Happiness
Happiness
Happiness
Happiness
Finding Hope in Uncertain Times: A Guide for Young…
Let’s just take a moment—life can feel pretty overwhelming right now.
With everything happening in the world, it’s easy to get caught up in the negativity in these uncertain times, and feel like hope is just out of reach. But here’s the thing: even in the midst of chaos and worry, there’s always a glimmer of hope waiting for us. So, let’s work through how we can shift our mindset and embrace a more positive outlook, no matter what’s going on around us.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
First things first: it’s totally okay to feel what you’re feeling. Whether it’s anxiety, frustration, or sadness, acknowledging your emotions is the first step toward moving forward. Don’t bottle it up! Talk to a friend, write in a journal, or even just take a moment to breathe and reflect. Remember, you’re not alone in this—everyone is navigating their own challenges, and it’s perfectly normal to feel lost sometimes.
Focus on What You Can Control
The world is chaotic. Isn’t that a fact! So it’s important to focus on what you can control.
You might not be able to change the news headlines, but you can control your daily routine, your mindset, and how you respond to challenges.
Set small, achievable goals for yourself each day—whether it’s going for a walk, catching up with friends, trying a new recipe, completing a task, getting outside or simply taking time to relax. These little victories can help you regain a sense of control and boost your mood. Get to know yourself, and what will lift your mood, we’re all different.
Find Positivity
Take a look at your social media feeds and the people you spend time with. Are they uplifting and supportive, or do they bring you down and make you feel worse?
Surrounding yourself with positive influences can make a huge difference in your outlook. Follow accounts that inspire you, engage with friends who lift you up, and don’t be afraid to distance yourself from negativity. Remember, you have the power to choose your own environment.
Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful tool for shifting your perspective. Take a moment each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for—big or small.
Maybe it’s a delicious cup of coffee, a good book, or a chat with a friend. Writing these things down can help you focus on the positives in your life, even when things feel tough. It’s a simple practice that can lead to a more optimistic mindset.
Believe in Yourself and Your Future
It’s easy to feel uncertain about the future, especially when the world seems unpredictable. But remember, you have the strength and resilience to navigate whatever comes your way. Believe in your abilities, your dreams, and your potential. Set goals for yourself, no matter how big or small, and take steps toward achieving them. Your future is still bright, and you have the power to shape it!
Know your tools for happiness
One of the best ways to cultivate a positive mindset is to know your tools for happiness. Think of these as your personal toolkit for navigating life’s ups and downs. Start by identifying activities that bring you joy—whether it’s painting, hiking, or spending time with friends. Incorporate the “10 Keys to Happier Life’ into your daily routine.
- Connect: Build strong relationships with family, friends, and community.
- Be Active: Engage in physical activities that you enjoy.
- Take Notice: Be mindful and appreciate the present moment.
- Keep Learning: Embrace new experiences and continue to learn.
- Give: Contribute to others and your community through acts of kindness.
- Be Resilient: Develop coping strategies to bounce back from challenges.
- Find Purpose: Engage in activities that give your life meaning.
- Stay Positive: Cultivate a positive mindset and practice gratitude.
- Create Balance: Strive for a healthy work-life balance.
- Take Care of Yourself: Prioritize your physical and mental well-being.
Don’t forget to prioritize self-care—get enough sleep, eat well, and make time for exercise. By knowing and using your happiness tools, you can create a more fulfilling and positive life, even when the world feels heavy.
So, we navigate…
Yes, there are uncertain times ahead, but there are also uncertain times behind us!
Let’s hold onto hope and positivity. Life throws us curveballs, but we have the power to choose how we respond, yes we do.
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” — Jon Kabat-Zinn
When to Seek Support
Lastly, don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it. Whether it’s talking to a trusted friend, family member, or dropping me a line at Peek Counseling, seeking support is a sign of strength. You don’t have to go through this alone—there are people who care and want to help you find your way.
Peek Counseling for Teens and Young Adults in Denver, Colorado
About Katie Bisbee-Peek | Peek Counseling
Katie Bisbee-Peek is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Denver, Colorado. As the owner and founder of Peek Counseling, Katie works with young adults, teens, families and fellow counselors. Her office is located in a vibrant urban neighborhood in Denver – Cherry Creek. Her office is easily accessible and has a bright and cheerful atmosphere. Peek Counseling focuses on providing a welcoming and accessible space for clients in an approachable way – with a touch of humor and fun!
Reach out to set your initial consultation or to set up a therapy appointment.
Adolescents
Adolescents
How to Have a Healthier Relationship with Social Media
We now live in a world where it’s almost impossible to escape the grasp of social media.
The majority of people now have access to smartphones, which means more and more people are joining social media every single day. A healthy social media relationship is key.
According to We Are Social, there are 3.8 billion social media users as of January 2020, which is 9% higher than last year. Social media has the potential to enhance our lives, but only if we use it in the right ways.
Utilize the Follow/Unfollow Button
Social media is all about connection, but with billions of people using the platforms every single day, there’s bound to be negativity. When thinking about how to be a healthy user of social media, think about why you are following the people you do. Are they giving you some type of benefit? If the answer to that question is yes, then keep following them, but if they are making you feel bad about yourself, it might be time to hit that unfollow button.
One simple thing you could do is a social media “audit,” which involves going through all of the people/pages you follow and asking yourself “does this account make me feel good about myself or does it invite negativity?” By doing a sort of social media “cleanse” your feed will ultimately be a more positive environment, which will help you have a healthier relationship with social media overall.
Connect with Others
Taking the time to connect with others based on similar interests and/or hobbies is truly what is at the core of social media. Truly taking the time to connect with genuine people who are also trying to have a healthier relationship with social media rather than comparing yourself to others will teach you how to be a healthy user of social media and its various platforms.
Most times, people see social media as a place of comparison where everyone is competing for attention and be better than everyone else at the same time. If you try shifting your mindset to a place of connection rather than comparison, you might begin to see social media in a whole new light.
Use Screen Time Limits
Sometimes we all get caught up in the endless scroll, and it’s okay! It’s nothing to feel ashamed about. If you’re an iPhone user, there’s a handy-dandy setting that can help you set app and screen time limits, so you’re more aware of how much time you’re actually spending on individual apps. This might be helpful if you want to be on your phone less, but use the time you are on social media more effectively.
About Peek Counseling
Katie Bisbee Peak is the founder and sole practitioner at Peek Counseling. Her passion and drive is to support, encourage, and empower the people she works with. She specializes in working with youth/adolescents, individuals, life transitions, and offense specific treatment.
Adolescents
