How to Stay Strong When the Going Gets Tough
By Sandy Schroeder
If every day seems to be more complicated than the last, you may have a lot on your plate. In spite of our best efforts, demands can build when we deal with work, family, and the world. Sometimes when we are not looking, they sneak up on us and feel overwhelming. If you can relate you may want to check these tips for coping and winning.
WebMD says the secret lies in achieving balance, maintaining confidence, and tapping our inner strength. See what you think of these.
Keep your cool - The most resilient people that I know are usually the most flexible. They can spin around on a dime when they need to change dates or fix a crisis. The secret is to stop for a minute, take a deep breath, and then plunge right in. When you stay calm, the solutions often become obvious.
Learn as you go - Instead of constantly feeling like a victim, learn something from each new situation. When we have to make our way through tough problems, we may find new solutions or develop new skills. Each time you solve a new crisis, make a note of how you did it to use the next time.
Get moving - When too many demands hit all at once, it is tempting to freeze. Resilient people take action instead. When situations arise, ask yourself how you can turn them into advantages and then go ahead. If your hours are cut, look at it as a chance to explore other opportunities.
Stay in touch - When problems accumulate, it's tempting to hide out until everything blows over, but the best answer is to reach out to everyone around you. Your friends, family and co-workers may have just the answers you need. They may have had similar problems and found good solutions. You will benefit from just talking about everything and knowing you have support. Later, you can return the favor and help them.
Let go of the tension - Some people go for runs. Others head to their nearest park for a quiet meditation. Figure out what helps you get away from it all and relax. You may want to write in a journal every night, or keep a sketch pad handy to draw or doodle. Other people find relief working in the garage, digging in the garden, or just browsing in their favorite bookstore. Whatever works for you, make the time to ease the stress, and you will be twice as effective when you return to the fray.
Resilience doesn't happen overnight, but if you keep working on it you may be surprised at your own strength when the next bombshell hits.
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