Although the economy is improving, hard times are a fact of all of our lives at one time or another. These are some ideas to supplement your therapy experience. “Tips” are not a substitute for therapy.
Tips for Hard Times
- Realize that we are all in this together: try not to blame your spouse or yourself.
- Prioritize connection. Relationships and community have definite health benefits. DON’T isolate in your home or office!
- Volunteer. It gives you a sense of usefulness and can lead to networking connections, as well as serving to take your mind off of yourself and your troubles.
- Spend some time every day being grateful. What you focus on WILL grow; gratitude brings more good things, worry brings more of what you fear.
- Take a break from the problem. Watch a funny movie. Take a walk with your spouse. Promise yourself you will put the issue out of your mind for ten minutes, or an hour. If the worry returns before the time is up, put up a giant mental STOP sign and deliberately bring your thoughts back to the present moment.
- Realize that hard times are necessary for becoming our best selves. Use this time to grow your patience and faith, to tap your creativity, to assess your true values.
- Ask for help. Counseling can help you process the hard times and come out better for it on the other side.