How to Strengthen Hope

Okay, so maybe it’s emotionally healthy to have hope, but what if you can’t help but feel hopeless?

Everyone can hope, even if your life situation makes it more difficult! But how do I start!?

Here are is a list of simple things to do to strengthen hope:

• Remember you don’t need evidence that something can happen or be true, for you to have hope it is possible.
• Write down one thing you hope is or can be true, even if it might feel improbable. Allow yourself to just daydream how it would feel to have that be true.
• Take deep breaths and remember to be patient and loving with yourself.
• Talk to someone you know and trust who seems peaceful. Interview this person and ask, “what helps you feel more hope?”
• When you are alone, say a prayer, even if you don’t believe in “God”. Ask questions that trouble you, then write down any comforting thoughts or feelings that come to you.
• For one day, determine to do your best to block out negativity from your life. Notice any difference it makes.
• Evaluate your life when you are feeling down. What things or people seem to trigger hopelessness in you? Experiment with making a small change.
• Spend some time being present in nature. Feel the sun on your face, or feel the grass under your feet, or look at bugs and flowers. Feel grateful for small pleasures.
• Do a small act of kindness for someone. How did it help you feel more hopeful?
• Search for inspirational stories. Share one with someone you know.
• Listen to calming music.
• Color a picture, or better yet, draw your own.
• Think about when you were a kid…what things did you enjoy? Spend a little time doing just that!
• Create a vision board for one area of your life

I hope this gives you a starting point to begin strengthening your “hope muscles”. I believe having hope is a good first step to maintaining healthy emotions and mental health.

What practices help strengthen your hope? Please comment and share.