One of the most challenging things to find in trying times is hope, yet it is essential to cling to it when things become bad. Developing a mindset that thinks we can have a better tomorrow even when things don’t appear good now is what it means to be hopeful.

Top Advice for Maintaining Hope

Here are five strategies to help you and those around you maintain hope during trying times.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

It’s simple to feel like things are spinning out of control when you catch yourself on life’s rollercoaster. Your mind becomes overrun with all the bad possibilities, and you eventually lose all perspective. Simply pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and consider what you should do next. Sometimes the best thing you can do to rekindle your sense of optimism is to take some time to halt.

REMEMBER WHAT YOU ARE THANKFUL FOR

Whatever the circumstances, there is always something to be thankful for. You may sometimes find a ray of optimism in the most unlikely places. What do you notice in your surroundings for which you are grateful? Who do you value having in your life the most? You become more prepared to face whatever comes your way with a positive attitude when you practice thankfulness.

KEEP THE BAD NEWS TO A MINIMUM

There are both good and bad news stories every day, but the bad news spreads quickly. Be careful not to consume too much material that fills you with despair and hopelessness by watching, listening, or engaging. Make it a challenge today to consciously search for hope in the news and observe the impact.

SPEAK WITH FOLKS WHO ARE OPTIMISTIC

Most of us are familiar with at least one individual who consistently finds the positive in situations. It’s also true that we know those people who deplete us emotionally. Making a video or phone call to a loved one can be all that’s required to provide some much-needed encouragement. We still have the freedom to pick who we spend time with even though we cannot interact in person. You must ask yourself questions such as, “Does this individual or organization make me feel more or less hopeful?” before participating in any community, online or off.