10 Habits of People Who Remain Happy in Tough Times

For many people, tough times can cause news cycles of unhappiness and negativity. This can be a difficult reality for anyone to face, but the good news is that some people are able to remain happy even in the most trying and difficult times of life. To understand how to better cope with your challenging life experiences, take a look at these 10 habits of those who remain happy even in tough times.

1. They practice self-care: Self-care doesn’t just mean indulging in bubble baths or treating yourself to an expensive dinner every once in a while; it means taking the necessary steps to take care of your mental and physical health. Those who remain happy in tough times prioritize self-care, whether that means exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, eating healthy, drinking plenty of fluids, or taking time to relax and reflect on their lives.

2. They practice gratitude: Those who remain happy despite challenging times make a concerted effort to focus on the things that bring them joy. Practicing gratitude can help to remind ourselves of the good in our lives, and can increase feelings of happiness and contentment.

3. They maintain a positive outlook: In tough times, it can be easy to focus on the negative and dwell on the bad that’s happening in our lives. Those who remain happy despite challenging times make a point to focus on the positive, however small, and maintain an optimistic outlook about the future.

4. They embrace their emotions: It’s natural to feel a range of emotions when going through difficult times, and attempting to repress our emotions will only exacerbate the issue. Those who remain happy despite challenging times make a point to acknowledge, accept, and process their emotions in order to better cope with them.

5. They build resilience: Building resilience is one of the best ways to remain hopeful in tough times. Resilience refers to one’s ability to adapt and handle challenging life circumstances with grace and determination. Those who employ this habit remain grounded through difficult times and are able to better cope with their circumstances.

6. They find purpose and meaning: Finding purpose and meaning in life can be difficult to do, especially in tough times, but it’s essential for mental wellbeing. Those who remain happy during challenging times are able to discover and create meaning from adversity, which can help to keep them motivated and hopeful.

7. They practice optimism: Optimism can have a powerful effect on mental health, and practicing it can help us to stay open and hopeful in challenging times. Being optimistic doesn’t mean ignoring reality, but rather viewing the situation through a different lens and understanding that there may be something positive to learn from the experience.

8. They seek support: It’s hard to handle tough times alone, and having a supportive community around you can help remind you that you’re not alone. Those who remain happy despite challenging times make an effort to reach out to close friends and family members and create a strong support system around them.

9. They live in the present: For many of us, worrying and ruminating on the past or future can add to our distress. Those who remain happy even in tough times make a point to live in the present and focus on what they can do in this moment to improve their current situation.

10. They have a sense of humor: Having a sense of humor can be an integral part of coping with tough times. Those who remain happy despite challenging times make an effort to laugh at themselves, their mistakes, and the situations they find themselves in. Learning to look for the comedy in everyday life can help to lift one’s spirits and bring more joy into their life.

Though tough times can bring on feelings of sadness, despair, and even hopelessness, there are some habits that those who remain happy despite challenging times employ. From practicing self-care to having a sense of humor, these habits can help us to better cope with our difficult life experiences and remain buoyant throughout.