Gratitude

6 Ways to Stay Positive During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Crazy. That's how I would describe the COVID-19 pandemic. Did I ever think we'd live through a time where March Madness would be canceled? Schools would shutdown for weeks and months, and toilet paper would be a hot commodity?  

No.

But as is life, it's always changing and some days throwing us bigger curve balls than the day before. 

The pandemic is serious. 

At the end of the day, we all have a chance to be infected. Just typing those words, give me a bit of anxiety. Maybe you are reading this and you or someone you know is already dealing with the virus. I'm so sorry.

Over the past couple of days, I've tried to not let fear rule my life, consume my thoughts, or cripple me to inaction. All are very real possibilities. 

Here's six ways I'm staying positive during the COVID-19 pandemic:

  1. Keeping up with my morning routine. It's easy to get sucked into the news or social media first thing in the morning but I'm getting my cup of coffee and reading my devotionals and books. 
  2. Practicing gratitude. Several of you have written to say The Gratitude Challenge is helping you through this difficult time. Wonderful!  You can either use The Gratitude Challenge (snag a copy here) as a tool, or just grab a notebook and each day, when you start to worry ask yourself, "What good can I find in this moment? What am I grateful for?"
  3. Getting outside. You don't have to congregate or be with people but get fresh air. Go for a walk. Yesterday, I put on a backpack, grabbed my hiking stick and hit the trails. My mind cleared and I was able to focus on the deer running through the woods, looking at animal tracks and jumping all over to avoid mud pits. My soul felt refreshed.
  4. Talking with friends and family how I'm feeling. I'm not ruminating in the state of panic and focusing too much time on the topic, but it helps to verbalize how we are feeling. We are all in this together.
  5. Giving to others. I've spent time sending text to friends, writing and mailing cards, and even sending little gifts that have been sitting on my desk for weeks.  Giving always makes me feel good and it will you too!
  6. Ask what can I control. It's easy to get spun up with all the news. I'm constantly trying to take a step back and ask what can I control? This one question helps me in all sorts of ways, not just with the virus. It's a great tool for work and life. It forces me to realize that it doesn't no good to worry about what I can’t control and to put my efforts and energy into what I can control. Here are some things you can control.

I hope this list helped. Please take care of yourself my friends. Stay hydrated. Stay home if you feel bad. Get rest. Give others the benefit of doubt and do what you can to stay positive and healthy.

Blessings,

Stephanie

Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author of "The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life" and “The Gratitude Challenge: 41 Days to a Happier, Healthier, & More Content Life”


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6 Ways to Stay Positive During the COVID-19 Pandemic

No Comments

Crazy. That's how I would describe the COVID-19 pandemic. Did I ever think we'd live through a time where March Madness would be canceled? Schools would shutdown for weeks and months, and toilet paper would be a hot commodity?  

No.

But as is life, it's always changing and some days throwing us bigger curve balls than the day before. 

The pandemic is serious. 

At the end of the day, we all have a chance to be infected. Just typing those words, give me a bit of anxiety. Maybe you are reading this and you or someone you know is already dealing with the virus. I'm so sorry.

Over the past couple of days, I've tried to not let fear rule my life, consume my thoughts, or cripple me to inaction. All are very real possibilities. 

Here's six ways I'm staying positive during the COVID-19 pandemic:

  1. Keeping up with my morning routine. It's easy to get sucked into the news or social media first thing in the morning but I'm getting my cup of coffee and reading my devotionals and books.
  2. Practicing gratitude. Several of you have written to say The Gratitude Challenge is helping you through this difficult time. Wonderful! You can either use The Gratitude Challenge (snag a copy here) as a tool, or just grab a notebook and each day, when you start to worry ask yourself, "What good can I find in this moment? What am I grateful for?"
  3. Getting outside. You don't have to congregate or be with people but get fresh air. Go for a walk. Yesterday, I put on a backpack, grabbed my hiking stick and hit the trails. My mind cleared and I was able to focus on the deer running through the woods, looking at animal tracks and jumping all over to avoid mud pits. My soul felt refreshed.
  4. Talking with friends and family how I'm feeling. I'm not ruminating in the state of panic and focusing too much time on the topic, but it helps to verbalize how we are feeling. We are all in this together.
  5. Giving to others. I've spent time sending text to friends, writing and mailing cards, and even sending little gifts that have been sitting on my desk for weeks. Giving always makes me feel good and it will you too!
  6. Ask what can I control. It's easy to get spun up with all the news. I'm constantly trying to take a step back and ask what can I control? This one question helps me in all sorts of ways, not just with the virus. It's a great tool for work and life. It forces me to realize that it doesn't no good to worry about what I can’t control and to put my efforts and energy into what I can control. Here are some things you can control.

I hope this list helped. Please take care of yourself my friends. Stay hydrated. Stay home if you feel bad. Get rest. Give others the benefit of doubt and do what you can to stay positive and healthy.

Blessings,

Stephanie

Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author of "The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life" and “The Gratitude Challenge: 41 Days to a Happier, Healthier, & More Content Life”

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