How to Stay Positive During the Pandemic
None of us signed up for the chapter called “Covid-19,” but right now, it is the chapter the entire world is reading and writing while waiting for a happy ending. We have limited control over the global spread of the disease, and how this virus may behave in the future. However, we still have control over what we do to stay protected, and how we choose to react to what we might hear, see, and discover each day.
One of my favorite spiritual teachers, Dr. Wayne Dyer, once said you cannot always control what goes on the outside, but you can always control what goes on inside. Take a minute to reflect on Dr. Dyer’s words and become aware of how you are managing your world of thoughts, feelings, and calls to action.
We are highly adaptable and are able to survive even during the most challenging circumstances. People who survived the Holocaust are inspiring examples that Dr. Victor Frankl described in his masterpiece, Man’s Search for Meaning. We are wired to survive, and with the right mindset and regular practice, we can wire our brains so that we can thrive.
A simple yet effective way of coping with life’s challenges is to keep a positive attitude. Scientists have long been studying how positive thoughts affect health and well-being. One of the benefits is to boost the immune system so that it can better respond to bacterial and virile attacks. We can always find things in our lives to lift our spirits, warm our hearts, and strengthen our ability to thrive. Perhaps before we swallow our next vitamin C supplement we can pause and look at the glass and decide whether we want to see it half full or half empty.
Positive things to notice and appreciate during the Coronavirus pandemic:
The world has slowed down. It seems like someone hit the “pause” button. We can enjoy the fact that many of us don’t need to rush to be on time for our usual activities. There is no traffic on the roads, no need to speed up, no reason to honk the horn. We can move slower, breathe deeper, and enjoy our morning cup of coffee while sitting at the kitchen table.
We are ALL in this together, literally. It doesn’t matter where we live, what we do for living, or what political or religious views we hold; we all are equally susceptible to this infection.
More family time. While most schools are closed and many parents work from home, family members have this incredible opportunity to actually get to know each other, have meals together, talk and listen to one another, and make some effort to work out personal differences.
Ideal situation to be creative. Whether we are writing poems, dusting off musical instruments, finishing home projects, having fun in the kitchen, or sewing face masks, many of us have the time and desire to cultivate the creative side of our characters and find that we have more talent than we ever thought.
Staying connected and caring about one another. Except for family members who share the same dwelling, we can’t get physically close to our friends and people we care about. However, many of us have access to technology, have more time to make phone calls, or send longer emails to support and strengthen our relationships to serve us now and in the future.
Cultivating spirituality. When we are busy, we sometimes forget that we are spiritual beings. Spirituality helps us get through the most challenging situations and makes sense of what we can’t control. This global health crisis gives us a chance to discover, practice, and nourish the spiritual nature of who we are and where we fit in the universe.
Appreciating nature. As long as we keep a safe distance, we can go outside and experience the healing power of nature. Spring gives us the hope and inspiration we need to accept what each day might bring. The beauty and wisdom of nature reminds us that we go through phases in our lives similar to the passing of the seasons.
Less pollution and a break from global warming. For many years, scientists, environmental activists, and spiritual leaders have being urging politicians and industrial developers to address the global-warming issue. A few weeks after the outbreak, the sky above Wuhan in China became blue again, Venice’s canals started to clear, and many of us breathe cleaner, crisper air. (New studies in the US show higher death rates in the areas that have more air pollution).
Practicing self-care. We have the time and motivation to try home remedies, get on the treadmill, walk, jog, or bike outside, take an evening bath, or go to bed earlier. Perhaps we decide to try a virtual yoga or other exercise class, practice meditation, or do other things that we have been contemplating.
Cooking and eating at home. This is a perfect time to get the cookbooks out, ask friends for ideas, explore the internet, and experiment with preparing healthy meals. There is no substitute for homemade food. Also, engaging our minds in the cooking process can be therapeutic for the nervous system, and relieve stressful emotions.
Time for mindfulness. We don’t know what the future will bring. Nobody does. So, for now, let’s try to live in the moment, smell the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, notice the clouds in the sky, feel the presence of people or animals with whom we live, and be grateful for what we have.
Learning new things. Perhaps there are things we’ve avoided (like technology or a new form of exercise), or didn’t have time to research further such as cooking, sewing, learning a foreign language, or investigating an interesting topic. Now is a good time to sign up for a course, explore YouTube videos, check out Ted Talks, listen to podcasts, or read.
Getting to know ourselves. This is an amazing opportunity for those of us who are on the path of personal growth and transformation. During this quiet time, we can become better at observing our patterns, learn more about our strengths and weaknesses, and explore new ways for self-development to achieve our full potential.
Redefining our purpose. This health crisis will pass, restrictions will be lifted, and we will move on with our lives. However, this troubling experience will leave us with a new perspective on what matters in our lives. Today, we want the answers to the most profound question of all: why we do what we do, and why does it matter?
Not having to file taxes until July 2020! How often does this happen?! (And I doubt it will happen again) If nothing from the list above sounds appealing, I am sure this one does to many people who usually file their taxes a few minutes before midnight on April 15th.
It is not always easy to be positive when we experience hardship. Be grateful, mindful, and practice good intentions daily, because it can help us stay positive and protect us from negative thoughts, emotions, feelings of despair, and hopelessness. A simple list of things for which we are thankful helps remind us of what in our lives matters the most.
Resources:
https://www.webmd.com/women/features/gratitute-health-boost#1
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/7-ways-to-practice-positivity-and-optimism-every-day_b_5606981
https://www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/science-of-happiness/positive-thinking/
https://www.webmd.com/women/features/gratitute-health-boost#1
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/07/air-pollution-linked-to-far-higher-covid-19-death-rates-study-finds
https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/07/health/covid-19-air-pollution-risks-wellness/index.html
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.05.20054502v1
Author’s note: The information in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It should not be considered as medical advice or a substitute for professional medical opinions, diagnoses, or treatment. Always consult your medical practitioner regarding a medical condition and before changing your diet, supplements, fitness, or other health programs.
About the author:
Urszula Bunting is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Registered Yoga Teacher, and published author. Urszula is passionate about empowering people to take charge of their health and to transform life’s difficulties into opportunities to grow. For more information, please visit www.ubwell4life.com.