Everywhere you look you either see headlines about the coronavirus or the country’s economy that is crashing. Most of the current situations in South Africa and in the world are completely out of our control. With so much bad news, it is crucial to find ways to stay positive and cheer yourself up in difficult and complicated times.
Countries all over the world are taking steps to prevent the spreading of the coronavirus by implementing self-isolation for all residents. Yes, you will be completely cut off from society, but what can you do to make the most of it and stay positive? Here is a list of habits that you can get into to be constructive during tough times.
7 ways you can stay positive
1. Exercise regularly, eat and sleep well
Especially if you have a lot of stress on your plate, exercising is a great way to get rid of some of your frustration, due to the releasing of serotonin. You don’t have to go to the gym to exercise. You will be surprised at all the exercises you can find on Google to do at home. Stress eating is common in people’s lives, stick to your healthy eating habits. Nothing like a good night’s sleep to change your pessimistic throughs.
2. Start your day positive
The way your start your day will usually set the tone for the rest of your day. Be careful how you spend your mornings. Start your day slowly, enjoy your cup of coffee with an inspiring article or listen to a podcast. You can even phone a family member or a friend and have an uplifting conversation with them.
3. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill.
If life is going too fast and you are stressed out all the time, it is easy to lose perspective in life. Take control of these times into your own hands. As soon as your mind runs off tell yourself STOP! Breathe! Calm your body and mind. Refocus and question your thoughts. Phone someone to talk to, vent and get their input, get perspective on the situation.
4. Remind yourself to be grateful
It’s hard to be grateful when things are dark in life. Remembering the good things in your life can change your perspective about your problems. You are alive and healthy; your family and friends are healthy. Be grateful and appreciate all the good people in your life. Find the reasons that make you smile in life.
5. Listen to some music
You will be surprised what the positive effects of music can have in your life. You know that your mood changes instantly when your favourite song plays on the radio. Listening to soft and relaxing music can improve your sleep. It can reduce depression, anxiety and your blood pressure. During the current difficult times in the world, bear in mind that Italy proved that music boosts morale.
6. Don’t cut out the positive people in your life
It can be hard to stay positive on your own. Be in contact with the people who bring out the best in you. Phone your friends or family members, you can even Whatsapp or Skype call them, that way you can see them as well.
7. Unplug
Take a break from all electronics in your life, your phone, computer, TV. Make a cup of tea, sit outside, read a novel. Know when you need to step away from it all. Too much screen time can have a negative impact on your mood as well as your metal health.
It is important to stay focused in difficult and complicated times. Don’t take the world’s problems onto your shoulders. Find the motivation that you need from sources that you know will boost your morale. Be grateful for the little things in life that you know you won’t survive without. Always have hope that things will get better and do everything you possibly can to make the situation better.
