Sometimes, a simple “hanging in there” is all we can muster when life throws its curveballs. It’s a phrase packed with quiet strength—but let’s be honest, it can also feel a bit overused or vague. When someone is going through a tough time, choosing more thoughtful, warm, and genuine words can make a world of difference.
Whether you’re checking in on a friend, responding to a caring message, or trying to put how you’re feeling into words, having some heartfelt alternatives helps us connect more deeply.
Let’s explore 30 other ways to say “hanging in there” that carry empathy, encouragement, and personal touch.
What Does “Hanging in There” Mean?
Meaning: “Hanging in there” is a casual way of saying you’re surviving or coping—not thriving, but not giving up either. It implies you’re managing, despite stress or difficulty.
Explanation: People often say this during times of emotional or physical stress, like grief, burnout, or uncertainty. It’s a way to acknowledge the struggle without going into detail.
Example: “How have you been lately?” “Eh, just hanging in there.”
Tone: The tone is usually resigned or subtly hopeful—it suggests you’re holding on.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Hanging in There”?
Yes—in casual conversations, it’s perfectly fine to say “hanging in there.” However, in professional settings, especially in emails or meetings, it might come off as too informal or emotionally loaded, depending on the context. You may want to choose something more polished or reassuring.
1. Taking Things One Day at a Time
Meaning: Focusing on the present and handling things slowly.
Explanation: This phrase emphasizes mindfulness and patience, a softer and more grounded way of saying you’re getting by.
Example: “How are you holding up?” “I’m taking things one day at a time.”
Best Use: When you want to express you’re managing without rushing or overwhelming yourself.
Not Use: When you’re in a high-energy or goal-oriented conversation.
2. Doing My Best
Meaning: You’re giving it all you’ve got, even if it’s hard.
Explanation: It shows effort and commitment, even in the face of stress or emotional strain.
Example: “How’s everything going lately?” “I’m doing my best.”
Best Use: When someone is encouraging you or checking in kindly.
Not Use: When trying to be emotionally neutral—this is more personal.
3. Keeping My Head Above Water
Meaning: You’re struggling a bit but managing not to sink.
Explanation: It paints a visual metaphor of resilience—you’re not thriving, but you’re staying afloat.
Example: “Work still chaotic?” “Yeah, I’m just keeping my head above water.”
Best Use: In stressful work or life balance conversations.
Not Use: In professional updates—it can sound overly negative.
4. Holding On
Meaning: You’re staying strong and not giving up.
Explanation: “Holding on” suggests emotional endurance—there’s effort in staying upright.
Example: “How are you doing with everything?” “I’m holding on.”
Best Use: When you want to show strength without oversharing.
Not Use: In lighthearted or optimistic settings.
5. Making It Through
Meaning: You’re pushing forward despite the difficulty.
Explanation: This phrase gives a sense of progress—you’re not stuck, you’re moving through something.
Example: “How’s the week treating you?” “I’m making it through.”
Best Use: When you want to acknowledge difficulty but end on a hopeful note.
Not Use: When you want to avoid discussing challenges at all.
6. Taking It As It Comes
Meaning: You’re staying flexible and present.
Explanation: This response carries a calm, open, and even zen tone—it shows acceptance of the moment.
Example: “Any plans for how you’ll handle things?” “I’m just taking it as it comes.”
Best Use: When discussing uncertain situations.
Not Use: When you need to show control or planning.
7. Getting By
Meaning: You’re surviving, not necessarily thriving.
Explanation: A bit more honest and modest, this phrase says you’re not great, but you’re managing.
Example: “How’s your energy lately?” “I’m getting by.”
Best Use: When you’re not looking to go deep, but want to stay real.
Not Use: In uplifting or motivational conversations.
8. Pushing Through
Meaning: You’re continuing to move forward, despite challenges.
Explanation: It implies effort, willpower, and maybe a bit of exhaustion.
Example: “You must be tired.” “Yeah, but I’m pushing through.”
Best Use: When you’re tackling projects or emotional weight.
Not Use: In more gentle or vulnerable discussions—it may feel too forceful.
9. Still Standing
Meaning: You’ve been through a lot, but you’re still here.
Explanation: It’s a strong, even empowering, phrase with a bit of poetic flair.
Example: “Wow, that’s a lot to juggle.” “Yep. Still standing.”
Best Use: When you want to show strength and resilience.
Not Use: When you’re trying to downplay your emotional burden.
10. Managing Somehow
Meaning: You’re making it work, but it’s not easy.
