Q + A // How to Stay Positive in Tough Times

3.29.2014


 
  

Going through hard times is something we all deal with. Whether your having a bad day, horrible week, or losing the lost of a love one, its hard to go through. Feeling down is no fun. I think its important to focus on the positive things in life because its easy to go down the downward spiral and that just makes everything worse (in my opinion). Here are some suggestions to keeping yourself in high spirits:

 Surround yourself with uplifting and encouraging friends. A girls night always helps me get out of a "funk", and I'm able to loosen up, and unwind. Sometimes you just need that one person to vent to, and tell all your troubles to. Being able to talk about your problems out loud helps you see things in a different light. Also listening to your friends advice helps a lot too. Surround yourself who people who will be there for you at all times no matter what the situation.

  Exercise! Get up and moving. I know this is hard to do, when you want to stay in bed all day...but that doesn't solve anything. Let your blood flow, and endorphins flow.  I love taking a jog when I'm upset or irritated it seems to help me get my mind off the subject or helps me focus on the subject and how I can fix it. Being able to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air is always nice when you have a bad day.

 Listen to encouraging music. Yes uplifting happy music. When I'm down I tend to listen to sad depressing music so I can have a good cry, but I find that its harder to get out of my funk. So listening to happy and cherry music makes me feel better.
 

 Get out and go somewhere. Getting out of the home helps you feel awake and alive. Go to the beach, go shopping, grab some dinner at a nice restaurant, or go see a good show at the theatres.

 Keep a journal. This is my number one go-to when feeling upset. Writing down my thoughts helps me release all my problems. It's like I'm able to have that moment of venting and then leave the problem with all the words on the page. Journaling is a wonderful thing even for happy moments too.

 Focus on your blessings. Take a moment and write down everything your thankful for. Take time to notice the little things around you. It can be as small as a butterfly that lands right next to you. Sometimes its the little things that tend to encourage me.



 Help others. By doing something for someone else helps you escape from your problem. Your able to take your mind off of your own pain, and focus on those around you. Open up a door for a stranger, write a note to a friend, put together a care package for someone, or go spend some time with a lonely friend. This way your able to spread happiness and bring cheer into other peoples life's.

 Realize that releasing your pain can be a way of overcoming it. Let it all out. Cry. Scream. Weep. Because the more you hold your emotions in, the harder it will be to forget. I tend to be a stuffer when it comes to emotions and the way I'm feeling, but the more I stuff the more it hurts, and then I explode. But when you stand up to your problems and face your pain the easier it will be to move forward, and live on.

 Do something for yourself. Take a bubble bath, read a good book, or grab some of your favorite coffee. Go sit in coffee shop and let yourself unwind and regroup. Set a side some time for yourself, and give yourself some time to think things through. The more rest you have the better off you'll be.

 Trust in God and his purpose for you. Take this time of hurt and realize that God has a greater plan for you. Talk with God and lean on him. He is the one who will take away your hurt and help you through this time. John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

 Go to your sanctuary. Go to your favorite place where you can get away and relax. Sometimes I like to plop on my bed and listening to music. I guess I'm just comforted by the sound of the music. Or find a special quite place outdoors. Let your mind unwind and relax. Go somewhere quite and just ponder for a while.

http://abeautifulheart07.blogspot.com/2013/11/ask-jenna.html

29 comments

  1. Love these ideas!! I especially love helping others, and using that for your own therapy.

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  2. lovely post(:
    i won the giveaway a month back,but haven't heard anything..and now it says someone else won?I emailed you,please help!Thanks so much(:

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  3. The Bible and music are my two things I usually go to. If I exercised more, I would prolly go to that as well!! :D A good long walk on the treadmill always makes me feel better! :)

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  4. Jenna, thanks so much for letting me know about the post. It came at the perfect time as my grandmother just passed away this week. It was truly an encouraging post!!! Thanks so much!

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    1. Oh Britt, I am so sorry to hear that!! I have been in that same spot a year back, and its soooo tough! I pray you and your family the very best during this time <3

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    2. Aww...I'm so sorry you were in the same situation a year ago. I'm sure it's still hard for you!! :) Thanks for your prayers!!!

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    3. Yes but thankfully it becomes better after a while! :)

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  5. Hi Jenna! I just wanted to thank you for visiting and commenting on my blog, and thought I'd like to check out yours as well! I love this post especially and find it encouraging:) Thanks again!

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  6. Thanks for visiting my blog! I rarely post on that blog, but I'm hoping to pick it up soon.
    I love your blog; and thanks again!
    -laura
    + you're so pretty! :)

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  7. This post is so lovely ♡ And thanks for the advice, it was super great and inspiring! :)

    Noelle:)
    dancing2praisehim.blogspot.com

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  8. Love this kind of inspiration article!

    If you'd like maybe we could follow each other ? :-)

    Kisses,

    Emily from PTT

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  9. Hi Jenna, those are inspiring words! You have such a nice blog with lovely pictures!
    Thank you for stopping by my blog ;-)

    X Sara

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  10. Yeah, exercise is such a great thing to do when feeling low!

    -Kati

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  11. Just what I needed to read, currently bookmarking! I've definitley been in a bit of funk this week and these are all such awesome tips, thank you!!!! xoxo

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    1. Yeah I have those weeks too! Oh and your blog is looking amazing! Loving you store.

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  12. This was such a helpful and well written post Jenna! This post came in the right time for me as lately I have been feeling very down and not motivated in anything!
    When I am feeling down I always listen to "sad" music, it does make me more sad, but in a way it helps as well, I couldn't listen to "happy" music when I am feeling bad, because it would just feel fake- like I am trying to escape not deal with the matter that makes me feel bad!

    www.callmemaddie.com

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    1. Thanks Maddie. Yes definitely true about the music but it always depends on how bad the "funk" really is. Sometimes we need a pick-me-up. And other times we are In too much pain we literally have to climb to rise to the top! :)

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  13. Hi lovely! thanks for the sweet comment, following you back now. Have a good day xo

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  14. Jenna,
    These are wonderful reminders to think about when one is feeling down. It comes at a perfect time too, as I've been feeling awful lately with a virus or allergies. Now, it's time for me to relax, and do the things that make me smile.

    Have a fun Friday.

    love,
    ~Sheri

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  15. What a great post! I'm actually bipolar and I spend a lot of time surrounding myself with uplifting things and people. One of the best things I ever did for myself was bring a dog into my life - they're such compassionate, happy creatures! They always put a smile on my face. And everything you talk about is so very true! Our feelings are definitely something we have control over, although it may feel like we don't at time. Have a great day, Jenna!

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  16. jenna,

    what an inspiring post!

    i just came across your blog after following a link on Hilda's blog, and I must say that I'm glad I did!

    you have a very nice blog (:

    amy, The Blog Hermit

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  17. Bible and music! My two favorite things to do when in my hard times :)

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  18. Those are really great tips on how to stay positive as I have been feeling so down lately! :(

    www.callmemaddie.com

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