Let’s face it: Our lives during the pandemic have drastically changed. Many of us aren’t used to being cooped up indoors and isolated for so long. Times are really different because we are unable to get out and connect with actual people. The situation is heightened when we also have the added fear of getting the virus. Then, there’s the fact that most things we see on the news are disheartening. These and more can make life such a downer and we tend to get into a downward cycle.
Although it might seem like things aren’t getting any better, it’s important that we look at the light at the end of the tunnel. Not only does this help us get over the quarantine blues, but it also allows us to take care of our mental health and maintain a positive outlook despite everything happening around us.
Get up and wipe away those tears. All is not lost. We’re letting you know that it’s okay to feel these emotions. And most of the time, it’s easier said than done. However, there are better days ahead. The best way to get through these challenges is to believe that you can do it and to seek professional help when you need it.
Here are some reminders to help you realize that, yes, there is a lot to be happy about and be thankful for.
Look for the silver lining.
Find the good in the bad. Despite the pandemic, time spent at home has enabled us to do the things that we have always wished we had the time for, like learning a new skill or finally finishing a favorite book. It helps to focus your energy on new hobbies and to keep yourself occupied. Staying productive is one of the best ways to prevent yourself from feeling down.
Believe us when we say that it will do you no good keeping your mind idle.
Practice gratitude.
Get up from your bed and start the day with a grateful heart. There are so many things to be thankful for. Once you get started on this and make it a habit, you will realize that there are so many good people and things in your life. Being grateful for what you have now can significantly uplift your spirits and help you find contentment with your life. It pays to reflect on how far you’ve come and grown. There are many aspects about your life today that you don’t realize were what you’ve been wishing for in the past.
Be around optimistic, positive people.
Be with “your own kind” who lift you up and add spice to your life. Avoid toxic individuals who complain about everything. Seek out friends who bring you joy and encouragement and whom you can lift up as well. People who can make you laugh and who genuinely care about you can do wonders during a difficult time like this. Make sure to schedule virtual meetings with your friends at least once a month so you can check up on each other.
Exercise.
Take good care of your body and mind. Do workouts. Going to gyms right now can be very risky so it’s wiser to stay at home and make do with Youtube home workouts. Take some needed walks even just outside your home. While you’re at it, use the time to meditate and find your inner peace. Exercising regularly can improve your mood and give your body a boost. It can also make you feel good about yourself and is a healthy distraction from negative thoughts.
Take some needed breaks from social media and the internet.
Remember to have a healthy relationship with the internet. It’s easy to get sucked into interacting about every issue with your online friends. Set a limit to the time you spend online. Also always consider the source of the news – are they reliable? Find times during the day when you can unplug from the internet and set your phone down. While social media is a helpful tool to keep you connected with others, it’s very important to step away from your screen every now and then.
Smile – never lose it.
If you’re going to spread something, make sure it’s your smile! Even better, accompany it with love and kindness. Always become the source of good to your family, friends, and the other people around you. Smiling can immediately put you in the right mood and help relieve stress from working from home all week. It attracts positive energy from the people around you too since smiles are very contagious.
Write down your thoughts and feelings.
Make a journal of the things you are thankful for and you’ll never run out of things to write. Say something about how you feel when you realize there are so many good things in life. Your journal is a great outlet for your emotions and gratitude. This also helps you keep a record of everything that you’ve accomplished so far and reminds you of the goals you want to keep pursuing for your future. It’s essential to fill those pages with the good things happening to you.
Slow down and take it moment by moment.
Give yourself some me-time and become best friends with your mind and yourself. Never rush. Make it a point to remind yourself to take it easy. It’s unavoidable to get lost in the stress from all the deadlines for work or school. But always find the time to take a breather and do it step-by-step. You’re not Superman; you cannot take on all the problems of the world. Just concentrate on the things you can actually do however seemingly small they may be.
Limit your news consumption.
While it’s a good habit to keep yourself up-to-date with the news, constantly doing so might only add to the stress of your everyday “new normal” life. The best thing to do is to learn when and how to limit your news intake. Just be updated with what’s happening around you for a few minutes and then you’re done for the day.
Cook and eat healthy and nutritious foods.
This is always a good companion for exercise. Make it a habit to enjoy fruits and vegetables while avoiding greasy and processed junk food. Start planning your meals accordingly and focus on superfoods that are rich in fiber, protein, and antioxidants. Establishing this habit will secure your way to a healthier life. There are plenty of easy-to-follow recipes you can find online, including Youtube videos that will take you step-by-step on how to cook healthy and nutritious meals.
Sleep.
This is another good companion to exercise. It should be non-negotiable to have enough sleep. Besides, getting rested makes you stronger, healthier, and more prepared for the next day. Give your body time to recover. Make sure you get sleep (yes, at least 7 – 8 hours) however tempting it is to spend bedtime binging on your favorite TV series.
There you have it! It’s not so difficult to do these things, right? During the pandemic, it’s more important now more than ever to maintain a healthy mind, body, and spirit. #StaySafe #StaySmart
