Staying Upbeat Amidst a Pandemic

With the onslaught of negative news streaming through the TVs, car radios, and web pages of Americans across the country, it has become increasingly more difficult, even for the most optimistic, to stay positive and upbeat. Yes, each and every one of us needs to stay informed and take the COVID-19 pandemic seriously – it’s spreading at an alarming rate, causing severe illness, death and crippling the economy. It’s easy to hone in on the negativity, especially when it’s hitting you in all directions. 
 
Such constant negativity can create long-term damaging effects on well-being, which can then trickle into the workplace and your relationships. Seeking out positive elements in your life will give you the energy and resolve to weather the storm. Here are nine things you can change in your day-to-day to stay upbeat:

1. LIMIT YOUR INTAKE: Choose a single news source and limit the time you spend with it each day. No need to suffer all day long with 24-hour news channels. 
2. WATCH A FUNNY VIDEO: The Internet has no shortage of hilarious videos that will leave you rolling on the floor for hours. Take a look around YouTube and start bookmarking the funniest videos you stumble upon. Revisit the videos when you start to feel gloomy. 
3. LOOK AFTER YOUR PEOPLE: Sure, you may not have the underlying conditions others have that make them far more susceptible to severe consequences of COVID-19. Check in on your neighbors, your friends, co-workers and acquaintances. Checking in on them will make them feel great and cared for and will make you feel great in return. We’re all in this together.  
4. SUPPORT YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL BUSINESSES OR DONATE: Do what you can to keep your favorite local businesses alive. You may not have any interest in dining indoors or shopping right now, but purchasing a gift card, tipping your favorite bartender/server/hair stylist, and contributing in any way you can will ensure you will have something and somewhere to celebrate when we’re on the other side.
5. SEND GIFTS IN THE MAIL: We may not all be able to gather at the moment but sending a card or small gift in the mail can be a huge pick-me-up in high-stress times. This is particularly valuable to the elderly who are living in nursing homes.   
6. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FOUND TIME: With stores and restaurants closed; work on pause, from home, or slower; and pretty much all activities canceled, we are left with a chunk of time to fill. Use this time to focus on things you haven’t had the time for or to enhance your skills. Select companies are now offering free online classes and certifications. Or just enjoy the rare downtime to indulge in a hobby or fun activity.
7. PRACTICE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS: Think of those who could benefit from your thoughtfulness and generosity and act on it. Perhaps it’s a cup of coffee for the doorman, a gift card for your Amazon delivery driver, a handwritten letter of appreciation to a friend. Anything goes here and it will only make you feel great.   
8. TAKE A DAILY INVENTORY: Close each and every day with a positive acknowledgment of something you accomplished, learned or are just generally grateful for. It will make some of that negativity fade away and serve as a gentle reminder that the day really wasn’t that terrible. 
9. EXERCISE: Moving your body during the pandemic is essential for maintaining positive mental and physical health. Exercising each day reduces stress, prevents weight gain, boosts your immune system, boosts endorphins and improves sleep. 

Be deliberate in finding the positive in each and every day and embrace the parts of life that make you laugh, smile, and feel peaceful. 
 
Additional resources for mental health during a pandemic:

CDC - Coping with Stress

WHO - #healthyathome