How to deal with many problems in life

Which is money, relationships, family, health, school, and work. Many problems can arise in all areas of life. The longer you live, the more obstacles you have to overcome. Learning how to handle life’s problems effectively is an essential skill, which can have a powerful impact on health and happiness. Developing problem-solving strategies and coping skills can help you navigate when life gets tough.

Table of Contents

Develop problem solving skills

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Identify the problem. ^{[1] X Research Source} Sometimes, when we are faced with some problem in our lives, it can be quite difficult to separate the problem from the symptoms it causes. You need to recognize and define the problem clearly in order to find a workable solution.

For example, you lack money to pay a bill. Find the source of the problem. Why are you short of money this month? It could be because you need to find a better paying job to pay for the increased spending, work overtime, or stop spending unnecessarily on entertainment.

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Determine the target. ^{[2] X Research Source} The goal is the ideal outcome that you would like to see happen in order to solve the problem.

For example, if you are short on money, your goal is to make more money or increase your income somehow.

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Narrow down the problem. If you really have a serious problem that requires a really big goal to solve, break this goal down into a few smaller chunks. Doing so makes it easier and also more manageable to plan and solve problems. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

In the US, for example, if you hope to increase household revenue, you can reduce this goal to save $100 up front. Then the goal could be to double this amount and more. This is more feasible than setting a $500 savings goal right away.

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Check all changes. ^{[4] X Research Resources} Think about the potential change you have available. Identify steps you can take to meet your chosen goal. Conduct research on each option to understand each change.

Some changes to increase revenue could be to work longer hours, find a job that pays well, or reduce other expenses to bring in more income.

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Implement the solution that best meets the goal. ^{[5] X Research Sources} With the information you’ve gathered for each option, decide which option is most likely to help you achieve your desired outcome.

You may not be able to find a new job or increase your hours immediately. Therefore, the only option you should make is to find ways to cut some other costs.

Increased storage for problem response tools

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Understand the flip side of chronic stress. Facing some long-term stressors without healthy coping mechanisms can be dangerous to your health and well-being. Stress can cause many health problems or worsen an existing medical condition. You need to see your doctor if you suspect this is happening. Here are some physical signs of stress: ^{[7] X Trusted Source FamilyDoctor.org Go to source}

Headache
Gain or lose weight
Depression
Worry
Insomnia
Shortness of breath
Difficulty sleeping
Change the taste

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Make a phone call to your friends. When you’re feeling stressed, participating in the social support system can be a great way to combat it. The social support channel gives you a sense of comfort, increased confidence and safety. ^{[8] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Going to the Source} Calling a friend or loved one to confide in or simply alleviate life’s problems is also a great way.

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Do what you love often. ^{[9] X Source of Research} You might think that having a hobby is just about passing the time. In fact, a few hobbies help us recharge, relieve stress, learn new things, connect with others, and gain new perspectives. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Hobbies can be anything that you like. Try reading, writing, playing sports, climbing mountains, sailing, skiing, painting, gardening, or something else. The possibilities for finding your hobby and doing it regularly are limitless.

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Relax every night. You may have heard about the importance of getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep (more sleep if you are a teenager or child). But, getting enough and good quality sleep relies heavily on feeling comfortable and at peace before going to bed. When you are struggling with some life problems, it is difficult to sleep. Follow a bedtime routine to fall asleep easily.

Do something relaxing like stretching, listening to soothing music, taking a long, warm bath in the tub, or getting a massage. ^{[11] X Research Source}

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Do exercise. ^{[12] X Trusted Source FamilyDoctor.org Go to Source} Coping with a tough problem may prompt you to go to bed tired and sleep for a week. You should not do it. Being physically active can actually make you feel better about life. Exercise boosts the feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain called endorphins. ^{[13] X Research Source} This chemical that improves your mood and gives you a sense of euphoria has a lot to do with “feeling good after exercise”.

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Purposeful relaxation. When life gets you down, you need a few essential tools to help you combat stress and bring about a sense of peace. Relaxation methods can be done almost anywhere and anytime. ^{[14] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

Practice deep breathing by taking a deep breath in through your nose and holding it for 4 hours counting. Hold this breath for a moment, then exhale for another 4 counts. You will notice your lower abdomen rising when you inhale and flattening when you exhale.
Try stretching by sitting still and comfortably in a chair or mattress. Move each muscle group in your body slowly, tensing and releasing different muscles. Start with the toes. Stretch them for 5 seconds and notice how this feels. Next, release the tension and simply stay relaxed for about 30 seconds before moving on to another muscle group.

