The Coronavirus outbreak has differed our lifestyles in many ways. Its hard to think out of the box for most of us. Sometimes there seems to be mere light at the end of the dark tunnel. Social Distancing, regular Hand Washing and Face Masks seem to be the new norm. But the reality is to stay positive as much as we can during these uncertain times. I know it’s easy to say but hard to put these practices into effect but that’s the only way we will successfully come out of this Pandemic. In this article, I have compiled just 4 ways in which I think we can stay positive during this Pandemic.

1.Get the Best out of Media:

I know it’s hard to avoid listening to news that tells us how devastating the Covid-19 Pandemic is. News keep us informed of what is going on around us. True, true but limit that news intake to maybe just 15 to 30 minutes a day. Avoid getting wrapped in constant news coverage that will only heighten anxiety. We know it’s there and now we know how to protect ourselves. Instead why not use the media to learn what you enjoy, maybe gardening, painting or calligraphy.

2. Stay Connected with People who make you Happy:

We have all kinds of family and friends but the last thing we should do is surround or talk to people who do nothing but whine about the situation. Talk to people who make you feel happy and loved. Stay well bonded to these people who bring out the best in you, who make you smile. Stay well connected with those who check on your wellbeing, of course with keeping the social and physical distancing measures in mind. Spend time listening to people who might be going through anxiety or depression. Provide assurance to people who need it the most. Make them think we are all in this together and well get through it. Check on them as often as you can.

“Surround yourself with the dreamers, and the doers, the believers, and thinkers, but most of all, surround yourself with those who see the greatness within you, even when you don’t see it yourself.”– Edmund Lee

3. Keep Yourself Healthy and Energetic:

Follow a healthy lifestyle as much as you can. Take care of your diet. Eat healthy and drink plenty of water. Get enough sleep. Exercise for at-least 20 to 30 minutes each day. Go out for some walks or jogs in open spaces like parks or gardens. Avoid taking stress. Try doing small meditations even if it’s closing your eyes for 5 minutes. This will help avoid inducing stressful thoughts.

EXPERT TIP

JAMES BROWN
Meditation Coach

Try meditating in the afternoon when your energy gets low. James Brown, a meditation teacher, says: “You can get very energized from meditation, and its a great way to get over that slump that happens in the afternoon. For one thing, you wouldnt be filling your system up with caffeine or adrenaline to get past that fatigued feeling, and your sleep wont be ruined. The only people I know who say, Im at my most creative and collaborative at 5:30 are people who have meditated at 3:00.”

4.Work Toward your Goal:

We all have priorities and goals. Since we are now spending more time at home and with more time in your hands, work toward your goals or priorities for which you didn’t have the time. It might be a personal goal like spending more time with your family or renovating something in your home or a professional goal like to pursue further studies to enhance your career. Goals help to keep us motivated and to work towards something. Goals help us feel positive. Use this time to broaden your knowledge.

Even though this is a scary and unpredictable time, we can all try our best to stay positive and spread positivity around us. Encourage someone, listen to someone, help people, just do your part. Remember each and every one of us is accountable and can make a difference.

“You should set goals beyond your reach so you always have something to live for.”– Ted Turner

About the Author:

Beenish Mahmood is an Administrative professional with years of experience working with children with special needs. She also volunteers at Literacy South Halton tutoring adults with Down Syndrome and Learning Difficulties. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, travelling, and serving the community.