10 Ways to Deal with Adversity and Stay Positive

Apr 4, 2022 |

Staying positive is one of the most important things you can do for your health and well-being. However, like everything else in life, there are times when it’s hard to be optimistic. When adversity comes your way, it can be tough to know how to cope. The following are 10 ways to help you find the strength to stay positive no matter what life throws your way.

1. Practice gratitude

Practice gratitude by focusing on what is going right in life at any given moment. It's easy to forget how far we've come and how fortunate we are. Ask yourself what you are grateful for, and when you remember and note them, take a moment to appreciate them. 

2. Cultivate hope

Cultivating hope means believing in something bigger than yourself. It’s being strong enough to know that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel and that things will get better with time. This gives us strength as we continue to fight through adversity and helps us build momentum against our fears and worries.

3. Accept change

Change isn't always easy, but learning how to accept it can make life so much easier. Even if change is difficult, it’s important to be open-minded about what could happen or what has happened, rather than dwelling on what could not have happened or has not happened yet. There's no sense in worrying about stuff that hasn't happened yet when you should be living in the present moment where everything is happening now, including change. 

4. Recognize that life is not fair

Adversity is never fair, but that doesn't mean it's not worth fighting through. If you expect life to be perfect and easy, you'll find yourself in a perpetual cycle of disappointment. Expecting life to be perfect is unrealistic, so a good way to deal with adversity is by recognizing that it's not always fair. This allows you to embrace and fight through tough situations instead of resisting them. 

5. Focus on your strengths

Your strengths are what will help you get through tough times. They can be anything from physical strength to emotional strength. It’s your skills and talents that have made you who you are. Focus on these aspects of yourself and use them to your advantage when it comes to difficult times.

6. Be optimistic

Being optimistic is one of the important ways to maintain a positive attitude. Research has shown that those who are optimistic have better well-being and a lower incidence of depression. Optimism can help you stay focused on what's good in your life when things aren't going well, and it can help you find the joy in going through difficult experiences.

7. Keep a gratitude journal

Start a gratitude journal and write up to three things you are grateful for every night before bed. By doing this, you can acknowledge your blessings and stay in a positive mood. You can also write about what you are grateful for in the morning before work or school.

8. Set goals and keep them realistic

Stay positive by setting goals and keeping them realistic. For example, say you will work on your blog for an hour each day. Make that goal realistic so you don't get discouraged when it is not accomplished in a day or two.

9. Talk to others 

Talking with friends and family about your emotions is a great way to process what you are feeling. On top of that, the support they provide can help you stay positive.

10. Surround yourself with people who support you

If your friends, family, or co-workers aren't there for you during tough times, it can be hard to maintain positivity. Surround yourself with people who will be there when you need them.

Despite the trials and tribulations of life, you can still live a happy and thriving life. With a positive outlook, you'll be able to handle the hard times and come out on top.