This too shall pass: 7 essential, practical coping tips
this too shall pass
We have all heard the phrase this too shall pass, often offered in moments of pain, stress or uncertainty. Simple though it is, the line holds a powerful reminder: nothing is permanent, including the difficulties right in front of us. In a world that often feels relentless, this practical wisdom can help us create space to breathe, keep perspective, and choose our next step with a clearer mind.
This article explores what this too shall pass means, where it comes from, and how you can use it as a healthy coping tool without dismissing real feelings or challenges. You will find practical techniques, illustrative examples, frequent missteps to avoid, helpful resources, and answers to common questions—so the phrase becomes more than a cliché and turns into a steady, compassionate guide.
What does this too shall pass mean?
At its heart, this too shall pass is a reminder of impermanence. It suggests that emotions, circumstances and even identities evolve with time. That can be comforting during a crisis—reminding us that the current storm will eventually ease. Equally, it brings humility during success, encouraging us to savour joy while it lasts, rather than clinging or becoming complacent.
Importantly, this too shall pass does not mean “ignore your feelings” or “minimise your problems.” Instead, it points us towards a balanced response: acknowledge what hurts; take the next constructive step; and remember that change is constant. Used well, the phrase supports resilience, patience, and wise action.
Origins and cultural echoes of this too shall pass
The saying has been traced through Middle Eastern folklore, Sufi teaching stories, and Jewish wisdom literature. While the exact origin is debated, the theme of transience is ancient and cross-cultural. You can read a concise overview of the historical background of the phrase to see how it has been told in different traditions and languages over time.
Religious texts also convey this broader idea of passing seasons and faithful endurance. In the Bible, for instance, the movement from lament to hope appears frequently; the promise of Zephaniah 3:17—that God is present and mighty to save—echoes the reassurance many people find in the notion that hardship will not have the final word. Even outside faith contexts, the underlying principle remains: change unfolds, and perspective grows.
Why this too shall pass helps in everyday life
Psychologically, reminding ourselves that intense emotions are temporary can reduce distress and prevent unhelpful spirals of worry. The phrase can serve as a micro-intervention—a short, grounding statement that makes room for measured choices. Research on resilience shows that flexible thinking, realistic optimism and coping strategies help people rebound after setbacks; resources such as the Greater Good Science Center’s overview of resilience summarise how people adapt to stress through mindset and skill.
In practice, using this too shall pass can keep us from catastrophising, encourage patience during recovery, and help us notice that small improvements add up. It is not a cure-all, but it can act like a compass: pointing us towards steady habits when the path feels foggy.
Practical ways to use this too shall pass when it matters
Below are practical steps for using this too shall pass as a real tool—supporting you to feel what you feel and move forward with care.
1) Start with a 30-second check-in
When emotions surge, pause and place a hand on your chest or stomach. Breathe in for four, hold for two, and out for six. Silently say, “This is a tough moment, and this too shall pass.” This brief practice signals safety to your nervous system and gives you a few seconds to choose your next response rather than reacting on autopilot.
2) Name the moment
Put your experience into simple words: “I am feeling anxious before this meeting.” Naming an emotion helps it settle. Then add, “Feelings are like weather; this too shall pass.” The aim is not to deny the feeling but to locate it within time—so it does not feel endless.
3) Reframe without sugar-coating
Cognitive reframing means looking for a more balanced interpretation. Instead of “I’ve ruined everything,” try “I made a mistake, and I can repair it.” You might add, “This will sting for a while, and this too shall pass.” The combination validates pain and invites constructive action.
4) Set the next tiny step
Overwhelm shrinks when you define one small, do-able action: write the email draft, drink a glass of water, go for a ten-minute walk. Pair the action with the phrase—“I’ll take the next step; this too shall pass”—so the motto fuels momentum rather than passive waiting.
5) Create a grounding ritual
Rituals help contain strong emotions. Consider journalling for five minutes, lighting a candle in memory or hope, or saying a brief prayer. Many people find structured devotions calming; if that resonates, the Divine Mercy Chaplet prayer is a simple, rhythmic practice that can accompany the thought that this too shall pass.
6) Use physical anchors
When thoughts spin, return to your senses. Touch something textured, identify five things you can see, or run your wrists under cool water. Silently repeat, “I can feel this and stay safe; this too shall pass.” Physical anchors tether you to the present, where decisions live.
7) Set gentle boundaries
If your mind keeps revisiting the same worry, give it a boundary: “I’ll worry about this between 7 and 7:30 pm.” When the thought returns, note it and say, “Scheduled for later; this too shall pass.” This approach respects your concern while stopping it from dominating your day.
8) Practise compassionate self-talk
Self-criticism often prolongs suffering. Try what you might say to a friend: “You’re doing your best; it’s okay to be human. This too shall pass.” Compassion creates a kinder internal climate for change.
9) Know when to seek support
While this too shall pass is reassuring, some situations require additional help—especially persistent low mood, panic, or thoughts of self-harm. Reaching out is a sign of strength. For practical guidance, see NHS self-help for mental health or Mind’s information and support pages, which explain options for professional and community support.
Examples: applying this too shall pass in real-life scenarios
Below are short, realistic scenarios showing how you might use this too shall pass to navigate sticky moments.
