We’re a year into the pandemic and, sadly, I don’t think we are out of the hard stuff yet.
With about 131.1 million Covid-19 cases in 219 countries, it’s hard to think that we might be out of the woods. My mental health plummeted during this past year. Being inside, and not able to socialize or see people was tough. Everything has changed, and frankly I’m not even sure I’m convinced that it will go back to “normal.” I think we may have to slowly redefine what “normal” is. Having struggled for the past year to remain stable, today I thought I’d share what I’m doing to stay positive. Especially when the world is experiencing such strange times.
So here are 5 things I’m doing to stay positive right now.
I am using affirmations, and if you’re not, you need to now. Affirmations are statements that you declare to be positive and true. They work to change the way you think and change what you believe. By using affirmations, you empower yourself, and are saying things in the present tense, which slowly creates the reality. You can use affirmations daily, and for many different areas of your life. I have heard that it’s helpful to read them out loud, but I’m not certain that it’s necessary. Affirmations can be used to influence your thinking, your mindset and change your routine. It is a way to introduce positive change into your life.
Examples of affirmation statements:
I am creating the life of my dreams.
I am in charge and in control of my life.
I am capable and worthy.
For some amazing daily affirmations to introduce in your own practice check out this post – 25 Daily Affirmations To Improve Your Mindset
Reading affirmation statements when I am feeling particularly anxious helps me to feel like I am in control. Like I’m running my anxiety, rather than my anxiety running me. I have a few written down so I can read them often. They are around my desk, and the wall by my desk to allow for me to see them a lot. Sometimes I even look on Pinterest and find new ones that speak to me. Affirmations have to mean something to the person using them, so what might be powerful for me, may not be for you, and that is perfectly okay, and normal. Find, or create affirmations that speak to you and mean something to you.
I started listening to podcasts. It really makes me feel connected to people when I listen.
Some of my favorite are –
Worst Firsts
Approachable
The Papaya Podcast
This Is Bipolar
Canadian True Crime
Many of these podcasts make me laugh, sometimes even to the point of crying. So many moments where I’m thinking “OMG ME TOO” . Podcasts have really become a huge part in my life and I really enjoy listening to them. So many important conversations and I learn so much. Please leave me some of your favorite podcasts so I can try them out too!
I began listening to motivational talks on YouTube.
It really inspires me and motivates me to do better and be better. Super lame, I know. But, I’m just here sharing my tricks! Listening to these kinds of talks really helps me to stay positive and believe in goodness and happiness.
I started to pay attention to how I am fueling my body.
I definitely don’t have this one down packed yet, but I really started to focus on how I was affected by what I was putting in my body. I learned that too much coffee actually gives me tummy aches, and leads to heightened anxiety, and that I have a gluten sensitivity possible. By slowing and down and taking the time to give my body that attention, I slowly stopped eating the things that didn’t feel good. Things that left me feeling yucky. This article has great information surrounding food and mental health and I recommend! What Are The Best Foods For Your Mental Health? I really started to focus on how foods were affecting my moods, and what I needed to do to ensure that mood was stable and as positive as I could make it.
I drink more water.
Water is SO SO good for you!
If you’d like some more information about hydration and it’s importance check out this post I wrote about Cucumbers and their surprising benefits! 3 Surprising Benefits About Cucumbers Maintaining hydration can be crucial to maintaining stability and positivity for me. I try to drink 1 gallon of water per day. I do not always meet this quota, but I try very hard! Water does many things like lubricate your joints, delivers oxygen throughout your body, regulates body temperature and helps maintain blood pressure. But, water also affects your mental health, and staying hydrated is essential.
Times are tough right now, and for many, the hard times won’t be over for a while. Please remember to take care of yourself, and do things that are good for you and your soul.
What are you doing to take care of YOU?
Love Always, Enn
