Three weeks ago, an otherwise healthy client of mine unexpectedly died. He was an inmate serving a life sentence at a correctional facility, which had an outbreak of COVID-19 cases. With this kind of news, how can one stay positive in a COVID-19 world?
Admittedly, the world is under a collective cloud. This pathogen has touched each of us in ways that are as numerous as they are varied, and its ripple effect is beyond any other. But despite this, what can we do to keep the cloud from getting the better of us? How do we stay positive during this difficult time?
Eight Ways To Stay Positive
TIP No. 8: ACCEPTANCE WITHOUT OBSESSING. We’ve pretty much accepted this new – and hopefully shorter than expected – reality of ours. But let’s not obsess over it. It’s not necessary to be glued to the news because we know what it will be covering – spoiler alert: the coronavirus. It’s not necessary to talk to friends and family only about the coronavirus – spoiler alert: life goes on.
Since we are often in the control seat of conversation, steer it toward other topics and when the coronavirus creeps into the conversation, acknowledge and then pivot away. To help out, here are some topics to pivot toward: the weather, the nature around you, a new work achievement, a home project challenge, a new movie or book title, a good recipe or a horrible one, a funny joke, the list goes on.
TIP No. 7: FRESH AIR. Filling the lungs with fresh air is, well, quite refreshing. With the weather being gorgeous, embrace the opportunity, open windows and go for walks. Stuffy, recycled air is easily replaced by opening a window and letting the fresh air in, uplifting the spirit along the way. Not only will you feel invigorated, but it’s also healthy as fresh air helps eliminate odors and nasty germs.
Try to schedule times to be outside. Here’s a tip, if you prefer sunshine and blue skies, plan your outdoor time when the forecast indicates sunny or partially sunny skies. Some areas are sunnier in the morning than afternoon, so plan accordingly to get the most out of nature’s gift, and remember to fill your lungs with that awesome fresh air. You’ll find that the more often you do this, the easier it becomes and staying positive becomes less of a hardship.
TIP No. 6: SEVENTY EXCUSES. This whole new lifestyle does bring its challenges. It’s understandable that this can bring out the worst in us. Big kids bicker, little kids fuss, spouses gripe, colleagues just don’t get it. That’s life and that’s human nature reacting to life.
To rise to the occasion and change the direction of others’ attitudes, give people 70 excuses before criticizing, condemning, or judging them. This is an effective tool in quelling a heated moment and letting things blow over rather than blow up.
TIP No. 5: GIVE GENEROUSLY. Often, people think of money when asked to give. But there are many other ways to give that are equally important while also advancing positive change.
One thing to give generously is gratitude. Lately, people have been showing their gratitude to our newest heroes – those at the front line fighting this virus. But remember, all people appreciate gratitude, so keep that “thank you” nearby and give it as often as you can.
Intangible gifts are not just easy to find, they cost nothing while giving the satisfaction that comes with making a cash donation to your favorite charity. Here are a few examples of what you can give generously for free while receiving much in return:
- patience;
- kindness;
- forgiveness;
- good humor;
- a helping hand;
- a show of interest;
- an empathetic ear; and,
- understanding.
If you’re fortunate to have a job, do give financial help to others as well. For those who might not have a job, find some spare change, no matter how small, to share with others who have less. From these tangible to intangible gifts, the world become a brighter place and, best of all, you’ll be contributing to that brightness.
TIP No. 4: RELISH THIS TIME WITH FAMILY. When I go out for my afternoon run these days, I’ve been happily impressed with the number of families also out and enjoying the weather. When things return to the normal that we all yearn for, this family time you have will likely be what you trade for that return to normal. So even though you might feel cooped up and at wit’s end, take a step back and remember that this time will pass. At one point we’ll be back in our offices and away from families or, in years to come, our family members will have grown and moved out. Enjoy this gift that you have while you have it.
TIP No. 3: SMILE AND SHOW COURTESY. Smiling is a beautiful, simple act that is guaranteed to lift anyone’s day, including your own. Combined with its close cousin, courtesy, both actions will not only make you feel that you are contributing to another’s well-being, but these positive actions will be passed on from one person to another.
And don’t be fooled into thinking that a mask will cover your smile. People will not only see your smile through your body language, but they will also know you’re smiling by seeing the twinkle in your eye and hearing the goodness behind your words.
A simple hello whether it be to the neighbor you barely talk to, a cashier you’ll never see again, a stranger passing by you six feet away or more, a smile and simple courtesy will lift your spirits and those around you.
TIP No. 2: WHEN GRIEVING, FIND PATIENCE. Reaction to death varies from person to person. When I’ve faced unexpected death in my family, patience helped me through such difficulty. There’s no magic cure to the sadness, grief, and strain that losing a loved one brings. But to get through the emotions and adjust to the new reality of life without someone, patience was an invaluable tool. Finding patience in yourself, your situation, and in others allows the mind to acclimate and plans to develop while navigating new waters. Patience keeps one from becoming bitter and angry with the world because it allows the human spirit to accept and heal in a healthy manner.
TIP No. 1: PERSPECTIVE. Human nature tends to thirst for a level of certainty, predictability, and control. But no matter how much of this we might not have right now, keeping a perspective on today will help you realistically get through tomorrow. In the big scheme of things, this is only a blimp on this history of time. It will pass and we will get through this much the same way the world recouperated from the Spanish Flu just a few generations ago. In keeping perspective, be wise. Plan as best as you can, be flexible, show grace under pressure, and remember that this will all be history, hopefully sooner than later.
Final Thoughts
FINAL THOUGHTS: Even if you haven’t been infected by the coronavirus per se, it doesn’t mean you haven’t been affected by the coronavirus. While this nasty contagion may be here for the long haul, it’s crucial to not let it make us an angry, hateful, mean people. Acknowledging this possibility and then doing some honest introspection to gauge whether the coronavirus has, indeed, negatively affected you are the first steps toward a healthier, positive you.
TRULY FINAL THOUGHTS: The above is not intended to substitute the advice of a health care professional. If you are facing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues, seek the help of a physician or mental health professional. CLICK HERE to view the CDC’s useful tools relating to COVID-19 and mental health, provided in multiple languages; the CDC also offers a helpline by phone: 1-800-985-5990 or via text message: text TalkWithUs to 66746.
