Five Ways to Remain Positive in a Pandemic

Lets face it, we all have experienced some sort of anxiety due to the pandemic. Whether it be a change in job, workspace, or school...... it has completely affected everyone. I pride myself on being a resourceful and adaptable person and even still there is no way to be unmoved by this type of change. I started to notice my attitude changing for the worse and I found myself unmotivated. I decided I needed to to do something to elevate my mood. I wrote down a list of things that made me happy and I started doing them.

Here's what I came up with.....

1. Meditation

Meditation is known to quiet the mind and alleviate stress but there are so many other constructive things that meditation can do for you. When I started to meditate I was able to quiet my mind enough to concentrate on positive things. It helped me to pause for a minute and put things into perspective.

Meditation also eases symptoms of depression and helps you sleep better.

2. Positive Thinking

We all have heard of "toxic positivity" especially during the pandemic. Which suggest you ignore your hardships and pretend that everything is OK. That is not what I am suggesting. Rather I am suggesting that you acknowledge your hardships and the things you struggle with and practice gratitude for the things that make you happy.

Positive thoughtfulness helps to improve your mood and cuts down anxiety.

3. Go Virtual

Start doing the things you love virtually. It's easy to get bored and bummed out sitting around the house especially when you are not able to interact with people as you traditional would. Change the way you interact. If you like networking, join a virtual conference with an organization you enjoy. If you like to date join a dating site and jump on a live stream.

This creates an opportunity to connect and share with others without the risk of COVID.

4. Task a Break

After months of working at home, hanging on your last nerve, and adapting to change, it can become exhausting. It's hard to think clearly about the future when you have no idea what it may look like. It's easy to feel unmotivated and hopeless.

My suggestion is to take a break. Take some time off work. If you're off work, take some time to travel. If you're on a budget find a national park or water fall to visit. Get out the house and explore the world outside. The best place to be during a pandemic is outdoors, take this time to appreciate your natural surroundings. Take a break from the monotony of what has become social distancing and take the opportunity to cleanse your pallet and broaden your perspective.

It allows time to relax and recharge.

5. Exercise

Exercise produces natural endorphins which naturally enhance your mood. Exercise also helps increase energy levels. It seems that fatigue has grown even more common during the pandemic.

Take some time to stretch and be active. It's even better when you can be active outside. Vitamin D from the sun and regular exercise reduces fatigue, strengthens the body, and is proven to be a great defense against COVID.