These are unprecedented times! Everyone’s lives have been impacted in some way. While everything may seem bleak, there are ways to stay positive. Here are a few of my suggestions. Please note I am not a medical/mental health professional and these are strategies that have helped me.
- Stick to a routine. When there is so much uncertainty, it is comforting for some things to be consistent. Some daily activities/chores etc., could include, getting up at the same time every day, having coffee/breakfast, starting work at a consistent time, scheduling time for an at-home workout and eating dinner with those in your home.
- Keep in touch. Although we are practicing physical distancing, it is important to keep connected with our family, friends, colleagues and professional connections. There are lots of video chat/conferencing options available.
- Allocate time for self care: Through these trying times, it is important to take time for yourself. Whether you need to meditate, read, a good book, or focus on whatever other activities you need personally to cope.
- Invest in yourself. There is no better time than now to take an online course, workshop or webinar to learn something new, whether it be personally, or professionally.
- Keep a gratitude journal: Even though it may seem like there is so much negative, writing down a few things you are grateful for each day can be very reassuring and help shift your focus back to the positive.
- Minimize media consumption: It is important to watch the news and it is fun to watch what other people are posting on social media platforms, but try to reduce usage of both. Try to limit your exposure only to reputable new sources and government resources. Otherwise it can be overwhelming.
- Hobbies: Maybe you haven’t had much time in the past to work on an art project, or practice playing and instrument. Now that you are home, pretty much all the time, there is not excuse to not put some time into those hobbies you used to love.
- Support a charity (if you are financially able to): You will feel like you are doing your part to support the less fortunate and most vulnerable during these trying times.
- Have goals/dreams: It is important to have goals and dreams, as they provide reasons for enduring these difficulties. Take a look at home renovation projects or vacation ideas, for something to look forward to when normalcy returns, and it will.
What strategies have you used /are you using to stay positive?
Kimberley Coyle's Blog 