Explanation: A humble and honest phrase that admits things are tough.
Example: “How’s everything with the new baby?” “Managing somehow!”
Best Use: In real-life conversations that require authenticity.
Not Use: In formal or performance-related settings.
11. Doing What I Can
Meaning: You’re making an effort, within your limits.
Explanation: This phrase is humble, realistic, and expresses personal boundaries without sounding defeated.
Example: “How are you juggling everything?” “I’m doing what I can.”
Best Use: When you’re being gentle with yourself or setting healthy expectations.
Not Use: When you want to appear fully in control or confident.
12. Getting Through It
Meaning: You’re facing difficulty, but moving forward.
Explanation: This phrase communicates honesty and endurance—you’re not avoiding the hardship.
Example: “You holding up okay?” “I’m getting through it.”
Best Use: When talking to close friends or loved ones about stress or personal challenges.
Not Use: In professional updates—might come off as too emotional.
13. Still in the Game
Meaning: You haven’t quit, even when things are tough.
Explanation: This one has a motivational tone, often used to show quiet perseverance or determination.
Example: “Did you get a break this week?” “Not yet, but I’m still in the game.”
Best Use: In contexts where a little light-hearted grit or humor fits.
Not Use: In serious or somber conversations.
14. Just Breathing
Meaning: You’re taking each moment slowly—just staying grounded.
Explanation: This phrase speaks to mental health awareness—it’s minimal, powerful, and honest.
Example: “How’s your week going?” “Honestly? Just breathing.”
Best Use: When talking to someone you trust and want to keep things simple.
Not Use: When you want to sound upbeat or positive.
15. Hanging On By a Thread
Meaning: You’re struggling significantly, but still here.
Explanation: This one is often used humorously or dramatically, depending on tone, but it also reflects real burnout or overwhelm.
Example: “How’s finals week treating you?” “Hanging on by a thread.”
Best Use: When you need a little comic relief with someone who gets it.
Not Use: In professional or formal settings—it can sound too fragile.
16. Keeping It Together
Meaning: You’re maintaining composure during a difficult time.
Explanation: This phrase offers a balanced emotional tone—you’re not falling apart, but it’s not easy either.
Example: “With everything happening, how are you coping?” “I’m keeping it together.”
Best Use: In supportive conversations where emotional honesty is welcomed.
Not Use: When you want to appear fully energized or upbeat.
17. Weathering the Storm
Meaning: You’re enduring a difficult time with strength and patience.
Explanation: This is a visual and poetic metaphor for emotional or situational turbulence.
Example: “Still dealing with the transition?” “Yeah, just weathering the storm.”
Best Use: In reflective, heartfelt conversations.
Not Use: In casual chats—it may sound overly dramatic.
18. Finding My Way
Meaning: You’re navigating uncertainty or change.
Explanation: This phrase feels hopeful and exploratory, acknowledging that you don’t have all the answers but are seeking them.
Example: “How’s the new city treating you?” “I’m finding my way.”
Best Use: When talking about transitions or personal growth.
Not Use: When discussing daily stressors—it’s more about long-term journeys.
19. Trying to Stay Positive
Meaning: You’re making an effort to focus on the good despite challenges.
Explanation: This phrase has an upbeat but honest tone—it shows you’re struggling, but still fighting for hope.
Example: “How are you really doing?” “I’m trying to stay positive.”
Best Use: When you want to invite encouragement or support.
Not Use: If you’re in a space where toxic positivity is discouraged—this can feel forced if not genuine.
20. In Survival Mode
Meaning: You’re operating at your most basic, just trying to get through each day.
Explanation: It’s a raw, real, and emotionally vulnerable way to admit things are hard, often used humorously or frankly.
Example: “How’s the first week of parenthood?” “I’m in survival mode.”
Best Use: In intimate conversations with trusted friends or loved ones.
Not Use: In professional settings—it may sound overly dramatic or unfiltered.
21. Rolling With It
Meaning: You’re staying adaptable and going with the flow.
Explanation: This phrase has a laid-back, almost playful tone—it shows you’re not resisting what life is throwing your way.
Example: “Everything still unpredictable?” “Yep, just rolling with it.”
Best Use: When you want to show flexibility and resilience with a touch of humor.
Not Use: In serious or emotional conversations—it might seem too casual.
22. Taking It Slow
Meaning: You’re intentionally slowing down to manage stress or heal.
Explanation: This phrase promotes self-care, patience, and mindful living. It reassures others that you’re being gentle with yourself.
Example: “Back to your regular routine yet?” “Nope, just taking it slow.”
