Our world in the past few weeks has been changing at a feverish pace. Many of these changes have carried with it, bad news. COVID-19 is spreading rapidly throughout the world. How to stay positive during these trying times can be difficult.
How to stay positive. This is something worth exploring because if we don’t, we will bow down to all the negative tones out there. It will affect us in how we live with negative emotions. Negativity breeds negativity. Let’s look at how to stay positive.
Don’t Watch The News 24/7
We do need to be aware of what is going on globally, nationally and in our communities. Following the guidelines from the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are a given. Although changes are happening rather rapidly, watching the news once or twice a day should provide any new changes you need. Ongoing listening can instill fear, anger. Understand what is needed daily and continue to live life as normally as possible to keep positive.
Work on To-Do Lists As Able
Having something to do while living in prolonged self-isolation can help pass the time. It will help keep your mind on other things. Keep you focused elsewhere for a time. You will also feel good about getting some things off that to-do list! Some of those things that have been there for a while too!
Get Fresh Air Daily
Opening up windows. Spending some time in the yard. Walking in your neighborhood practicing social distancing. Fresh air feels good. It can give you a form of exercise if you go outdoors. A change of environment creates that change of focus too. Something to see other than the current confines you are in. This is just another way to stay positive.
Change Up Routines As Needed
It’s inevitable in our current COVID-19 environment, that our routines will have been forced to change. Less social activity. More venues, stores, and places of work closed. More working from home. The kids at home as schools are now closed. All of these situations have ripple effects in our current routines.
The thing to recognize is that these changes have been made out of necessity for the safety of ourselves and those around us. Adapting to change is necessary. Be aware of the routines that have changed and what new routines may be needed to take their place. For example, you have been exercising at the gym and the gym is now closed. Think of how you can adapt exercise in your home surroundings. Using videos or doing exercises that don’t require equipment could be substituted for the time being.
Keep In Touch With Friends & Family
By nature, we are social people. We enjoy the interaction. Be sure to stay in touch with family and friends. You can keep in touch by phone or even online services such as Skype or Facetime. Not only does this keep you social, but it can also help keep your spirits up or the person you are talking to. No need for total isolation!
Discuss News Events As Needed
With these ever-changing times, having important discussions with your loved ones is required from time to time. Set a time and place for the discussion. Have everyone on board with the time schedule. Talk out the necessary details. Make your decisions and then MOVE FORWARD. It’s inevitable that these discussions will be needed and can be stressful. Putting it off only adds to the stress. Over-talking the topic can also be stressful. Talking it through in a calm manner and making decisions for the future will ultimately give you more peace of mind.
Take Time For Self-Care
This is a very stressful time and we need to have ways to relieve that stress. Take time to work on a hobby you enjoy. Listen to relaxing music. Take some time to exercise. Get enough rest. Taking care of yourself is paramount in these stressful times. Create some positivity for just for you!
Stay Positive
How to stay positive might be something that is eluding you lately. Staying positive lets you know you are doing the best you can. You have the feeling that this situation will not last. Living differently is necessary right now and being positive helps you adapt. The choices you make, ultimately make life easier to live with. Choose to live positively now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Although it is important to stay abreast of important developments daily, prolonged viewing of the news or social media can bring you down. Limit the amount you watch in a day. What other things do you have to do? What other things do you want to do? Find other ways to keep busy.
It’s important to stay in touch with family and friends. You can do this by phone. Look at services like Skype or FaceTime to keep in touch in a visual way.
After years of weight issues, I have finally found the formula of combining healthy food choices, regular exercise and positive behavior change to lose weight for good. Coupled with, exploring self-development, being productive and living simply, I am now maintaining a healthy lifestyle and in a good place. I enjoy writing articles to help my readers to become the best they can be!
Such good reminders. I stop myself in the middle of a complaint and tell God thank you for (fill in the blank). It has helped me stop grumbling and seeing things so darkly.
Very good advice Debbie. Thanks for sharing!