“In times of great stress or adversity, it’s always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive.”- Lee Iacocca
Most of human kind has encountered difficulties or obstacles at some point in life. At the same time it is a given that each of us has a different and unique way of perceiving the world as we see it which shapes our individual experiences of the same. Defining a crisis depends on this perception of one’s mind. Sure, certain crises are shared by a whole section of the population, or even the entire world as we are watching today. The novel virus and the consequent pandemic in almost all aspects of life, political unrest, or even global warming for that matter is the “impending doom” being faced by humanity. However, every individual has a different way of perceiving, processing and reacting to this experience. The level of anxiety, depression, fear, uncertainty, emotional instability is all determined by your mindset and attitude.
An optimistic attitude and various healthy coping strategies can go a long way in helping you reduce or even control such mental disturbances. Allowing yourself to be engulfed by negative thoughts or a sense of hopelessness will only trigger more unwanted problems to creep in.
We can alter our experience of what the world is facing today with a positive mindset and cope with overwhelming emotions just by being optimistic and focusing on things that give us happiness.
- Reunite
Understanding the importance of spending time with your immediate family, reconnecting with your friends and relatives over calls and on social platforms and even taking care or playing with your pets has been a crucial revelation for many who have lost touch or have been away from home. Although social distancing is of utmost importance, you can take this time to “reunite” connections and support one another on various other platforms and believe it or not, this will lift your own mood up!
- Talk therapy
Talking is in itself a therapeutic process. Share your thoughts and feelings with your loved ones or even a therapist. It is important to focus on the positive alignment of thought and just simply talking and bringing out your negative thoughts can help in developing a positive attitude.
- Physical and Mental Strengthening
Most of us have a lot of freed up time, and to waste it on brooding over negative thoughts will not get us anywhere. Make sure that you include time to “re-energize” your body everyday and maintain that physical health which is important. You can take up strengthening, training, yoga, meditation, dancing or just go for a jog or walk to balance your daily routine.
- Focusing on Positive News
It is understandable that we are taking in a lot of news triggering many emotions within us, mostly negative. At this point, it is important that we accept any negative information and try to focus on the positive aspects of news, be it in any form.
It is also suggested that you moderate the usage of media and internet, although it may seem as the perfect solution to distract oneself and kill time, but being engaged in other activities and utilizing media and internet for its positive benefits alone will result in a balanced outlook towards current scenarios.
- Hobbies and New Projects
Engaging in your hobbies can be cathartic and it has been proven so. Utilize your free time to explore new ideas, innovate and share your passions with your children and loved ones. You can also take up new projects, gardening, painting, learning new recipes, redecorating your home, reading, to name a few.
- Finding Peace in Nature
Appreciating the little things that nature has to offer you and finding peace and calm in the beauty of nature boosts a positive attitude towards life in general. So make sure that you step out in your garden, enjoy the breeze and take in that fresh air in the mornings!
Think long term, take an extra step every day, be grateful and you will find that positive attitude develop and enhance within you. Let your mind be clutter-free and walk on the path of positivity and spirituality. There will be no adversity or crisis that you cannot overpower!