8 Things You Should Never Do in Hard Times

At some point in your life we have all encountered some hard times in life. Your hard times may include hard financial times, a relationship, your marriage, children, career, a loved one who is sick , being diagnosed with a disease, a crisis or a very stressful situation. I have learned through hard times what works and what not to do, to gain peace, hope and strength in hard seasons of my life. Here are some things you should avoid doing to pull through the tough times and not be succumb by them.

1. NEVER FOCUS ON THE PROBLEMS ALL THE TIME

You should acknowledge your problems, but if you focus on all your adversities and hard times 90% of the time and nothing else, chances are you might be more anxious, fearful, discouraged, more hopeless and a lot more emotions. You do not want to place focus on your problems all day and all night, in your conversations, in your thoughts. Instead talk about something else, that is uplifting and do things to shift your focus from problems to something else, a hobby or activity that interests you. You can take a walk, ride your bike, exercise, paint, blog, watch a movie, read encouraging books and articles, volunteer, help someone in need, etc.

2. DENY WHAT’S GOING ON

Although times are tough, do not deny the facts of the problem itself or the myriad of emotions that is going on. You may tell yourself nothing is wrong and you tell everyone that you are fine and continue doing your same routine everyday. You may believe that it is best to ignore and avoid the actual problems, what is going on the inside, what you are feeling, but at times we need to acknowledge what is going on, let yourselves get angry, sad, grieve, cry.

3. NEVER KEEP EVERYTHING BOTTLED UP

If you keep everything bottled up inside believing you can handle everything on your own, it can become somewhat heavy overtime. During difficult times, it is best to talk and open up because you will better understand yourself, any fears that are there, any concerns and receive valuable advice from others who have been through times like what you are facing.

4. NEVER GIVE UP

Do not give up hope and believe this is how life will be like forever. Acknowledge that things are difficult, painful, but always believe that you will overcome it and get through them one day at time.

5. NEVER WITHDRAW FROM PEOPLE ALL TOGETHER

As stated in step 5, you should stay away from toxic people, but during hard times you should not be alone or want to handle things on your own. There are possibly other reasons you withdraw from people. Isolation from others does not help us or the situation we are in. You need to look for genuine people who can offer support and be encouragement during hard times. This can be friends and loved ones who have gone through similar circumstances, pastor, counselor, who will be there for you, listen to you and offer help.

6. NEVER BE PASSIVE

Passivity is just waiting for something to happen and not stepping up and seeing what can be done. You need to list and evaluate the problem, take action when necessary, make a list of possible solutions, make choices, talk to people, make phone calls, go places and do what you can to bring a resolution to your problem.

7. NEVER BLAME YOURSELF, OTHERS AND GOD

You might have created the problem, but a cycle of blaming yourself will not help you through it, just take responsibility for it and recognize the lesson that needs to be learned. from it. Blaming others for your problem shows a lack of ability to deal with what is occurring. Stop pointing fingers to others. Get rid of any anger towards others and work towards fixing the problems.

8. NEVER CONSUME EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL, DRUGS OR ANY SUBSTANCE

You certainly do not want to turn to something that gives you a temporary fix and create a problem on top of the hard times you are facing. This include Drugs from illegal drugs, prescription drugs, over the counter drugs and its frequent use. Choose to take care of your body and health the right way. Choose the proper means, right individuals to help in tough times to bring the encouragement, hope and strength.