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What Practices Help Keep Hope Alive? · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

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  SPEAKER_00: It's difficult to keep hope alive when we're struggling, but it's important to remember that hope isn't the abscess of pain, it's the belief that pain doesn't get the final word.
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  SPEAKER_00: A couple of simple practices that are attainable when things feel really difficult might be to stay connected, for example.
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  SPEAKER_00: Struggle often makes us want to withdraw, but isolation tends to magnify our problems.
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  SPEAKER_00: Reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, counsellor, or support group reminds us that we don't have to carry our burdens alone.
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  SPEAKER_00: Sometimes we can take hope from our connections until we authentically feel it again.
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  SPEAKER_00: The second practice is to focus on the next small step.
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  SPEAKER_00: When life feels overwhelming, thinking too far ahead can increase anxiety.
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  SPEAKER_00: Instead of asking, how will I fix everything?
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  SPEAKER_00: Ask what one helpful thing can I do today.
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  SPEAKER_00: Small actions such as getting out of bed, taking a walk, eating a healthy meal, or even making one phone call can gradually rebuild confidence and can make day-to-day life a little bit more stable.
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  SPEAKER_00: It's also important to care for our physical well-being.
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  SPEAKER_00: Sleep, nutrition, exercise, and rest all affect our emotional resilience.
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  SPEAKER_00: Our minds and our bodies are deeply connected, and the psychoeducity of it is that when we are really overwhelmed, sometimes our nervous systems prep for a prep for a risk or a fear.
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  SPEAKER_00: So keeping on top of our physical health as much as we can, even if that's just eating something that is easy and accessible, that can be a stronger foundation for coping with emotional challenges.
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  SPEAKER_00: Finally, remember to speak to yourself with compassion.
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  SPEAKER_00: We often say things to ourselves that we'd never dream of saying to somebody we love.
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  SPEAKER_00: Instead of thinking I'm failing, try reframing it as I'm having a difficult time and I'm doing the best that we can.
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  SPEAKER_00: Self-compassion creates space for healing instead of shame.
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  SPEAKER_00: Hope doesn't always return at once.
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  SPEAKER_00: It grows through consistent everyday practices such as staying connected, taking small steps, expressing gratitude, being real about what is going on, caring for ourselves, seeking meaning, and treating ourselves with kindness.
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  SPEAKER_00: If you're struggling today, just remember that you don't have to have everything figured out.
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  SPEAKER_00: Sometimes it just begins at taking the next step and building that over time, and hope will find you again.