CORONAVIRUS AND POSITIVE THINKING
What can we do when we are anxious, worried and just think the whole world has gone crazy?
We can start by making our own best judgements for ourselves and choose what we focus on.
People in authority are not out to get you. The government, doctors, etc, are trying their best to make decisions which can help the world. It may seem as if everyone is against you at the moment, but this is about everybody being safe and being able to live a great life in the future.
So instead of being angry at schools, restaurants, librarys and other public places, for closing down and spoiling your fun, look towards the future. Realise that just one person can infect many many people - and that one person could have been sitting next to you in that restaurant you miss so much.
This is not forever, it’s just for a short time out of our whole life.
Whatever you focus on and talk about creates your emotions. If you are angry or upset about the state of the world at the moment, and you keep thinking and talking about it, your anger and upset will grow.
We all have choices, and that includes what we think about and talk about.
Instead of focusing on things that don’t make you feel good - change your focus. Make the best of this situation, not the worst.
When this is over, be able to look back at it and remember it as a productive and happy time. Use this time to help others less fortunate than yourself - you can leave things on doorsteps to avoid contact. Look after yourself, especially your mind. Meditating and writing down your thoughts really does help. Bake that cake you keep promising your family. Do some exercise and stretching, which are great stress relievers. Walking for ten minutes each day keeps the body moving, especially blood flow. Start a new hobby - YouTube is a great place for teaching you new things. Write that book you’ve been thinking about for a while. The choices you have right now really are endless - but only if you take your mind away from what is out of your control.
You may feel a lack of social interaction but we have many ways to keep in touch with family and friends. Phone calls are the easiest way, and there is video chat on many apps now such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and others. If you used to meet up with people for coffee, don’t cancel that - instead meet them now using video chat, each of you with a cup of coffee or tea in your hand. We can do the same activities but in a different way. Look at the way you can do things not the way you can’t do things. There really are so many positive ways you can fill your time. But it is always your choice what you think and do.
Life is upside down at the moment but we are luckier than many others in the world.
Try this simple exercise when you feel yourself becoming anxious, angry or worried.
Think of four things that you are thankful for …..
think of four people you love ….
think of four places you would like to visit in the future ….
now think of something you can do right now which will make you feel warm and happy inside.
By changing your focus you CAN change your mood. Just for today, give it a try …. and if you like the more positive you, give it a try tomorrow.
Remember - this is your life, but following the guidelines is for everyones safety. Be in control of your thoughts and emotions, and stop blaming others. Take each day one at a time and find things to enjoy.