2020 has been a tumultuous year. Many of us might have started with certain plans that come March had to be scrapped as the Covid19 crisis hit and the world went into lockdown. News cycles are covered in death, protests and natural disasters and it can feel like the world is in chaos. Keeping your head steady and your heart happy through everything going on in the world can be difficult. So, how do we stay positive?
Three Good Things Per Day
A great way to stay positive and happy is to remind yourself of good things that have happened in your day. Make it practice to go through them before bed, or at the dinner table with your family / partner. Even if its just nice weather, a bird song, or something that made you laugh. Try and think of three, but if thats tough then just one will do! Look at the positives of the day, no matter what they are, and daily gratitude for the little things will become routine.
A Worry Break
We all have worries, and it might seem impossible to stop worrying all together. So, instead of trying to stop it, dedicate some time to stop worrying. Take 5 minutes and think about all the things that you are worrying about – if it helps, write it down to get it out of your head. If you find yourself worrying outside of your worry break, remind yourself to set it aside and worry about it during your worry break. Contain your worries to that time so that they dont take over other parts of your day.
Stop Comparing Yourself To Others
Sometimes social media can make us feel like we are in competition. This doesn’t just mean feeling like you are competing against those who present a perfect life. It’s important to remember that pain is not a competition either. We might look about the losses round us and think that what we are going through isn’t as important. When you ignore the hurt and try not to feel it, it can be damaging to your mental state. No matter what it is that is upsetting you – a holiday thats been cancelled, missing your co-workers – allow yourself to feel it. Dont compare it to what other people are going through.
Reframe Your Negative Thoughts
Some negative thoughts can be so ingrained in us that we dont even realise we are doing it. Whether it’s the way you think about your body or the way you think about your circumstances, we can be so used to thinking negatively that we forget how damaging it is. Practice recognising those thoughts and reframing them. If you feel lonely, try not to focus on how lonely you feel. Reflect on the benefits of time alone. Think of the positives. It can be hard, but training ourselves to upgrade our thought processes can help over time.
Trust The Future You
When you worry about things that are going to happen in the future, you are usually worrying that you wont be able to cope with it. We think that by worrying about things, we will be better prepared when or if it happens. However, this is not the case. Worrying doesn’t prepare us at all. Instead of worrying, try trusting the future you. Remember all the things you have coped with in the past, and trust that you will be able to handle it no matter what it is.
Stick To Self Care
When the world seems crazy, your self care routine can go out the window. But it’s more important than ever. When you care for yourself, you feel better able to care for other people. You can’t give if your cup is empty! Take time for yourself. Talk to a friend, read a book, whatever makes you feel better.
Good Vibes Only
We can waste so much of our lives angry at other people, even those we dont know. That driver that cut you off on the motorway, someone that was rude to you in a shop, or even politicians! When you feel yourself wasting time being angry at these people or getting yourself riled up, try and send good vibes their way. In your head, wish them well. Try a phrase like ‘May you be safe, happy and healthy’. Doing this regularly will help you not only spread kindness to others but also love yourself better.
Laugh Often!
With everything serious going on, sometimes we forget to laugh. As the old saying goes, laughter is the best medicine! Try not to get too bogged down in the seriousness of the day to day goings on. Watch a show that always makes you laugh. Laugh together. Be silly. You will feel better for it.
