As the health crisis brought on by the pandemic goes on affecting our daily lives in so many ways we never imagined, some of us may still be struggling to look for a silver lining. Reading the headlines feels heavier now that social distancing is becoming a norm, more and more loved ones are getting sick, and everything seems to be getting out of hand.
So, if you’re looking for ways to stay optimistic in these tough times, you are not alone in your struggle. Any uncertainty and unexpected change can be overwhelming, particularly for children and parents, but you can still fight negative thoughts away. All of these may be easier said than done, but here are some ways for you to cope in the time of the pandemic.
Surround Yourself With Optimistic People
Surrounding yourself with optimistic people enhances not only your mood but also improves your connection with other people. Motivational Speakers are one of the prime examples of people who you should spend more time with.
These types of people can help you reframe any negative perception you have with yourself, your family, and even your colleagues and friends. Now that interacting with people physically is highly discouraged, you can utilize your time browsing the Internet looking for uplifting channels and podcasts to listen to and watch.
Practice Little Acts of Kindness
In this challenging time, all people need is a little act of kindness to go on with their lives. You may leave a little tip at your doorstep for the delivery person who delivers your daily supplies. Or you can have coffee or tea delivered to the janitor who cleans your apartment. Even a simple thanks to your building’s custodian can do a lot more than you can imagine.
Try to Limit Your Media Intake
Listening to or watching the news all day can only give you unnecessary stress and angst that might add to your pandemic blues. Instead, you should try to limit your media intake so you can remain optimistic at times when you need to be.
You can redirect that energy into discovering new hobbies you can enjoy on your couch. Or you learn some recipes you’ve wanted to try at restaurants. You may even grow an indoor garden yourself! There is so much more than television and radio; this is your time to explore new things.
Get Inspiration From Your Past Resilience
One way to remain optimistic during these challenging times is to remind yourself of your past resilience and get inspiration from it. You may have endured unforeseen events that have had a tremendous impact on your life, including 9/11, significant hurricanes, or the nation experiencing a financial meltdown in 2008.
You went through and overcame all of the mentioned events above! That alone is a significant feat you should be taking inspiration from. Always think of how you made it through every single problem in your life unscathed. And for this, you deserve a pat on the back.
Watch Videos That Make You Life
Laughter will always, and forever be, the best medicine, especially now that the world is in a tight position. Watching funny videos can induce laughter from your body, making you feel a little bit lighter after hearing some tragic news on TV or even on social media.
You can browse video hosting sites such as Youtube for vines or meme compilations that make you happy. You may even bookmark these videos so you can look back and watch those whenever you feel heavy and unmotivated.
Support a Local Business
You may have a friend who started a small business of their own now that the pandemic has pushed the country into an economic crisis. You can start supporting it by buying their products, leaving a good review of it on their site, and promoting it on your social media accounts so you can spread the word about your friend’s business.
Not only does this improve your relationship with your friend, but you can also form connections with a lot of people you rarely talk to online. This can lead to catching up with old acquaintances, making up for the loss of physical interaction that the pandemic has brought to many people.
Check on Your Neighbors
You and your family may be at a lower risk of getting the consequences of the virus, but that might not be the same with your neighbors who have weaker immune systems. Checking up on them doesn’t only make your neighbor feel sound and supported, but it also reminds you to be thankful and appreciate the gift of life you are still receiving now.
You can do this by calling them in the afternoon and sharing some uplifting stories to keep the mood better. You may even share some recipes or find common ground between you two to strengthen the newly-found bond that you share in these challenging times.
Takeaway
Many of you may still feel overwhelmed after a year and so of being in quarantine and so many lockdowns. But you can still keep a positive outlook in life by practicing the ways presented above and get through this health crisis all healthy, both mind and body.
