Maintaining Hope

Hope is defined as the feeling of wanting something to happen and the belief that it could happen; it is desire combined with anticipation of success.

​​Hope exists on a spectrum somewhere between guaranteed outcome and wish. Within hope is the understanding that the outcome is at least partially outside of our personal control. Conversely, we are encouraged by the prospect that we still have some control in the situation.

​When we hope, we defiantly challenge our negative thoughts. Yet, hope does not require optimism, as you can feel pessimistic and still hold on to hope. Hope not only provides us with a goal, but also encourages and motivates us to work towards and believe in the potential for successful outcomes.

​​Hold on to your hope, and in hopeless moments surround yourself with those that will hold on to your hope for you

Strategies for Maintaining Hope

FIND A CLEAR PATH

Being able to see how the steps you are taking will lead to desired change is critical to having hope.

  1. Finding Hope – Psychology Today

PERFORM AN ACT OF KINDNESS

Doing acts of kindness can have a dramatic effect on your mood and outlook. Kindness triggers the release of serotonin, so it has an anti-depressant effect. It also calms stress and helps reduce pain.

  1. Why kindness is good for you: Dr. David Hamilton at TEDxHackney

  2. The 5 Side Effects of Kindness – drdavidhamilton.com

  3. 6 Science-Backed Ways Being Kind Is Good for Your Health – quietrev.com

  4. The Importance of Kindness – psychologytoday.com

PRACTICE MINDFULNESS

Your thoughts may naturally wander to the past and focus on events that didn’t work out or other situations that were painful. That will often add to your depression and hopelessness.  Mindfulness helps bring us to the present moment.

  1. Benefits of Mindfulness – HelpGuide.org​

  2. Soft Calm Music: Meditation Music, Peaceful Music, Stress Relief Music (Light of Hope) – YouTube Jason Stephenson

  3. Finding the Pause Between Breaths – Yogaru.ie

  4. Mindfulness and the Breath – thebreathproject.org

  5. 22 Mindfulness Exercises, Techniques & Activities for Adults – positivepsychologyprogram.com

Listed above are a few sources of information and support you might find useful. These groups are not connected to Save Your Skin Foundation. We are providing the links as useful sources of information but do not monitor content for accuracy and quality.

NOTE: The information on the Save Your Skin website is not intended to replace the medical advice of a doctor or healthcare provider. While we make every effort to ensure that the information on our site is as current as possible, please note that information and statistics are subject to change as new research and studies are published. 

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