Tips to Stay Positive in Hard Times
It’s normal for everyone to experience moments of ups and downs. Sometimes, joy can be quickly overshadowed by sadness. Personal events can cause people, as individuals, to feel dejected. Or, global issues can create feelings of uncertainty all around the world. There’s no doubting that the current coronavirus pandemic is one of those times. We are all feeling it. However, in hard times, it’s important to remain positive. Feelings of optimism are beneficial for our health and emotional wellbeing. Here are a few helpful tips to promote a positive outlook when times are feeling tough.
Start your day in a positive way
It may sound cliché, but it really does help. How you start your day can set the tone for the rest of the day. If you have a hurried start with hectic thoughts rushing through your head, chances are you’ll get lost in perceived future troubles. This could lead to a sense of a loss of power. Negative thoughts could then easily get the better of you. Take a deep breath, slow down and refocus. On the other hand, if your day starts off too slow with no pleasant distractions, feelings of loneliness can creep in. If this happens, try having an uplifting phone call with a bubbly family member or friend. Focus on eating right and getting a good night’s sleep. This can be the first step towards starting the day on a positive note.
Stay in the present
By staying in the present moment, it’s easier to access positive emotions. Thinking about past mistakes or failures tends to create more pessimistic feelings. Thinking too much into the future can make worries seem bigger, and they become overwhelming. To help you stay connected in the present, take some time to notice your surroundings. Use all your senses. Look at, and listen to the birds outside, feel the soft texture of your cushions, smell the aroma of your eggs on toast, taste the sweet sugar in your coffee. Set some realistic goals for the day, and focus on taking small, practical steps to achieve them.
Be informed, not consumed
Media channels play a key role conveying messages that help keep us safe and informed. In a crisis situation, it’s vital to keep up to date with developments. Most importantly, it’s best to only absorb news and information from trusted sources. This will keep you informed but not overwhelmed. Limit your exposure to bad news, hearsay and rumours. Hearing too many of these could easily dominate your thoughts, making it difficult to remain positive. Instead, watch your favourite comedy on TV after the news broadcast, or read an interesting novel. Listen to your favourite upbeat music. These are all simple tips to keep your mind stimulated….and positive!
