How to Enjoy Life Even When You're Going Through Difficult Times—Stressed Out and Burned Out
You deserve joy even in tough times.
Life has a way of knocking us down, often when we least expect it. Whether it's a financial setback, job loss, major life transition, health crisis, or personal tragedy, difficult times can leave us feeling unworthy of joy. When we're struggling to put our lives back together, we might feel like we don’t deserve to enjoy life—like we shouldn’t be spending time with friends, traveling, or participating in activities we once loved.
But the truth is, enjoying life—even in dark times—is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. It’s part of what keeps us resilient, connected, and emotionally strong enough to navigate challenges. It doesn’t mean ignoring reality or being irresponsible, but rather finding ways to experience moments of joy without guilt.
Why Enjoying Life Matters, Even in Difficult Times
When we’re going through hardship, it’s easy to adopt an “all or nothing” mentality—thinking that until we fix everything, we don’t deserve to enjoy anything. But this mindset only deepens our struggles. Here’s why prioritizing joy is essential:
Maintains Mental and Emotional Health – Engaging in enjoyable activities releases dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters that improve mood and help combat stress, anxiety, and depression.
Builds Resilience – Taking time for small joys helps us cope with adversity, making us more emotionally equipped to handle life’s challenges.
Strengthens Relationships – Isolation can intensify feelings of unworthiness. Spending time with supportive friends or family helps us feel valued and connected.
Provides Perspective – Difficult times can make life feel overwhelming, but experiencing moments of happiness reminds us that life isn’t just about struggle.
Prevents Burnout – Chronic stress, especially for busy professionals, can lead to exhaustion and poor decision-making. Enjoying life is a necessary counterbalance to stress.
Overcoming Guilt: You Deserve to Experience Joy
A common roadblock to enjoying life during difficult times is guilt. You might think:
"I shouldn’t be out having fun when I don’t have my finances in order."
"People will judge me if they know what I’m going through."
"I don’t have the energy to socialize or pretend I’m fine."
While these thoughts are understandable, they stem from an internalized belief that you must “earn” joy or that your struggles define you. But suffering doesn’t make you more deserving of happiness later. You are worthy of experiencing joy now. Here’s how to shift your mindset:
Separate Circumstances from Self-Worth – Struggles do not diminish your value as a person. You are still deserving of happiness, no matter your situation.
Recognize That Enjoying Life Doesn't Mean Neglecting Responsibilities – You can balance responsibility with moments of joy. Enjoyment doesn’t mean reckless spending or ignoring challenges.
Reframe Joy as Self-Care, Not Indulgence – Viewing happiness as an essential part of resilience rather than a reward can help alleviate guilt.
Practical Ways to Enjoy Life During Hard Times
Enjoying life during challenging times doesn’t mean extravagant vacations or major lifestyle changes. It’s about finding small, meaningful ways to bring joy into your life without added stress. Here are some practical strategies:
1. Engage in Free or Low-Cost Activities
If financial setbacks are a concern, look for ways to enjoy life that don’t require spending much (or any) money. Some ideas include:
Going for walks in nature or by the water
Attending free community events, concerts, or museums
Exploring local hiking trails or parks
Joining public library programs or free online classes
Hosting a game or movie night with friends at home
2. Connect with Supportive People
Difficult times can make us want to withdraw from others, but isolation often worsens feelings of unworthiness. Instead, try:
Scheduling low-pressure meetups with understanding friends
Joining a group fitness class or wellness group to stay connected
Participating in hobby-based communities like book clubs, running groups, or art classes
Reaching out to a mentor, coach, or therapist for support
3. Find Joy in Simple Daily Rituals
Small, intentional actions can bring moments of joy throughout the day, such as:
Starting the morning with your favorite coffee or tea
Taking five minutes to stretch or practice deep breathing
Listening to music or a podcast that uplifts you
Keeping a gratitude journal to acknowledge the good, even in hard times
Cooking a meal that makes you feel nourished
4. Reconnect with Activities That Once Brought You Joy
Sometimes, difficult times make us abandon things we used to love. Even if you don’t feel like doing them at first, try easing back into activities you once enjoyed, like:
Painting, writing, or engaging in creative outlets
Practicing yoga or meditative exercises
Playing an instrument or listening to live music
Visiting places that make you feel at peace
5. Set Boundaries with Negative Influences
If part of what makes life hard is negativity from others—whether judgmental family, toxic work environments, or social media—create boundaries to protect your peace:
Limit time spent on social media if comparisons are making you feel worse
Reduce interactions with people who drain your energy
Prioritize relationships with those who support and uplift you
6. Travel or Explore (Within Your Means)
Even if finances are tight, small travel experiences can bring fresh perspective and joy:
Take a day trip to a nearby city or nature spot
Plan a staycation where you explore your local area as if you were a tourist
Travel on a budget using affordable accommodations like hostels or homestays
7. Allow Yourself to Be Seen
One of the biggest challenges of enjoying life in hard times is the fear of being seen when we feel “less than.” We worry that we’re unrelatable, that people will judge our struggles, or that we don’t belong. However, hiding isolates us further.
Remember that vulnerability fosters deeper, more genuine connections.
Give yourself permission to be where you are in life without apologizing.
Recognize that others have likely been in similar situations and will understand more than you think.
Being Responsible While Enjoying Life
If financial hardship or career uncertainty is a concern, you can still be mindful while allowing yourself enjoyment:
Set a small “joy budget” for activities that bring you happiness without guilt.
Prioritize free or low-cost activities to maintain financial stability.
Focus on experiences over material things—often, the best moments don’t require spending.
Final Thoughts
Difficult times test our strength, but they don’t have to erase our joy. Enjoying life—even in small ways—isn’t about ignoring reality. It’s about sustaining yourself through hardship, finding moments of light in the darkness, and reminding yourself that you are more than your struggles.
Give yourself permission to experience joy, even as you rebuild. Not only do you deserve it, but it will also give you the strength and perspective needed to keep moving forward.
Article References
The sources cited in the article:
Harvard Medical School. "How Can You Find Joy (or at Least Peace) During Difficult Times." Harvard - Joy During Difficult Times
The HelpGuide (HG). “Finding Joy During Difficult Times.” HG - Finding Joy During Difficult Times
Fast Company (FC). "Make this Mindset Shift to Cultivate Joy Through Tough Times." FC - Cultivate Joy Through Tough Times
Harvard Medical School. "Choosing Joy During Difficult Times.” Harvard - Choosing Joy During Difficult Times
Psychology Today (PT). “New Ways to Find Joy in a Troubled World.” PT - New Ways to Find Joy in a Troubled World
The NYTimes (NYT). “How to Strengthen Your Happiness Muscle.” NYT - How to Strengthen Your Happiness Muscle
