How to keep hope alive
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Dismiss ‘catastrophising’ thoughts
Thinking about the worst possible scenario is the quickest way to feel distressed. When we feel insecure or unsure, our thoughts can often work against us. We begin to think the worst will happen and become irrational in our appraisal of reality. Catastrophising is unhelpful and not based in reality so learn to let these thoughts go. Don’t focus on them, acknowledge their presence but see them merely as thoughts passing through – not facts nor real predictions.
2. Focus on what is possible
Remind yourself of your strengths and how you have handled tricky or challenging situations in the past. Empower yourself by focusing on how resourceful you have been and look for areas in your life where you can take control and make a difference. Know the difference between what you can and can’t control. Focusing on what you can’t control can lend to losing hope.
3. Nurture your self belief/self identity
When life seems unsure or unstable, it helps to feel you can count on yourself. Work on establishing a strong sense of identity and self acceptance. The stronger your core is, the more resilient you will be when life throws you a curve ball. Try using positive affirmations such as “I will deal with whatever comes my way” or “everything is unfolding as it’s meant to”. Read these statements often. Self belief can be the buffer that helps you to cope with extra stress in life.
Trust yourself, like yourself and believe that you have the resources within in you to deal with rejection, failure, insecurity and so on.
4. Think like an optimist
Life is bound to seem hopeless if you think like a pessimist and focus on everything that is wrong. Avoid the news now and then if you find your thinking is becoming too pessimistic.
Make an effort to do fun things that lift your spirits ans spend time with people that are positive and inspire you.
5. Take action
The more you do, the luckier you get. Not all things you try will be successful but even when the outcome isn’t what you wanted, you will learn that you cope better then you thought you would. Taking action galvanizes us to think differently and challenge our thinking. Too much time without action leads to too much thinking. Too much thinking can lead to pessimistic thinking – sometimes you just have to ‘bite the bullet’ and get on with it. It’s all about balance.
Never lose hope. It is the one attitude that can get us through tough times. Believe that you deserve good things and that life can be filled with many highs, not just lows.
Mandy X
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
