15 Ways to Stay Positive During Tough Times

Life can feel like a punch to the gut sometimes.

One moment you’re moving along and the next you feel completely stuck, overwhelmed by a challenge you never saw coming. I know that feeling all too well. I’ve been there, stuck in cycles of gaming addiction, binge eating, and pure laziness. I felt like I was drifting without a paddle. Change felt impossible.

But I learned that staying positive isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s not about ignoring the pain or slapping on a fake smile. It’s about finding anchors in the storm. It’s about building small, intentional habits that hold you steady when the waves get rough. These are the practices that helped me climb out of my own pit, and I believe they can help you too.

15 Ways to Stay Positive When Life Gets Hard

Here are fifteen simple, practical ways to keep your head above water during tough times. You don’t have to do them all at once. Just pick one that speaks to you and start there.

1. Start with Gratitude. Before you check your phone or even get out of bed, think of three specific things you are thankful for. It could be the warmth of your blanket, the sound of birds outside, or the fact that you woke up today. Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s wrong to what’s right.

2. Celebrate the Small Wins. When I was losing over 110 pounds, I didn't focus on the massive number. That was too intimidating. Instead, I celebrated losing one pound. I celebrated choosing a healthy meal. I celebrated going for a walk instead of sitting on the couch. These small victories build momentum and prove to you that you can do it.

3. Lean on Your Faith. For me, this is everything. When I felt lost and out of control, strengthening my Christian Orthodox faith gave me a rock to stand on. Prayer isn’t a last resort. It's a direct line to peace and strength that goes beyond my own understanding. Whatever your relationship with God looks like, turn to it.

4. Move Your Body. You don’t need an intense workout. Just go for a walk. Put on some music and stretch for ten minutes. Do some jumping jacks. Getting your blood flowing releases endorphins and can instantly break a negative thought pattern.

5. Get Outside. There’s something powerful about fresh air and sunshine. Step outside for a few minutes and just breathe. Look at the sky. Notice the trees. Connecting with God's creation can help you feel grounded and remind you that you’re part of something much bigger than your current problems.

6. Connect with Someone You Trust. Call a friend. Have coffee with a family member. Talk to someone from your church. Don’t just text. Have a real conversation. Sharing your burden makes it lighter and reminds you that you aren’t alone.

7. Serve Someone Else. When you’re stuck in your own head, the best way out is to help someone else. Make a meal for a neighbor. Volunteer for an hour. Call someone you know is lonely. Focusing on others’ needs puts your own problems into perspective.

8. Control Your Information Diet. If the news or social media is making you anxious and angry, turn it off. Unfollow negative accounts. Be intentional about what you read and watch. Fill your mind with good things instead of junk.

9. Create a Positive Playlist. Music has a direct impact on our mood. Make a playlist of songs that lift your spirits. It could be worship music, upbeat pop, or powerful classical scores. When you feel low, press play.

10. Focus on What You Can Control. You can’t control the economy. You can’t control what other people do. You can’t control the weather. But you can control your attitude. You can control your actions. You can control your effort. Pour your energy into the small circle of things you can actually influence.

11. Establish a Simple Routine. Tough times can make life feel chaotic. A simple routine creates stability. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just try to wake up and go to bed around the same time. I found that my most productive time is in the morning. I focus on 2-4 hours of deep work then and the rest of the day feels more manageable.

12. Read Uplifting Material. Put down the self-help books that feel like a chore and pick up something truly encouraging. For me, that’s the Bible. For you, it might be an inspiring biography or a book of encouraging stories. Let positive words sink into your spirit.

13. Engage in a Healthy Hobby. Find something you enjoy that isn’t a destructive habit. It could be drawing, gardening, building something with your hands, or playing an instrument. A healthy hobby gives your mind a break and a sense of accomplishment.

14. Prioritize Your Rest. Everything feels a hundred times worse when you’re exhausted. Your body and mind need sleep to recover and process. Make getting enough rest a non-negotiable part of your day. It’s not lazy. It’s essential.

15. Acknowledge Your Feelings, But Don't Dwell. It’s okay to be sad or angry or frustrated. Pushing those feelings down doesn’t work. Acknowledge them. Say to yourself “I’m feeling really discouraged right now.” But then, make a conscious choice not to set up camp there. Feel it, then turn your focus back to one of the other actions on this list.

Look, nobody has it all figured out. I certainly don’t. Life is a journey of ups and downs and I’m still learning every day. But these small, steady actions have become my lifeline. They’ve helped me trade destructive habits for a life of purpose and peace.

So my question for you is this: What is one small thing you can do today?

Don’t wait for tomorrow or for when you "feel better." Just pick one thing from this list and take the first step. You’ve got this.