Work pressure before a presentation
You feel dread rising before a talk. You pause and breathe: in for four, hold, out for six. You say, “I’m anxious, and this too shall pass.” You review your notes, choose one key message to emphasise, and remind yourself that nerves often lessen once you start. After the first minute on stage, your tension eases, confirming the phrase in practice.
Loneliness after a life change
Following a move, weekends feel empty. You acknowledge, “I feel lonely, and this too shall pass if I keep building connection.” You schedule one coffee with a neighbour and join a local class. After a few weeks, you notice small shifts—a familiar face at the market, a new friend at the class. The feeling is still around, but it is lighter and more manageable.
Recovering from a setback
A project fails. Rather than spiralling, you write down three lessons, draft a straightforward apology or update, and plan the next attempt. You repeat, “This hurts now; this too shall pass.” In a month, the failure is a paragraph in your learning log, not the headline of your life.
Riding out a difficult mood
You wake up flat and unmotivated. After breakfast and a short walk, the heaviness lifts slightly. You label it, “Low mood is visiting; this too shall pass.” You commit to the basics—hydration, daylight, movement, connection—knowing that moods ebb and flow.
Common mistakes when using this too shall pass
Like any tool, the phrase helps most when used with care. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Using it to dismiss feelings. Saying this too shall pass does not replace listening. First validate the emotion; then use the phrase to place it in time.
- Turning it into passivity. The phrase calls for perspective, not inaction. Pair it with one constructive step.
- Applying it to others without consent. Telling someone in deep pain “this too shall pass” may feel invalidating. Offer empathy first; share the phrase only if it seems welcome.
- Over-generalising. Not everything “passes” on its own. Some difficulties require treatment, structural changes or community support. Use the saying alongside appropriate help.
- Forgetting the good also passes. Remember to savour joyful moments. The transience of joy can deepen gratitude—not diminish it.
Building a sustainable practice around this too shall pass
To make the phrase genuinely helpful, integrate it into routines rather than saving it only for emergencies. You might add a daily reflection: “What passed today?”—a brief note about a worry that shrank, a task completed, or a small delight that brightened your hours. Over time, you will collect living proof that this too shall pass applies to both tough and tender moments.
Mindful habits support this approach. If you are new to wellbeing practices, Mind’s practical mental health tips offer accessible guidance on sleep, movement and managing stress. Combining small habits with the reminder that change is constant helps you steer through daily life more calmly.
Recommended external resources
- Overview of the history and uses of “This too shall pass” for context on its cultural and literary roots.
- NHS self-help for mental health for trusted guidance on coping strategies and when to seek support.
- Mind (UK) information and support for signposts to services, helplines and self-care tools.
- Greater Good Science Center: Resilience for research and articles on building psychological resilience.
Frequently asked questions about this too shall pass
Is it healthy to rely on this too shall pass during serious problems?
It can be, if used alongside appropriate action. The phrase offers perspective, helps regulate emotions, and reduces panic. For serious issues—such as prolonged depression, trauma or relationship breakdown—pair the reminder with practical steps and professional support. The key is balance: acknowledge the problem, seek help if needed, and remember that feelings and circumstances evolve.
Can this too shall pass make me ignore my emotions?
It should not. The healthiest sequence is: notice and name your feelings; treat yourself kindly; then remind yourself this too shall pass. That order avoids suppression and encourages wise action, rather than wishful thinking.
Does this too shall pass apply to happiness as well?
Yes. Joy, like sorrow, is transient. Recognising that happiness will pass can deepen appreciation. Savour positive moments fully—share them, celebrate them, and store them in memory—without trying to hold them still.
How often should I repeat this too shall pass?
Use it when it serves you—during spikes of anxiety, frustration or sadness, and also during moments of triumph to stay grounded. If repetition feels mechanical, pair the phrase with a short breath or action to keep it embodied and meaningful.
What if the situation isn’t changing?
Sometimes the external circumstance remains the same for a while. Even then, emotions within the situation can shift—fatigue eases, acceptance grows, or support increases. If you are stuck, consider changes within your control, reach out for help, or consult resources like the NHS. The motto this too shall pass can then refer to phases within a longer journey.
Is it appropriate to say this too shall pass to someone grieving?
Be cautious. In fresh grief, the phrase can feel minimising. Lead with presence and empathy: “I’m so sorry. I’m here with you.” If the person finds comfort in the idea later, they might introduce it themselves. Let their needs guide your words.
Conclusion on this too shall pass
Used thoughtfully, this too shall pass is more than a comforting slogan. It is a compact practice that integrates acceptance, perspective and action. By acknowledging what hurts, taking one small step, and remembering that change is constant, you protect your balance in both storms and sunshine.
The phrase also sits within a wider tapestry of wisdom—from ancient stories to contemporary psychology—reminding us we are not alone in facing change. Whether you lean on simple breathing techniques, a brief prayer, or community support, the core message endures: feelings shift, seasons turn, and new paths open.
When the day feels heavy, pause, breathe, and say gently to yourself: this too shall pass. When the day is bright, savour it, knowing that this too shall pass and that another bright day will come again. In both directions, the saying guides us back to presence, gratitude and steady courage.
