Get through this crisis better than before - 6 tips from a ridiculously positive person
Is it possible to feel good while your financial, medical, and social future is uncertain and probably even bleak?
YES, it is!
Even if your toilet paper is about to run out (or has run out....sorry!), even if you’re getting laid off or are not working. Even if your bank account is negative $581.44 (not speaking from past personal experience AT ALL).
It is possible to remain positive and *gasp!* even feel good. I’ve kept my chin up with a few tricks, and today I’m sharing six with you.
Ready? Here we go!
1. Focus on OTHERS
You may have no money, no future prospects, no idea what’s next....but you have your attention, and I promise you, someone out there in your network is feeling lonely and needs to know someone cares about them. Send a quick hello to people you feel good around, and people you love. Even sending a note to a celebrity, will get the positive juices flowing. For an example, leave something on Twitter like, “JLo I LOVE you and I listen to your songs to feel alive right now.”
2. Focus on GIVING
You have something to give. Maybe invest in one roll of toilet paper, cut five squares out, put them in a ziplock bag and leave them on your neighbor’s doorstep with a note: “in case of emergency.” (Omg, that’s such a good idea, ima do it later today! I’m already crying with how funny that’s going to be.)
3. Start Your Day Getting the Feels.
Each morning, when you get up, resist the temptation to start right off on all you have to do or all that’s wrong. Focus instead on 5-7 things you love. Don’t just think about things you love, bask in them! You might think this is impossible, but it’s not. Before you got to sleep, tell yourself you want to start your day off thinking positive. When you wake up, pause and remember what feels good.
It is a discipline, and these days, I’ve started my morning thinking of problems. What I do whenever that happens is to stop, take another few moments to remember something I really love, usually it’s big clumsy puppies. I think how cute they are and I get a slightly warm feeling, then I think of something else - sitting on a park bench on a lightly windy day with a glowing sun warming my face. Now I’m starting to smile, then I think of something else until I feel super vibrant and zestful for the day. Things are easier, I feel good, and my ability to focus on others and giving is much better. (This tip comes from Esther and Abraham Hicks, and it has made a HUGE difference in my life).
4. Call Your Creditors Now
Most creditors can still help you with payment arrangements. One of my loans actually deferred my payment for two months, and told me I could get that extension one more time. Plus, every single person I called could relate. We’ve all been down, lost our jobs, been strapped for cash, there’s a certain humanity to it all.
5. Give Yourself Permission to Rest
Even if you’re the type of person who tells others you are fine. Let’s face it: You are super stressed out right now. Your body is over-producing and flooding you with chemicals that your body thinks will make sure you can react to the threats all around you. If you feel tired, take a break, you’re not turning into a lazy bum, I promise! And give yourself QUALITY rest, the kind that you would treat yourself to if you just ran a marathon, because really, your body is pretty much running a marathon right now.
6. Adjust Your Goals and Celebrate Them
The ONLY thing to expect of yourself at this time is baby steps. Maybe you thought that staying home meant you could finally Konmari your home (does this bring me joy?), but all you did was make a mess in the living room. Cut yourself some slack, and celebrate that mess, you took one step in your Konmari journey. Celebrate it!
And if you can’t celebrate for yourself, make a game with your friends, call each other up and describe all of your accomplishments as if they were the Nobel Peace Prize. “Guess who made their first homemade bread today? Oooh yeah, you have the honor of speaking to them right now.” Give yourself a crown for combing your hair. It’s ridiculously silly, but if you dive into it, not only will your life be more fun, but theirs will too.
Speaking of fun…..
I’m a huge nerd and find that learning about the biology behind why these tips help, but many people don’t find it even interesting or useful. I’m happy to describe the biochemistry of it all if you’d like, let me know.
Speaking of being a nerd, i feel a little vulnerable that folks will think I can only be positive because I’m not clued in on what’s really going on…..
The truth is, I’m aware, and my brain wants to spin into great dystopian horror fantasies, but doing the tips I share above helps me face reality and thrive.
Right now, my two sons are downstairs giggling, even though they’ve barely been outside for days. I’ve done whatever it takes to protect them (we were on lockdown before the governor ordered the lock down….the nerd in me was simply following what the scientist said to do). They can giggle because I am in a great mood each morning I see them. I laugh often and feel good, so that rubs off on them.
If you’re felling slammed by it all....these six tips can make space for you to find a bit more comfort. So, maybe you don’t immediately start feeling sunshine and rainbows, but even if you go from level nine stress to level seven stress, that’s a huge victory for you (celebrate baby steps, remember?).
Try these out. Especially Tip #3 whenever you wake up. Let me know how they work.
P.S. I love you for reading this, and I love you for caring how you feel. May you get through this crisis feeling more alive and tapping into the best part of who you are. Lots and lots of love!