Seek the power of positivity when trying to cope with today's challenging times.
We are living in a time of uncertainty about our health, employment and the economy, and more. As a result, many of us are feeling anxious, helpless and fearful about the future.
Consequently, it may seem increasingly difficult to maintain a positive mindset. Yet staying positive may be more important now than ever. Research suggests that positive emotions help protect against stress, and that employing positive coping strategies during difficult times may improve psychological well-being and health.
Fortunately, there's a push for positivity in the world right nowpeople spreading good news (thank you, John Krasinski) and looking for silver linings. Even the World Health Organization's guidelines for coping with the current crisis suggest that people "find opportunities to amplify positive and hopeful stories."
Here are five strategies to keep your chin up:
1. Look for meaning: Research shows that people who find value or meaning within adversity may experience positive emotional and health outcomes even during negative life circumstances; it may offer you a psychological lift and motivation to push ahead.
2. Help others: Research points to many potential health benefits of volunteering, including less anxiety and stress, better emotional health, as well as better perceived physical fitness. Additionally, the positive emotions involved in helping others, such as compassion, tend to oust negative ones.
3. Keep a gratitude journal: Practicing gratitudefor a delicious cup of coffee, a new friendship, and so onnot only helps you feel more positive in the moment, but also offers a reserve of positive feelings to boost you up during difficult times in the future.
4. Have a ball: If you think that living through a health and economic crisis means foregoing anything light-hearted or fun, think again. Play offers us a break from all the chaos. It can also help manage stress, improve psychological and physical well-being, and increase life satisfaction.
5. Take a hike: Americans are exercising less during the pandemic, especially in cities where there are fewer spaces for both indoor and outdoor activity. This reduction is unfortunate, since regular exercise can help benefit mental health, relieve stress, improve mood and sleep, and increase energyall of which are sorely needed during these difficult times.
Provided by our partners at Delos Living.
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