8 Helpful Ways to Feel Happier When Times Are Difficult

Sometimes life throws us a curveball. Things happen that you weren’t expecting. You can feel uncertain about what to do next.

The stress can be overwhelming when your child struggles with drugs or alcohol. The world around you seems out of control. It is good to remind yourself that everything is temporary, whether it’s good times or bad.

While your life may be upside down at this time of uncertainty, you will get through this. You will get back on track.

In the meantime, here are some things I’ve been doing that I’ve found helpful. I hope you can find ways to feel happier in this unprecedented situation.

1. You’re doing the best you can.

When trouble strikes, you may focus most of your energy on the issue, which is understandable. Things have a way of feeling out of balance. So while you may feel added anxiety, recognize that you are doing the best you can. That is all that you can expect from yourself. Focus on what you can do. Have compassion for yourself and others.

You’ve been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens. ~ Louise Hay

2. Write down your feelings.

I am not always consistent with journaling. I write so much that I don’t always get to my journal. Yet, I’m finding that journaling is a great thing to do right now. It will make you feel better as you get your thoughts on paper.

You will have a record of what went on for you. It might be interesting in the future to look back at your feelings when we were all concerned about COVID-19. Research shows that your stress level will decrease even if you journal only a few times a week.

Journal writing is a voyage to the interior. ~ Christina Baldwin

3. Take a moment and breathe to feel happier.

Find time to listen to your breath. Give your mind a rest from what is going on around you. Want more? Sit for 15-20 minutes. You will begin to remember how it feels to be calm. Meditation is a fantastic tool to connect with your inner self. It is a way to find some quiet moments each day to renew and allow your mind to rest.

If meditation is not your goal, giving yourself a few peaceful moments throughout the day will be calming. You could do a walking meditation where you are moving your body and listening to your breath. It will help calm you down and make you feel a bit more relaxed.

You can’t calm the storm, so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass. ~ Timber Hawkeye

4. Spend time with friends and family.

It has made it challenging to visit with family and friends during the last two years. Hopefully, we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. So the more you can plan time to connect with family and friends, the better. If you can connect safely, that usually feels better.

Find things that can help you feel connected. Take time each week to be sure you have at least one thing planned, whether an in-person visit or a phone call so that you don’t feel isolated.

Cherish your human connections: your relationships with your friends and family. ~ Joseph Brodsky

5. Take care of your health.

Eat healthy food. Try to get as much sleep as possible. Drink lots of water. The more you can take care of your health, the better you will feel. The healthier you are, the better your chances of staying well during this time. Do things to keep physically fit and mentally strong. Self-care has never been more critical than now. It will help you stay as positive as possible. The more you take care of yourself, the better off your child will be.

Your body is your most priceless precious possession…so take care of it.  ~ Jack La Lalanne

6. Getting outside and taking a long walk will help you feel happier.

Walking is still one of those activities that most of us can do. You feel better when you move your body. Physical exercise can help improve your mood. It can also relieve some of your stress during this trying time.

You will find that any daily tension will lessen with movement and physical activity. You’ll have more energy and feel more optimistic. Walking or doing any exercise can help you remain calm in everything you do. I love my long daily walk. We have a beautiful trail, but there are more people there, so I try and walk on the streets. As we all know, the more we can avoid close contact, the better. 

An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day. ~ Henry David Thoreau

7. Do a few projects around the house. 

Now is the perfect time to get a few things done around the house that you may have been putting off. The closets and drawers are an excellent place to start for a reorganization and cleaning. It can feel so free to have more space and eliminate things you aren’t using from your life. If there are home projects you can do now, when we are all in a better place, you’ll feel that you’ve accomplished something.

From the moment you start tidying, you will be compelled to reset your life. ~ Marie Kondo

8. Remember that this, too, will pass.

Nothing is permanent. Sooner or later, your life will get back to normal. Whether it be the pandemic or your child’s substance use, looking back, I hope you will walk away with something new that you’ve learned.

There are silver linings to any crisis. You have a chance to put your life on pause and reevaluate what is important to you.

Your child’s substance use was nothing that you planned on. Life will move forward. You will feel happier again. Use this time to the best of your abilities. You can face whatever comes your way with a sense of strength.

When life gets hectic and you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to focus on the people and things you are most grateful for. When you have an attitude of gratitude, frustrating troubles will fall by the wayside. ~ Dana Arcuri

My best wishes to you and your family. May you and your loved ones stay healthy and have happier times ahead.

This article was updated on March 23, 2024.

Learn research-based tools that can help you motivate your child to change. Add the Sunday newsletter to your weekly routine. Sign up now.