Tools for Adversity

Posted on February 03, 2014 by Gina Sebastian, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.

We all have adversity in our lives. Or at least as life ebbs and flows, there are certainly times in our lives when we all go through adversity. Sometimes it is expected and sometimes it comes out of nowhere. The only thing that is certain is that it will come.

And when it does show up, what tools do you have in your Toolbox to help you through it? If you fill your Toolbox in good times, you will set yourself up for a less bumpy ride when adversity hits. So what’s in your Toolbox? Here are some ideas:

1) Friends/family/confidantes – who are the people in your life that will help you when you need it most?; do you have a few of these?; list them… and if you don’t have enough, find some more.

2) Serene location – a place of peace and joy for “time out”; could be a destination, a spot at home, an “alter” you create with all the things you love most on it… whatever helps you create serenity.

3) A journal – writing your thoughts and feelings can be very therapeutic and a great release; and over time you can look back to see how far you have come.

4) God/the Universe – whatever this is for you, I have found it to be the most important tool for this toolbox since it gives me comfort to know someone is there for me always; prayer, church, meditation, hypnosis (for release) can all go a long way to creating peace in your life.

5) Helping others – when you go out and help others it gets your mind off yourself and your own issues and you feel great about making a difference.

6) Exercise – when things are the roughest is when we do this the least but when we need it the most; it is a huge help to clear your head and refuel your body.

7) Nutrition – another one we do least well when times are stressful; yet it is the most important thing of all so that our body and spirit can handle the added stress and fight it with antioxidants, etc.; get proper nutrition through something like protein shakes so simple to make and great for your body.

8) Books/audio/video/podcasts – fill your mind with positive things; they are everywhere now and often available for free even online.

9) Laughter – find ways to laugh more with jokes, comedian, pets or whatever; anything that makes you light and joyful, even for a few minutes; laughing releases serotonin (happy hormone) in your body which improves your mood and helps you be healthier.

These are just a few examples of all the possibilities. Certainly something to think about.

“There is no education like adversity.” ~ Benjamin Disraeli

What specific tools do you have in your toolbox to deal with adversity? Write them down so they are obvious when you need them most.

Set up a corner in a room or a whole room as a serene spot to escape to. Or create an agreement with a friend to support each other. Go out and get that book that will give you a positive refocus. Make a list of people you can help and/or places you can help others.

When you have a toolbox for adversity, you will set yourself up as best as possible to handle the tough things in your life with elegance and grace. And from adversity, comes great learning and growth that will build character and make you more and more of the person you want to be. Have fun on the ride!

To find out more: http://www.onpurposetraining.ca