Feeling Down? 7 Ways to Build Inner Strength

Lisa Franchi November 19, 2013

Search for the “strongest man in the world” via Google and you will see a plethora of photos depicting a huge, huge man with big, sturdy muscles, probably carrying a half-ton object that no other person could. We all want to be strong. Strength is a vital characteristic or trait that gives us an edge over many things. But apart from the physical strength, we also want to develop the so-called “inner strength”. This refers to our mental and emotional ability to face difficult challenges in life.

Aggression is a sign of weakness

Do you scream at people when you are feeling down? Do you tend to hate your partner, parents, children and all other people close to you when you are faced with difficult challenges? The way we respond to negative experiences is a reflection of our inner strength. Just as we work out to build and strengthen our muscles, we can also do something to fortify our inner strength. But first of, we want to be clear on this – strength is different from aggression. Emotionally weak people tend to act aggressively out of defence. However, little they know, instead of being “in control” of their emotions, their emotions tend to control them. As a result, they tend to do things that they would regret later. Strong individuals on the other hand, do not act aggressively because they have the mental, physical and emotional resources to take over the details of the situation and bring it to a close.

So how can you build and improve your inner strength? Consider the following tips:

1) Look back on your victories. You have made it before. Surely, you can make it through again. Whenever you feel afraid about not being able to recover from a setback, think about the times that you have actually overcame life’s difficulties. You are stronger than you realise. Never underestimate your capabilities.

2) Visualise yourself above the crisis. Practise seeing yourself rise above the pain. No matter how difficult the situation is right now, remind yourself that everything is going to be fine. Whatever challenges you are going through right now, know that you are about to learn something and that something is necessary to improve your life.

3) Lean on your trusted few. Open up with your trusted friends or family members who will listen to you without judgement. If you don’t feel comfortable telling your concerns about them, you may consider seeing a therapist. Professional therapists are trained practitioners who can provide you with the encouragement, care and guidance you need without judging you.

4) Spend more time with positive people. Is your social circle making you feel worse? Then find a new one – meet new people who will make you feel positive, inspired and motivated. During difficult times, your environment does have a great impact on your well-being. To build resilience, you want to be as optimistic as possible. They say optimism is contagious. By being with cheery people more often, you are more likely to acquire their good qualities.

5) Pamper yourself with the compliments you have received in the past. Keep a “feel-good” folder of emails, text messages, cards and notes that remind you of how strong you are. It could be the ‘congratulations’ letter the company sent you when you were first hired, or the graduation card full of inspiring words coming from your parents. When you are at your lowest, you are likely to forget that you have good qualities and unique strengths and capabilities. Your feel-good folder will give you evidence on how you’ve touched others lives positively.

6) Do something you are really good at. Do your friends and family crave about your mouth-watering cupcakes? Do they feel like they’re in a real concert when you start to sing or dance? Are they always excited to see your new painting on canvass? At times when you feel like you’re so down and you’re not doing well enough, take time to do something you are really good at. This will uplift your spirit and boost your inner strength.

7) Pray. Develop and nurture a spiritual connection to a higher power. Ask for comfort and guidance during this difficult journey. Meditate. Build awareness. Trust that you are going to get through this.

Life is going to give us terrible blows that could literally knock us down and make us feel like we are the weakest person on earth. But that doesn’t mean we will be weak forever. By incorporating these simple tips, we can actually regain the strength that we have lost.