Life has its ups and downs but there are a few strategies that can help us to cope through the tough times. How to survive depends upon your attitude…

1) Keep on ‘trucking’

No matter how hard life is, keep moving forward. Keep putting one foot in front of the other as hard as it may be. Stop looking at the huge overwhelming problems as a whole and just keep doing what needs to be done until you feel stronger. Perseverance is key.

2) Accept what is happening

Don’t dwell in denial. Acceptance of the situation can be less exhausting. It doesn’t mean you have to like the situation but accepting what is means you are more likely to deal with what is happening rather than resisting and getting nowhere.

3) Keep perspective

One thing is sure – life constantly changes. If you are going through a tough time, remind yourself that it won’t last. Happiness and success involve the ability to cope with the tough times without letting them destroy you. Accept what is happening but keep your eye on positive happenings in the future. During tough times, we can be deluged by negative thinking and lose all hope. Don’t believe this thinking, it is a product of your circumstances. Have faith that life will improve..be patient..keep moving one foot in front of the other.

4) Focus on what you can control

To empower yourself, look at what you can influence and focus on that. Take small baby steps. Focus on your health and your attitude. Use the tough times to exercise personal growth. Be philosophical.

5) Find your sense of humour

Life is only as serious as you want it to be. Make sure to find the lighter side of life if possible. If there is a way to see the funny side – do it.

6) Practise gratitude

Looking at all that is good in your life is a wonderful way to raise your happiness levels. It is human nature to focus on what isn’t working, what we don’t have. When we force ourselves to focus on what is working well and what is positive in our lives, we ‘prime’ ourselves to see the world from a different perspective. Life is never as bad as we think it is and we often underestimate our ability to cope with trouble. A little gratitude goes a long way.

7) Find your inner cheerleader

When faced with life challenges, it is the perfect opportunity to appeal to your inner cheerleader. This is the part of you that supports you – your number one fan. If you have lost your inner cheerleader along the way – find him/her again. Your inner cheerleader is there to remind you of all the times you have coped with adversity in the past. Your cheerleader motivates you, reminds you that you can get through anything and that the tough times will just make you stronger. Get your inner cheerleader out again to remind you how capable and amazing you really are. We all forget this sometimes.

There are always options when life throws you a curve ball. Instead of panicking and crumbling, remember that these ‘dips; in life are normal and that we all have to go through them. Know that you can get through it with the right attitude…it will be okay..hang in there.

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.