Given the world has been taken over by a virus that has seen communities locked down and people shut away in their homes, it’s easy to see why some people are finding it hard to keep positive.
While we do need to take this virus seriously, we also need to try to focus on the positive, or the silver lining, for the sake of our own mental health and those around us. Here are a few things you can do to stop the spread of negativity, while also stopping the spread of the virus by staying at home.
Laugh. This might seem impossible considering what the world is facing at the moment, but it’s imperative. The best way to do this is to watch some funny videos on YouTube. There are plenty available, and even more now the world is isolated.
Don’t obsess over the news. It’s okay if you want to watch the news to find out what’s been going on in the world or your local area- just try to avoid watching it all day and night. Choose one source, set a time, and stick to it. Whether that’s the evening news at 6pm or checking local Facebook pages at lunchtime.
Take care of each other. You might not be able to go out and visit your friends, family and neighbors, but you can still check in and ask them how they are doing. Offer them a care package to let them know you’re thinking of them. If they are elderly, see if they need anything picked up while you’re on your weekly shopping trip. Helping others is not only good for them, but also good for us. It makes us happier and creates stronger communities.
Take care of yourself. The best part about being stuck at home is that you have more time to do the things that are important to you. More time to start a new hobby, like painting or writing; more time to take a bath and listen to music; more time to read and watch your favorite TV shows; more time to play with the kids or clean out your clutter. Meditate. Learn healthy new recipes. All these things will have a positive impact on your mental health, creating positivity in a negative environment.
Consider the good things in life and how lucky we are. This can be tough, particularly given the current world circumstances, but if you’re reading this – you’re alive. That’s extremely lucky. You might not be able to see your loved ones or friends in person, but you can through other virtual methods. You’ve already overcome so much adversity in life – from floods to hurricanes, 9/11 to financial meltdowns in the economy. You’re still here and while difficult, you’re still in this so-called game of life! Always remember the good things in your life and appreciate them.
Remember, we’re all in this together. You’re not alone. In fact, almost every person in every country in the world is with you. And we’re all simply trying to do our part in assuring we have a healthy and happy future. If you are feeling unsure, lonely, depressed, talk to someone close to you. If you don’t feel comfortable doing that, get in touch with us today and we’ll be happy to provide you with some further support and advice.