How to Use Stoicism to Get Through Hard Times: 6 Effective Strategies

Have you ever wondered if there’s a way to navigate life’s toughest moments with calm and composure?

I know I have.

Through reading, I discovered Stoicism, and it’s been a lifesaver for me during hard times. It has revolutionized how I handle adversity, bringing peace and resilience in the midst of chaos.

It might just work wonders for you, too.

Here are nine strategies I have found to be invaluable.

1) Embracing acceptance

One of the most transformative strategies I’ve adopted from Stoicism is the practice of acceptance.

Life is unpredictable and often throws curveballs our way. Trying to control every aspect can lead to stress and disappointment. Stoicism teaches us that while we can’t control everything that happens to us, we can control how we react to it.

I was first introduced to this concept through the writings of Epictetus, a renowned Stoic philosopher. He emphasized the power of distinguishing between what’s in our control and what’s not and focusing our energies on the former. He said:

“There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.”

“Don’t hope that events will turn out the way you want, welcome events in whichever way they happen: this is the path to peace.”

For me, this strategy is more than just passively accepting whatever life throws at me. It’s about actively acknowledging my circumstances, understanding my limited control over them, and then shifting my focus to what I can influence: my reactions, thoughts, and actions.

This practice of acceptance helps establish a calm mind in the face of adversity. It’s not about denying or suppressing emotions; it’s about acknowledging them and choosing not to let them dictate your actions.

Incorporating this strategy into my life has significantly helped me navigate through tough times with resilience and composure.

It may seem simple, but its effects are profound.

2) Cultivating inner tranquility

The Stoics believed that ‘ataraxia‘, a state of serene calmness and untroubled mind, is the key to enduring life’s hardships. It’s about finding peace within oneself, irrespective of external circumstances. Epictetus, for instance, said:

“It is better to die of hunger having lived without grief and fear, than to live with a troubled spirit, amid abundance”

His words struck a chord with me, pushing me to actively pursue this state of tranquility.

But how does one achieve ‘ataraxia’?

Well, for me, it’s about creating a mental space where I can retreat when things get tough. It involves practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and even simple acts like spending quiet time in nature.

This strategy isn’t just about momentary peace; it’s about building a fortress of calm within myself that can withstand any storm life throws at me.

The journey towards inner tranquility has not only made me more resilient but also improved my overall psychological wellbeing.

3) Journaling for clarity

This is a huge one.

Despite my initial skepticism, a practice that has become a cornerstone in my journey with Stoicism is journaling.

Every day, I set aside time to sit with my journal. It’s not just about recounting the day’s events; it’s a deep dive into my thoughts, emotions, and reactions.

Journaling has evolved into a tool for self-exploration, allowing me to dissect and understand my responses to life’s challenges. It has helped me identify patterns in my behavior and gain clarity on what triggers certain reactions.

This regular self-assessment has not only made me more resilient but also more self-aware. By understanding my responses, I’m able to adjust them and navigate difficult situations with more composure.

Additionally, journaling provides a haven of calm amidst life’s storms. It’s a moment of solitude where I can reconnect with myself, away from external distractions.

The simple act of jotting down my thoughts has had a substantial impact on my mental resilience and overall well-being.

It might do the same for you.

4) Embracing impermanence

Picture this: You’ve worked hard on a project or relationship, only to see it change or even fall apart. How do you react?

A pivotal Stoic strategy that has helped me in such situations is understanding and embracing impermanence.

The Stoics believed that everything in life is transient and change is the only constant. They saw this not as a cause for despair, but a reason to appreciate every moment and avoid undue attachments.

This concept, first introduced to me through Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations, revolutionized my perspective. He wrote:

“Time is like a river made up of the events which happen, and a violent stream; for as soon as a thing has been seen, it is carried away, and another comes in its place, and this will be carried away too.”

It made me realize that our distress often comes from our resistance to change, not the change itself.

This strategy is not about developing an indifferent or dismissive attitude towards life. On the contrary, it’s about fully engaging with life while understanding that things will inevitably evolve or end.

By internalizing the principle of impermanence, I’ve been able to navigate life’s ebbs and flows with greater grace and resilience. It has fostered a sense of peace amid change and helped me appreciate the beauty of each moment.

It’s a simple concept, but when embraced, its impact on your ability to cope with hard times can be profound.

5) Practicing gratitude

Amidst life’s challenges, it’s easy to focus on the negatives and overlook the positives. One Stoic strategy that has helped shift my perspective is practicing gratitude.

The Stoics believed in the power of gratitude as a path to contentment. They advocated for acknowledging and appreciating what we have rather than lamenting what we lack.

For example, Seneca wrote, “Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart.”

Marcus Aurelius also echoed this view, writing, “When you arise in the morning, think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love …”

Inspired by their teachings, I began to actively practice gratitude.

This practice isn’t about ignoring life’s problems or painting a rosy picture. It’s about finding things to be thankful for, even in difficult times. It could be as simple as appreciating a warm cup of coffee, a supportive friend, or a peaceful moment.

By incorporating gratitude into my daily routine, I’ve noticed a significant shift in my mindset. It has fostered a more positive outlook, increased my resilience, and improved my overall well-being.

6) Focusing on the present

In the hustle of modern life, it’s easy to get caught up in worrying about the future or ruminating over the past. One Stoic practice that has greatly helped me manage this is focusing on the present.

The Stoics emphasized the importance of living in the present moment, a notion encapsulated by Marcus Aurelius’s famous quote, “Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.”

This strategy isn’t about ignoring the past or future. It’s about acknowledging them but not letting them dominate our thoughts and actions.

By learning to stay present, I’ve been able to engage more fully with life as it unfolds, rather than being stuck in yesterday’s regrets or tomorrow’s anxieties. This has not only increased my resilience in dealing with hard times but also amplified my enjoyment of life’s simple pleasures.