8 Wellness Gurus Share Their Tips To Staying Positive During Difficult Times
Staying positive can be hard during turbulent times. Bazaar Arabia spoke to wellness coaches and creators across the region to see how they stay grounded in times of strife…
There are moments when life feels a little overwhelming. Things don’t go as planned, routines change, and it becomes easy to fall into overthinking or negativity without even noticing it.
In times like this, mindset plays a bigger role than we realise. It’s not about ignoring what’s happening or forcing yourself to feel positive all the time, but more about how you choose to move through it. The truth is, we can’t always control what happens around us. But we can control how we respond, how we think and the meaning we give to those moments. And sometimes, even a small shift in perspective can make things feel a little lighter.
A simple way to protect your mindset when life feels uncertain
Sometimes, it’s also about slowing down and being more aware of what’s going on around you. Taking a step back, focusing on the present and finding small moments of calm in your day can help you feel more grounded. These small habits don’t change everything instantly, but they do make a difference over time.
To explore this idea further, Bazaar Arabia speaks to wellness coaches and creators across the Middle East to share their thoughts. From simple daily habits to mindset shifts, their advice offers a more real and practical approach to staying positive during difficult times.
Voices from Across the Region
Dunia Shagiwal
Dunia Shagiwal approaches positivity with intention and self-awareness. She is mindful of the energy she allows into her space, choosing environments and influences that support her peace rather than disturb it. At the same time, she stays disciplined with her routine, even on days that feel more difficult, believing that consistency builds inner strength over time. She also reminds herself to look at challenges with perspective, noting that “challenges are temporary,” and that what truly matters is how you carry yourself through them. For Dunia, staying positive is not about ignoring reality, but about navigating it with grace, resilience and trust, while remaining grounded in who she is.
Elysa Eid
Elysa Eid believes positivity comes from inner strength rather than perfect circumstances. She reminds herself that “you don’t stay positive because life is easy… you stay positive because you decide who you are.” For her, it starts with focusing on what she can control, especially her daily habits. She also highlights the importance of protecting her energy by being mindful of the people around her and staying true to herself by keeping small promises. It’s this sense of discipline and self-respect that helps her stay grounded, even during challenging phases.
Salma Ismail
Salma Ismail believes that staying positive starts with how we choose to see things. Rather than getting overwhelmed by everything happening around her, she focuses on what’s within her control and stays present in her daily life. As she puts it, “I focus on what I can control.” She also makes a conscious effort to stay informed but in a balanced way, relying on trusted sources so she can feel aware without becoming anxious. For Salma, routine and community play a big role in keeping her grounded. Continuing her classes, staying active, and checking in on others helps her maintain a sense of normality, reminding her that “movement, connection, and community” can bring stability even in uncertain times.
Manal Rostom
For Manal Rostom, positivity is something she actively builds into her day through small, consistent habits. She begins with moments of stillness, setting aside time for meditation and prayer, where she can focus on her breathing and clear her mind. She describes this as a way to “cultivate positive thinking” without distractions. Alongside that, she prioritises daily movement, whether it’s a run or strength training, to help boost both her energy and mood. Community is just as important to her. By staying connected with others, both online and in real life, she avoids slipping into isolation, choosing instead to stay engaged and supported through meaningful interactions.
Joya Maria Chahwan
Joya Maria Chahwan finds her sense of balance through movement and connection. Teaching and practising Pilates helps her slow down and reconnect with herself, almost like a mental reset when things feel overwhelming. She describes this as a space where she can return to her breath and stay present, reminding herself that “some days it’s not about pushing, it’s just about showing up.” Beyond movement, she draws strength from the people around her. The community she has built is something she deeply values, as it creates an environment where people support one another. For Joya, that shared energy and sense of purpose is what helps her stay grounded and move forward with clarity.
Siham M. Zaki
Siham M. Zaki takes a grounded approach to staying positive, beginning with allowing herself to fully acknowledge her emotions rather than suppress them. “I don’t force positivity; I allow myself to feel everything first,” she shares, emphasising that acceptance comes before any shift in mindset. She also focuses on small, manageable aspects of her daily life to regain balance, turning to simple routines and moments of pause to feel more in control. Alongside this, she reminds herself that difficult periods are temporary, noting that “nothing stays the same forever,” which helps her move through uncertainty with patience and perspective.
Alicia Tillman
Alicia Tillman focuses on finding small moments of joy and giving herself space to disconnect from constant noise. Whether it’s diving into a creative project like remodelling her home gym or simply stepping away from her phone, she believes these moments help ease anxiety. She also leans into movement, making workouts more social and enjoyable by exercising with friends. Above all, she reminds herself to be kind during difficult times, sharing that “there’s no proper way to handle what we’re going through,” and choosing to give herself grace through it all.
Marina
Marina takes a holistic approach, starting with the body before the mind. She explains that instead of forcing positive thinking, it’s important to first regulate your physical state through movement, as it helps calm the nervous system and create space for a clearer mindset. She also emphasises the role of balanced nutrition, noting that stable energy and mood begin with proper nourishment. Alongside this, she values connection, encouraging people to move within a community, as being around others creates a sense of support, safety and emotional balance.
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