In difficult times, such as the pandemia of the Covid-19, the need to maintain stability becomes a key challenge. Particular pressure fell on representatives of the executive art industry: musicians, actors, and production teams, who suddenly lost their usual working conditions.
Research, conducted by specialists from the universities of Clemson and Northern Carolina together with the non-profit organization Musicares, showed how two approaches – awareness and hope – help to cope with crises. Attention to the present moment, characteristic of awareness, and faith in the best future that defines hope are considered important strategies to overcome difficulties.
The data collected from 247 participants for 18 months showed that awareness, despite its popularity, turned out to be less effective in conditions of long-term stress. In moments when reality seems hopeless, excessive concentration on the present can aggravate a sense of helplessness. Moreover, the practice of awareness requires significant effort, which complicates its use during chronic fatigue or lack of resources, such as high-quality sleep.
On the contrary, hope proved its effectiveness as a tool for overcoming the crisis. People who retained a positive view of the future and actively looked for ways to solve problems demonstrated a higher level of stability and productivity. For example, many artists have found new ways to realize themselves through online sales and virtual collaborations.
Hope contributed not only to professional restoration but also to strengthening the emotional state. Positive emotions that faith in the best gave rise to formed the basis for further actions and helped cope with continuing stress. Practical recommendations, such as keeping a diary with records of goals, communication with like-minded people, and setting achievable tasks, can become effective tools for the formation of hope.
The results of the study confirm that in conditions of long crises, the ability to look into the future and take specific steps to improve it play a decisive role. At the same time, awareness can remain a useful tool for controlling anxiety or recovery in less stressful circumstances.
The understanding of these strategies can be useful not only for artists but also for anyone who faces life difficulties. Hope gives the strength to go forward, even when the prospects seem foggy, and positive emotions serve as the basis for stability in the long term.