How To Stay Positive During The Pandemic

I've been doing some research on positive attitudes and came across several articles specifically about how to stay positive during a pandemic. Perhaps you, too, could use some suggestions on this subject, so will share what I learned in one article.

Life is full of surprises, isn't it? At 81, I have never experienced a pandemic before, and am sorry I'm having to travel through this one. It is changing our lives, and I, for one, am glad I've experienced so much of life without this new fear added.

Yes, it does add a new element of fear to our lives, and it is very important that we do not let this fear run our existence. It's even more important in such a time that we try to hold on to positive attitudes. They will help us put our fears to rest.

Here are suggestions of things you can do:

1) Don't watch/listen to too much news

Yes, you need to know what's happening, but you don't need to flood your senses with constant reminders of the dangers we face. Pick a source you trust and limit your time taking in their information.

2) Take comfort from past calamities

We have all endured some major life disruptions and made it through them. These successful skirmishes with disaster have made us stronger. Remember that this, too, shall pass.

3) Dig out a funny video to watch

Take your mind off the trauma of the present. Go to YouTube, as an example, and find some videos that can make you laugh and forget the present for the moment.

4) Check in on neighbors

Yes, keep a safe distance, but it does not hurt to make sure they are okay and not needing anything. Not only will your thoughtfulness make them feel better, but it will make you feel better as well.

5) Do something to support your favorite business

Even if you just buy a gift card, you can help the business owner make ends meet. Later, you can return and enjoy the use of that card.

6j) Mail a gift

Send a card of a gift to someone you care about. Such unexpected treats can really raise the spirits of someone in times of stress.

I recently sent a card to a friend, just to thank her for all the small, thoughtful things she does for me. We were both rewarded, as she sent me an email note that it was the nicest card she'd ever received.

7) Use extra time to your advantage

The lockdown has given many of us an extra boost of time we didn't have, and we can use that time to focus on things we've had to neglect.

8) Random acts of kindness

Do some small thing -- give a little gift; buy a complimentary coffee; send a note of appreciation. These are all things that can improve someone else's day.

Today is May 1. When I was a kid, we used to make May baskets and leave them at a friend's door. We'd knock and run, so the giver remained a mystery.

Today, I saw a young girl running up my driveway with a spray of flowers in her hand. I expected her to knock on the door, so I got up and headed back there to greet her.

When I got there, she was nowhere in sight, but when I opened the door, the flowers were lying in front of it, along with a floral-painted shell.

How nice to know that May Day is still alive and well!

9) Do a daily inventory

At the end of the day, give a positive acknowledgment of something you have accomplished, learned, or that you recall with gratitude. Remembering the positive goes a long way toward eliminating the negative.

Throughout the day, be deliberate in choosing positive attitudes. Approach the future with determination and hope. Express gratitude for the good in your life. Find positive activities that can warm your heart, relieve stress, and cause laughter.

Believe there will be a better tomorrow and march toward it with hope, courage, and a bit of laughter. We'll get through this together.

This information came from the following article:

forbes.com/sites/williamarruda/2020/03/15/9-ways-to-stay-pos...