Dealing with some interpersonal problems

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Try to be more empathetic. Often, we experience conflict with others because we don’t have time to fully understand their point of view. Developing empathy for all can help you do this. There are many ways to build empathy. Here are some suggestions: ^{[15] X Research Sources}^{[16] X Trusted Source Greater Good Magazine Go to Source}

Try to listen rather than react. You can certainly spend most of your time listening and thinking about what you want to say next. Take the time to really hear what others are saying in everyday interactions. This minimizes risk.
Working hard to do something purposeful to break prejudices. Do you have an opinion about a certain person or group that is not supported? Make an effort to meet, talk and get to know these individuals and see if your opinion changes.
Learn more about the world by reading books, watching movies or documentaries, and visiting museums to learn about many characters from different places.

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Use sentences that begin with “I”. ^{[17] X Research Source} One of the major obstacles to healthy communication is using language that makes listeners defensive. Forming your words in a way that allows you to express your feelings without blaming others can reduce personal conflict.

Sentences that begin with “I” show sympathy, explain the reasons behind the feelings, and offer practical solutions. An “I” sentence could be: “I feel unappreciated when you give me a task at the last minute. Next time you can let me know in advance that would be great.”

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Stop trying to change others. Think about how it feels when someone close to you makes an effort to change some aspect of your nature. Maybe your mom wants you to change your clothes or your partner doesn’t like the way you dress. You feel that’s bad, don’t you? Now, think of someone who accepts you for who you are. That feels much better, doesn’t it?

Constantly judging, scolding, or shaming others for their mistakes by emphasizing one’s correctness is not good for anyone. ^{[18] X Research Source} Remember, “a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still”. Trying to change other people only makes you (and them) resentful.
Focus on changing your own shortcomings instead of spending too much energy on others. ^{[19] X Research Source}

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Learn when and how to apologize. If your words or actions have caused hurt or pain to another person, you must make amends to prevent the relationship from becoming strained or completely broken. Apologizing shows a willingness to admit mistakes and mend the relationship. ^{[20] X Research Source}

Apologizing shows kindness, admitting responsibility, making amends and working to prevent the same mistake from happening again in the future.
An example of an apology might be, “I’m sorry for not respecting your free time. I’ll do my own thing for now, and next time I’ll be sure to ask first to see if you’re free. Are not”.

Have a healthy perspective

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Start seeing problems as opportunities. Change the language about the problems you’re facing in your life, and you can dramatically change the way you handle them. Every problem has some way to re-evaluate, explore some new options, and improve existing methods. So, instead of labeling them as problems, think of them as opportunities for improvement. ^{[21] X Research Source}

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Focus on your strengths. If you feel like you already have the ability to handle life’s problems effectively, you may not become so overwhelmed by them. When you identify and start using your strengths, you can be more confident to tackle life’s problems.

Use a piece of paper to list all of your accomplishments, values, and positive qualities about yourself that you can think of. Also, call a close friend or family member who knows you well. Ask the person to help you identify your strengths.
If you are having trouble figuring out your strengths, try an online assessment like the VIA Personality Strengths Assessment. ^{[22] X Research Source}
Once you’ve identified your strengths, learn how to effectively apply them to your life. Look at each of your strengths and find some solutions that you have applied in your life. Then think about how the supplement benefits you. ^{[23] X Research Sources}

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Cultivate gratitude. Having gratitude for the good in life, or a previous problem that you were able to overcome, can help you cope with the current problem. To practice gratitude: ^{[24] X Trusted Source Greater Good Magazine Go to Source}

Start a gratitude journal by writing down a few good things that happen each day.
Say “thank you” more.
Write gratitude letters to family, friends, and acquaintances who have helped you to some extent.
Change the language to use these words more often than “gift”, “luck”, “blessing”, and “fullness”.

Steps

Develop problem solving skills

Increased storage for problem response tools

Dealing with some interpersonal problems

Have a healthy perspective

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