Staying positive is sometimes really hard, especially in the current climate. During lockdown I, like many others worried about the impact it would have on my business and livelihood. More importantly I worried about the affect it would have on the emotional and mental health of my family and I.
I think at some point every single one of us has struggled to remain positive since March. You tell yourself to stay positive and try to push any negative thoughts away, but some days it just doesn’t work. Over the last couple of months I’ve had lots of new clients who are struggling to remain optimistic following lockdown. They are confused about the constant change in restrictions. They feel powerless and fear the impact of the unknown.
If you’re in control of something such as your job or plans for the next couple of weeks, you can do something to change it if you have to. The ever changing situation with COVID means we aren’t in control, rendering us powerless. Even though the unknown continues to try and stamp on those positive thoughts, there are some things you can do to help yourself. No matter how tough things get, everybody possesses positivity and optimism. The trick is working out how to overcome the negativity and pessimism that can sometimes overwhelm us.
Try these simple but effective tips to help you stay positive:
1. Reframe your thoughts. Instead of thinking that it feels scary to be unable to control everything in your life, tell yourself that you can cope with whatever happens. You will get through this, no matter how hard it seems right now.
2. Set a limit on information intake. Don’t be tempted to read every breaking news story. The constant updates about restrictions surrounding COVID-19 can really put a dark cloud over your day and start to drain your positive thoughts. Try to watch the news just once a day to make sure you are keeping up to date.
3. Discover a new hobby or rediscover an old interest. Podcasts have been my saviour over the last few months and not only have I learnt a huge amount, they have really helped me to relax and take my mind away from any worries.
4. Set yourself challenges each day, no matter how big or small. This could be anything from running an extra mile on your work out, getting stuck into something you’ve been putting of, or getting away from your desk every couple of hours for a break.
5. Help bring positivity into someone else’s life. Do something nice for somebody you love and care about or even a neighbour. Nicky and I have been doing some ground work for an extension to save on the overall cost. Our lovely neighbours offered to make us dinner one night to give us a break and even said we could go in our PJ’s (we didn’t, but were tempted!), eat and go home. Remember, kindness is magic.
6. Be grateful for what you do have, not what you don’t have (an attitude for gratitude). Something so simple, but we all sometimes forget what we do actually have in our lives. Remind yourself of the things that you really appreciate and don’t take them for granted.
7. Smile. At yourself, your partner, your dog, someone you pass on the street. Smile a lot. It’s infectious and radiates confidence. A smile costs nothing, but means so much.
We’re all human. If you have negative days, accept that the day is not going the way you want it to and try and pick yourself up.
Take the leap of faith. Make the Change. Not tomorrow. Not next week, but NOW.
https://www.oaxlifecoaching.com/book-your-free-consultation/
Chris
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