We all get overwhelmed by the hard stuff. We forget it will pass, and we’ll get through it. As a result, we may get buried underneath it all. In the meantime, here are some steps to help you get through the hard stuff you are going through right now.
We may go through all kinds of difficult life situations: financial, emotional, and even health-related. The following steps can be used in any of these circumstances.
1. Take care of yourself first.
When we go through hard times, our bodies may bear the brunt of it. We can’t sleep because we can’t turn off our thoughts. We don’t feel like eating, etc. Try giving yourself a break. Rest or do something fun to give your mind a break. Eat your favorite comfort food. Get some fresh air and exercise. Just be good to yourself. In other words, allowing our bodies to rejuvenate is essential, especially when we are going through difficult circumstances.
1. Step back, disengage, and look objectively.
It is challenging to be objective during difficult circumstances. The weight of what we are going through clouds our judgment and outlook. When fighting fires on the ground, you can’t see where all the other fires are starting up. However, if you are in a helicopter, you can see the big picture and make a strategic plan to overcome.
2. Let go of things you can do without.
If some of the difficult circumstances you are going through are attached to things or people you can let go of, then do that. Detach from those sources of stress. At the very least, put them on the back burner to allow yourself to focus on the decisions you need to make.
3. Find someone for advice to get through the hard stuff.
Sometimes, it helps to talk to someone who has gone through the same thing. Or, you can find someone to talk to whose profession is in the area of your circumstance, i.e., a physician, counselor, financial advisor, etc. Sometimes, hearing someone else’s opinion helps!
4. Make a plan to get through difficult circumstances.
Your plan doesn’t have to be for five years, one year, or even six months. Therefore, depending on what difficult circumstance you are going through, you can make your plan for whatever time frame you can deal with. Just make a plan, even if just for a day or a few days.
For instance, if the issue is financial, figure out what you need to get through today or this pay period. What expenses are necessary? Can you eliminate or postpone expenses? Can you cut down on nonessential spending? Do you have the ability to increase your income?
Going back to the analogy of fighting fires, a haphazard approach will not save the forest. But, if there is a plan to fight the fire from more than one direction, the chances of winning are much greater!
5. Stick to your plan to get through the hard stuff.
Regardless of whether your difficult circumstances are financial, emotional, relational, or whatever, it takes determination to stick to a plan to get through the hard stuff! Your well-being and peace of mind is so worth it!
It may be difficult some days to stick to the plan, but just take it in smaller chunks of time, and you will be glad you did!
6. Be willing to reassess your plan.
As you work through your difficult circumstances, you may find that your needs have changed. Therefore, look at your plan with fresh eyes in light of your current needs and make the necessary changes. Nothing is written in stone! Make your plan work for you!
7. Pray.
Do you believe in a Sovereign God who loves you and has a plan for you? I do, and I wouldn’t want to go through a day without telling Him what’s on my heart. Even though I put this step last, for me, it is first! Let’s face it: Life is overwhelming at times. Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”
8. Don’t give up!
So, remember, life is a sequence of ebbs and flows. There will be some easy days (maybe), and sometimes we will have to deal with difficult circumstances. Hang on, knowing that better days are coming!
More Resources:
9 Ways to Get Through Difficult Times
10 Healthy Ways to Get Through Difficult Times
You can also check out this post on making lemonade from life’s unexpected lemons.