustrations, and anxieties without being judged.

8. Focus on What You Control

When our world seems like it is spinning out of control, it is completely normal to feel helpless. One way to address this and to stay more positive is to focus on the things we can control. Quit fretting over things out of your control, and instead focus on making sure to do your best job on the things within your command. 

9. Embrace Distractions

Distractions are usually our enemy, right? We usually try to avoid them at all costs. However, when we are struggling to stay positive in tough times, distractions may be just what we need.

Here are some things to help distract you from your negative thoughts:

• Take a Walk

Walking has so many benefits for your mind and body. I have written about it in detail in my post 5 Reasons To Walk Each Day.

• Listen to Music

That feeling when your favorite song is playing just can’t be beat. Check out some fun playlist posts: Girl Power Song of the 70s | 70s & 80s Songs With Dance In The Title | Songs for Spring | Mom Songs | Pandemic Playlist.

• Play a Game

Try your hand at a card game, a jigsaw puzzle, crossword or word search, or a family board game. Some of my favorite classics are Boggle | Yahtzee | Trouble | Clue.

• Color

Yes, I said color! Read my post 7 Reasons To Color As An Adult for why I think coloring is a terrific mind healer.

• Binge on TV

With services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ readily available, there’s always something to binge on. If you want a great service that is completely free, check out Pluto TV. Do yourself a huge favor and avoid serious dramas and instead choose a lighthearted comedy instead.

By following the tips provided here, I hope you will be able to stay more positive when you experience a tough time. It is important to remember, however, that you aren’t expected to be positive all the time. It is perfectly fine to feel sad, angry, scared, and anxious. This doesn’t make you negative, it only makes you human.