Showing gratitude is easy when everything is going well and smooth. Gratitude allows us to celebrate and elevate our feeling of goodness and makes the good days great! But, practicing gratitude and having that gratitude feeling is even more crucial when the times are trying and things are tough.
At some point in our lives, we face uncertain and challenging times, and more often than not, these situations surround us at all times. Moreover, the hit that economy has taken because of the Covid-19 pandemic, gratitude practice, and gratefulness is more crucial than ever. Gratitude is the perfect medicine for better physical and mental health regardless of the source of your anxiety and stress.
We know that it’s not easy to find that silver lining when things are going sideways, but being humble and finding good in the bad can surely make those times easier for you. Gratitude will not instantly cure all your problems, nor will it give you back your joyful bliss, but it will give you the tools and positive mindset to deal with those challenging times.
In fact, several studies show that gratitude can help us cope with traumas, control our negative emotions, and improve our overall health. So, without further adieu, let us jump in and find out how you can find gratitude and mindfulness while battling the tough times of your life.
Tips to find gratitude in trying times
Focus on the good
It’s easy to get hung up on bad situations and the unfortunate things that are happening to you. Everything looks dark and feels like there is no exit during tough times, but is it really the case?
Finding the silver lining is a way to ride out the tough times. Try to remember the little good things that are happening in your life. It is crucial to have that glass-half-full mentality to keep your mind calm, poised, and better capable of dealing with the trying times of your life.
You cannot appreciate something until you take a look at it. So, try to complain less about things and notice the good moments that are happening around you.
Remember the difficult times.
Most often than not, tough times are the ones that make you more humble and allow you to get the appreciation of good times. When the times are good, we take good things for granted, making us less grateful for them. With that being said, Pain and suffering can polish and deepen gratefulness. It allows us to remember not to take things for granted and appreciate every moment that we have.
Thus, it is crucial to remember the trying times for you to get a better perspective. When the times are tough, remember the sorrows and the trials you have faced before and how you overcame them. This will not only give you the strength and hope to soldier through the situation but will also give you a new appreciation and gratitude towards life.
Always remember! If you want the rainbow, you have to deal with the rain.
Reframe the situation
Showing gratitude in tough times does not necessarily mean quitting trying and ignoring the situation. Rather than that, it tells you to acknowledge the situation you are in, accept the circumstances, and find out options to deal with them with a positive mindset.
So telling people to sit back, count their blessings, and find out good things can certainly do much harm. Instead, you should see the situation from different angles, and strive to find the solution for the problem while being grateful for the good things you still have in your life. It can help you tackle harsh times and will keep your mind at peace.
Try gratitude meditation
It might sound a little cliché, but gratitude meditation is a great way to get out of your current mindset and opt for a different, more positive one. Daily focused meditation can make you more present at the moment and can give you a focused, more determined mind to tackle your problems.
It allows you to turn unfortunate circumstances into life lessons and make you more grateful towards life. There are many benefits of practicing gratitude and gratitude meditation, and coping with stressful times is just one example of it.
Make a gratitude journal.
Maintaining a gratitude journal is another method to practice gratitude during difficult times. Sometimes, writing what you are thinking can make a big difference and, this is what gratitude journaling is all about.
Gratitude journaling refers to writing down the things you are grateful for. It can be a person, an object, or even a friendly gesture that you got from a friend, family member, or even a stranger. This daily practice reminds you of the good things you have in your life and enables you to face those difficult times with more mindfulness and positivity.
Spend time with other grateful people
The people who are close to you possess the power to influence your thought patterns, your attitude, and even your personality. This is why it is crucial to surround yourself with the company of other people who practice gratitude in their lives. Gratitude is an attitude, and surrounding yourself with other grateful people will nurture this positive part of you as well as give you the strength to fight difficult times.
Try helping others
Just because you are going through uncertain times, even then, you should never forget to help others. Even in the hardest phases of life, generosity, compassion, and human connection can cure all your bad emotions. Helping others can give you hope and determination to fight difficult times and can allow other people to help you as well.
Final thoughts
In the end, all we can say is that expressing gratitude in difficult times can make your journey easier and can fill you with hope and positivity. Abraham Lincon once said the phrase “This too shall pass,” which means all times, good or bad, will eventually come to an end, and the times will change. Keeping this mantra in mind, always remember that hard times will pass, and things will get better. Meanwhile, you can cope with tough situations better by practicing gratitude with the above-mentioned methods.
