Maintaining a Healthy Outlook
Maintaining a Healthy Outlook
These are scary and uncertain times, to be sure. With much of the world in lockdown to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, life is very different for many of us. Lots of people are self-isolating, working from home or feeling rudderless because they are unable to work at this time. Many will be feeling a sense of inertia while some will feel a great deal of anxiety in these uncertain times. As challenging as the current circumstances may be, a healthy positive outlook is more important than ever. Stress and anxiety can weaken your immune system and make you more vulnerable.
Here are some things to keep in mind to ensure that your mental and physical health are not compromised by self-isolation and the state of global fear and uncertainty…
With crisis comes opportunity
These are times of crisis to be sure. But, as history has shown us time and again, where there is crisis there is also opportunity. Look at this as the perfect opportunity to do all the things for which you’re normally too busy. Catch up on that big pile of books you wanted to read. Or perhaps make a start on writing your own? Flex those culinary muscles that have atrophied from too many take out or restaurant meals after long working days.
Now’s the perfect time to choose a creatively fulfilling endeavor, write a meaningful letter to someone who matters to you, or take stock of what’s really important in your life right now.
Don’t worry about money. There is support out there
The bad news is that many readers will be worried about money. The good news is that so is the rest of the world! Your loss of income is temporary and entirely not your fault. Wherever you live, there is government support either available right now or in the pipeline. Make sure you take advantage of it and claim what is rightfully yours.
Self-isolation shouldn’t mean loneliness
You may be separated from friends, family and loved ones by distance. But that’s no excuse for being lonely. Now’s the perfect time to pick up the phone, activate your video chat app of choice and reach out to the people who matter the most to you. We’re all in the same boat, and a little human contact can go a long way.
You should still get out at least once a day
We all know that exercise is extremely important in maintaining good mental health. So too are access to fresh air, sunlight, plants and trees. Even if you line in a country where a lockdown has been enacted, you are most likely still able to venture out for a walk, a run or a bike ride. Be sure to get out at least once every day (preferably to somewhere green) to maintain a positive outlook and good physical and mental health. Even if you’re working out at home.
Life is slowing down. Now’s the perfect time to master the art of meditation
The silver lining around this particular cloud is that the pace of living has slowed considerably. That’s good. We’ve all been living too darned fast, anyway! Now’s the time to reflect on all that’s good in your life. To slow down and recalibrate your mind. Mindfulness meditation (at least 5 minutes a day) is a great way to do this.
When all this is over you might just find yourself more positive and well adjusted for it! Just remember to try the above and help yourself Maintaining a Healthy Outlook.