How to Deal with Difficult Times

Here are a few handy mental tools to give you space, ease stress, and help you find clarity

We all meet challenges, but how we face them impacts our well-being. In difficult times, you may encounter stress that undermines your physical and mental health. When you understand how to deal with adversity, however, you will exist alongside problems without experiencing the harmful effects of anxiety.

Stand back and find space

There’s nothing wrong with emotions. They exist for your benefit. Nonetheless, they can build to the point when they overwhelm you. It’s wise to stand back from them at such times to gain a clear view.

You’ll gain more clarity about managing difficulties when you aren’t under pressure that clouds your vision. When you identify with problems, you are at their mercy. You become entangled in fearful self-talk. You are constantly aware of the issues that worry you without a moment of ease.

One way to untangle yourself from stress is to recognize yes, there’s a challenge, but it’s not you. You aren’t the problem. The problem is an event, and all events change given time while you remain constant.

The difficulties you meet will pass; it’s a case of finding respite and ease until their presence fades. Take a mental step back from the problem and view it as though through the eyes of a stranger. What do you notice that you couldn’t see before when you were in a tangle?

Looking at the situation another way will provide ease and clarity so you can manage without adding stress.

Increase creativity

Creativity engages a different part of your brain than when you are stressed. It can be a good idea to awaken creativity, not only for respite but to aid problem-solving too.

Don’t worry if you aren’t especially arty. As a child, you weren’t afraid to put pen to paper, draw, shape clay, or make up a song, and you can be similar now. Rather than aim to craft a fantastic work of art, get involved in the creation process and enjoy it. Release your emotions as you work, and you’ll feel lighter.

Take a mini mind break

When your mind is full of problems, stress hormones flow and keep worries rolling. Stop the movement by taking a breather. Time out, if only for twenty minutes while you focus on nature, comedy, and self-care, will send the message you are okay to your primitive brain where stress grows. You’ll be free from angst for a short time, enough to help you let go and find peace of mind.

Go for a stroll, meet friends for a coffee and idle banter, or watch a feel-good movie. Distraction will reduce overpowering anxiety and let you rest and recuperate so you’re healthy enough to cope with problems when you return from your mini-mind break.

Stay in the moment

Have you noticed many of your concerns are about the past and the future? Here and now, most worries don’t exist. The simplest way to stay present is to focus on what happens in the moment. When unwanted thoughts come, shift attention to your breath and sensations in your body. You’ll discover self-talk stops and calmness grows.

The more you practice — and you will when you see positive benefits — the more accomplished at remaining present you’ll be. Your awareness of the present will increase as worries disappear from your mind for a few moments. You’ll eventually extend calmness and find greater peace.

When you are calm, seeing the way ahead will become clearer, and you’ll understand how to direct your mind to the present when worries invade. Try creativity and mentally stepping back from problems, too, and your outlook and ability to cope well will increase.