Best Use: When discussing recovery, burnout, or life transitions.
Not Use: When urgency or fast progress is expected.
23. Getting Through the Day
Meaning: You’re focused on the basics—just making it through.
Explanation: This is a simple, honest, and slightly vulnerable way to say you’re struggling, but still moving forward.
Example: “How’s everything been lately?” “I’m just getting through the day.”
Best Use: When speaking to someone empathetic or close.
Not Use: In professional situations—it may sound like low capacity or motivation.
24. Doing Okay, All Things Considered
Meaning: You’re managing better than expected, despite circumstances.
Explanation: This phrase shows perspective and gratitude, while still recognizing that things haven’t been easy.
Example: “Honestly, how are you?” “Doing okay, all things considered.”
Best Use: When you want to reassure someone without glossing over reality.
Not Use: When you want to keep things brief or emotionally distant.
25. Taking Care of Myself
Meaning: You’re prioritizing your well-being.
Explanation: It’s a healthy, empowering, and boundary-affirming phrase that signals self-awareness.
Example: “How are you handling all the pressure?” “I’m taking care of myself.”
Best Use: When discussing healing, personal growth, or boundaries.
Not Use: When you want to keep struggles private—it invites further conversation.
26. Still Moving
Meaning: You’re progressing, even if slowly.
Explanation: This is a great metaphor for momentum, especially when things are hard. It reflects that you haven’t stopped trying.
Example: “You managing okay with the workload?” “I’m still moving.”
Best Use: When you want to show quiet determination.
Not Use: If you’re trying to sound completely in control.
27. Keeping My Chin Up
Meaning: You’re staying optimistic or strong despite setbacks.
Explanation: This classic phrase is old-fashioned, but comforting. It suggests dignity, hope, and resilience.
Example: “Heard things have been tough lately.” “Yeah, but I’m keeping my chin up.”
Best Use: In supportive conversations where encouragement is shared.
Not Use: When sarcasm or irony might undercut the sincerity.
28. Trying to Stay Grounded
Meaning: You’re aiming to stay calm and centered.
Explanation: This shows emotional maturity—you’re acknowledging the chaos but choosing mindfulness.
Example: “How are you balancing everything?” “I’m trying to stay grounded.”
Best Use: When discussing stress, transitions, or emotional balance.
Not Use: When you’re looking for quick, light responses.
29. Getting Through Bit by Bit
Meaning: You’re progressing slowly and steadily.
Explanation: It emphasizes patience, small wins, and realistic coping.
Example: “How’s the recovery going?” “Getting through bit by bit.”
Best Use: When healing from something physically or emotionally tough.
Not Use: In situations that call for confident or definitive answers.
30. Still Showing Up
Meaning: Despite everything, you’re present and participating.
Explanation: This one’s powerful. It reflects courage, effort, and emotional resilience—you haven’t quit, even when it’s hard.
Example: “You’ve been quiet lately—how are you really?” “I’m still showing up.”
Best Use: When expressing perseverance with pride and vulnerability.
Not Use: If you’re looking to mask emotional effort or avoid attention.
Conclusion
Life doesn’t always give us the perfect words—but sometimes, changing how we say “I’m hanging in there” can open the door to deeper connection, compassion, and understanding. Whether you’re supporting a loved one or reflecting on your own journey, using thoughtful alternatives like these can turn a simple check-in into something truly meaningful.
I’ve used almost every phrase on this list at some point in my life—during grief, burnout, transitions, or days that just felt too long. Language matters, especially when we’re vulnerable. And when someone says something that makes you feel seen, it stays with you. That’s the power of intentional words.
FAQs
1. What’s the most professional way to say “hanging in there”?
“Taking it one day at a time” or “Managing, thanks for asking” are great options for work settings. They’re polite, honest, and not too heavy.
2. What can I say instead of “hanging in there” when texting a friend?
Try “Doing what I can”, “Just breathing”, or “Still showing up”—they all offer warmth and openness.
3. Is it okay to say “hanging in there” when I’m not okay?
Yes—but if you feel safe enough, you might connect better by being more specific or honest. Saying “I’m struggling, but managing” can invite meaningful support.
4. What’s a hopeful version of “hanging in there”?
“Trying to stay positive”, “Getting through it”, or “Still moving” have an encouraging tone that focuses on progress.
5. Can I use these phrases in mental health conversations?
Absolutely. Many of these alternatives—especially “Just breathing”, “In survival mode”, or “Trying to stay grounded”—are emotionally aware and supportive.
