In order to thrive during times of uncertainty, we might have to rethink how we meaningfully connect with others and with the sacred and transcendent. Thriving is not an individual endeavor but something that we do with others and for the sake of others. The following are six tips on thriving that you might not have considered.
1. Strength-based Agility
Continue to expect the unexpected. Be proactive and play to your strengths to create the connections and joy you seek, but hold your plans loosely. Be agile and flexible to change, while also remaining true to yourself and your values.
2. Spiritual Practices
Maintain or adopt spiritual practices or rituals with your family and/or a close group of people (e.g., attending services, walking in nature, or eating a meal together). Be intentional about creating meaningful, awe-filled moments.
3. Loss and Grief
Approach feelings of grief, loss, and disappointment with compassion and grace. There may be moments when you don’t know whether to laugh or cry. Try a bit of both. Use mindfulness techniques to check in with your body and manage your emotions.
4. Supportive Relationships
Support your children and youth by helping them cope with uncertainty, regulate anxiety, and cultivate patience.
5. Positive Emotions
Pursue activities that will boost positive emotions like joy, gratitude, and humor to release tension and stress.
6. Generosity
Keep in mind the marginalized. Make sure to spend some time and effort to extend compassion and joy to others beyond those closet to you.
Your FREE Download
Like our tips? Make sure to download and print our tips to use as reference.
Continue Exploring
Youth
Adolescents and Spirituality: Do Mountaintop Spiritual Experiences Really Make a Difference?
A Thrive Scholars Fellow shares transcendent experiences along with caring adults can stimulate spirituality and virtue development in youth.
Blog
Helping Kids Develop Coping-Resiliency Strategies During Life Challenges
Thrive Fellow, Esther Tan shares a research-based model to understand how we can support kids in times of uncertainty.
Youth
Helping Youth Rediscover Joy (Part 1): Body Senses and Connection
Joy is a powerful virtue that can improve our wellbeing. Learn how you can nurture joy in youth through their body senses and relationships.