Keeping away from negative thoughts at any time can be difficult but remaining positive and putting on a brave face for family and loved ones during the midst of a pandemic can be even harder! Even if you are in a better position than some in terms of health and finance, feelings of fear and uncertainty are completely normal at a time like this. Here are some of my top tips for keeping as positive as possible during this tricky time…
- Wake up thankful. Start everyday with gratitude. Focus on what you have and what you’re grateful for. This might be as small as a phone call to a loved one or the sun coming out for your daily walk.
- Limit your exposure to the news. It is incredibly important to stay up to date with what is going on, especially with guidelines constantly changing but this doesn’t mean you need to drown in the news all day every day. Limit yourself to once a day, to get a daily update and go on with the rest of your day.
- Focus on a small job every day. Just one small task that you might not normally get around to doing. This might be cleaning out the kitchen drawer, or as small as finishing the pile of ironing. This will give you a reminder that today you did something good, no matter how small. This sense of achievement is something we took for granted just a few weeks ago!
- Laugh…never forget to laugh! Tune into a zoom call with your pals or watch your favorite TV show or comedian on YouTube. Having a good laugh releases those feel good endorphins that we could all do with right now! This helps with feelings of positivity and joy.
- Workout. Setting a daily intention really helps to create a habit, focus the mind and ensure it gets completed. If you’re craving that sense of euphoria from a great sweat, it might be time for a good home workout. Take it at your own pace, whether you want to do 5 minutes or 50, exercise can seriously help us feel more positive, alive, energetic and focused for the day.
- Help someone. Social distancing means it isn’t as easy to just pop to a neighbor or friends for a cup of tea, but you can still help them if they are less able. Dropping some shopping on their doorstep or helping them with their online delivery via a phone call can really make all the difference.
- Reframe negative thoughts. Sometimes it is important to breathe and just remember your thoughts are completely valid. If your world has hit a bit of a turmoil since the pandemic arouse, it is completely normal and okay to feel down or sad. You are allowed to feel how you’re feeling. If you can, practice on mindful breathing and try and take something positive from your situation. Writing down your thoughts can also help release negativity & tension, allowing you to move on with your day with a more positive outlook. If you are still struggling, then you should never have to feel alone. Reach out to a friend or family member and share how you are feeling with them.
