Dictionary.com says adversity is an “adverse or unfavorable fortune or fate; a condition marked by misfortune, calamity, or distress“. To be sure, that’s not a description of good times. When you’re faced with such unfortunate circumstances, you’ll really have to dig deep to pull through. With this in mind, here are some ways to, if not overcome your troubles, at the very least manage them. C’mon, put one foot in front of the other and let’s take care of your wits.

Stage One – Keeping it Together as You Prepare to Fight This Mess

Look after yourself physically, spiritually, emotionally.

Eat, workout, take your vitamins. Yeah, I know you don’t feel like you can worry about that stuff right now. But, you gotta stay strong physically to battle the demons around you.

Your spirit is what defines you. It’s what keeps you afloat when you feel like you’re sinking. Look inside, smile, and give your spirit a high-five. It’ll take more than this mess to bring you down.

Spend time with those who care about you. That’s right, you have your own personal emotional support group. These are the people who will be there for you whenever you need them. Cherish them and, by all means, take advantage of the good fortune you have with them in your life.

Stage Two – Stay Busy

Get moving.

To keep your mind clear, do something. As a result, you’ll stop obsessing about your troubles. In addition, it’ll help you sleep better at night.

• Get to work on tackling a new project at your job.
• Declare war on grime and give your home a thorough cleaning. You know the kind I mean, baseboards, cobwebs, and dust-bunnies holed up in their secret hiding place.
• Teach the dog some new tricks. Also, find an interesting new place for your walks.

Meditate or pray to keep your mind busy. To begin with, praying will help you focus. Furthermore, it will take that mess and point you in the right direction to correct it. On the other hand, meditation clears the mind of negativity and allows you to be free as your spirit searches for answers. Try this easy mindfulness meditation.

Make time to appreciate nature. For instance, take a walk on the beach, enjoy a trip to the park, or even just watch the rain. Get outside and really, literally smell the flowers. What’s more amazing than a field of sunflowers? Maybe a snow-capped mountain? Or, a view of the clouds dancing in the sky? You get the idea. Spend some time with something bigger than you and your problems. It’ll put everything in perspective.

Stage Three – Mind Over Matter is the Secret Weapon Against Troubles

Forgive and forget. Okay, maybe you don’t want to do the forgetting part, but forgiving is the gift you give yourself. Think about it, if you don’t forgive someone who has done you wrong, that doesn’t bother them at all. But, it sure bugs you, doesn’t it? I promise you, it isn’t an easy thing to do, but you’ll be glad you did.

Practice being grateful. Especially in times of trouble, expressing thanks for the good in your life goes a long way. So much so, some suggest a Gratitude Jar. Simply make a daily note filling in the blanks. “I’m grateful for _______________ because________________.” and place it in your jar. Then, once a week or once a month (or whenever the spirit moves you) empty your jar and read your notes. When you’re dealing with the trouble in your life, being reminded of the good things you have will go far to helping you clean up the mess.

Smile and act enthusiastically. This is one of my favorites. If you feel like you aren’t gonna make it, act like you already did. You’re gonna get an Oscar for enthusiasm as you overcome your troubles. Feel it, believe it, and smile for the camera as you throw your arms up in the victory sign.

Read a few more tips in this Dance Safari post, “12 Easy Ways to Stay Cheerful When Surrounded by the Cheerless.”

Stage Four – Do you really think this will work?

Any and all of the following suggestions work for me when I’m in a mess.

• Keep your holiday lights up all year – inside.
• Caress your pet.
• Snuggle on the couch and watch a happy show.
• Play upbeat music and dance.
• Laugh more – cry less.
• Drink tea.
• Journal.

And, finally…

Take some action to correct what’s concerning you.  Doing a little each day is fine.  

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