How do you encourage yourself when you go through hard times?

[MrPants]

I have always found throughout my life; in good times & bad, nothing ever remains the same for long. Life is always a kaleidoscope, ever changing before our eyes. Although we all strive for happiness, comfort and fulfillment, fact of the matter is we can't have all those things all the time. Celebrate the good things that come our way, struggle through the bad and know it's all part of life's experience. After all, we all know how it's going to end so enjoy all aspects of life along the way!

 

[PamfromTx]

That is the absolute truth. I have a disease that on most days keeps me confined in the house, but when I start to feel sorry for myself, I think of those much worse off.

I don't know if you'd call it encouraging myself, but I cook comfort foods.
Nothing like a tender Swiss steak, mashed potatoes 'n' gravy with green beans to make me feel that things are ok.

 

[Ladybj]

View attachment 186141

1) Lots of praying.

2) And tons of deep breathing. It actually helps when I'm tense.

3) I strongly believe in myself.

4) Knowing that my late mother is watching over me ... at all times.

5) Calling my best friend to vent. There's no one else I'd rather vent with.

And I always remind myself that life could be worse.

Deep breathing is GREAT!!!! When I wake up in the middle of the night and feel tensed up, I do deep breathing....before I know it, I go back to sleep. Deep breathing is a well hidden secret. If that does not work, I grab a 1/2 muscle relaxer but deep breathing normally does the trick. Love your post!!!!

 

[fmdog44]

You just do it.

 

[Ladybj]

I don't encourage myself, instead I have a great big pity party and cry until there are no more tears. I go through the, "why me?" faze, leave me alone stage and finally the realization that life is going on all around me and me sitting here by myself is not helping one bit. I do truly believe a good cry helps though, for me it acts as a release.

Nothing like a GOOD cry!!!! Priceless!!!

 

[senior chef]

Deep breathing is GREAT!!!! When I wake up in the middle of the night and feel tensed up, I do deep breathing....before I know it, I go back to sleep. Deep breathing is a well hidden secret. If that does not work, I grab a 1/2 muscle relaxer but deep breathing normally does the trick. Love your post!!!!

Yes. I practice doing deep breathing when tense. In through the nose and out through the mouth. the trick is to do each step DEEPLY, but not too fast.
A Buddhist priest taught me that.

 

[Ladybj]

Yes. I practice doing deep breathing when tense. In through the nose and out through the mouth. the trick is to do each step DEEPLY, but not too fast.

Your post has helped me more than you know. My body stays tensed up...but releasing tension more and more each day. I need to do it through out the day.