Three Ways to Navigate Tough Times
If you’re going through a tough time at the moment, this one’s for you.
Navigating tough times can feel like an isolating journey, but it’s essential to remember that you’re not alone in this experience.
Here are three tips to help:
- Resist the urge to take things personally.
It’s common to internalise challenges, blaming ourselves for the behaviour of others or the circumstances we find ourselves in. Instead, pause and reflect: is this truly a reflection of myself? Or is it just something that’s happening in life?
Shifting this perspective can make a world of difference, freeing us from unnecessary self-blame.
- Embrace the unpredictable nature of life.
While we may have our plans and aspirations, reality often has other ideas. We all want life to go a certain way, to go here, do this, see that, but learning to accept life’s twists and turns will lead to a sense of freedom.
Rather than holding on to expectations, allow yourself to go with the flow a bit more, and trust that every experience is helping you in the right direction.
- Don’t be hard on yourself during difficult times.
Don’t give yourself a hard time for having a hard time. It will make things trickier! This is easier said than done, but beating ourselves up for having a difficult time only compounds our challenges.
Experiencing hardship is a natural part of the human experience. Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend in need.
(It’s important to remember that everyone copes differently. You may find your own strategies, or already have some go-to methods that help you through hard times, and that’s great too.)
When we’re faced with a challenge in life, refrain from personalising the situation, embrace life’s uncertainties, and practice self-compassion.
Take care, all.
Owen x
