Let’s chat about how to stay positive during this negative time battling COVID-19.

The silver lining in all of this? Spring has arrived and it’s beautiful!

All of the photos in this post are snapshots I’ve taken on my iPhone while getting that daily walk in. I wish there was a way to encapsulate the beautiful fragrance of the air on these walks because it too is a silver lining. Yes, it’s a complete cliche to fill conversation with talks of the weather — but the weather is arguably the best thing we have going at the moment.

How to Stay Positive in a Negative Time

Life has flipped upside down and none of the experts can say for sure when this will all pass — and it’s hard.

As a very timeline oriented individual, not knowing when this will all end is particularly difficult. Project plans and timelines give a sense of order when working towards a goal and the fact that we don’t have one is tricky. Then there’s the continuing negative news that flies at us everyday and it can be increasingly difficult to stay positive.

While I’m certainly no expert, today I wanted to chat about how to stay positive during the COVID-19. It’s a rollercoaster time and it’s understandable that some days will be better than others – but I wanted to share how I’m trying to keep my spirits up during this uncertain and scary time.

Focus on the Heroes

In thinking about how to stay positive during a global pandemic, one big step you can take is looking at the positives in the news rather than the negatives. Every day, troubling statistics and information comes out. On the flip side, there are positive stories on those working on the frontlines or communities coming together to support one another.

While it’s important to stay informed about the severity of the coronavirus, choose to focus on positive stories about the heroes as your biggest takeaway for the day. Good people are continuing to do good things!

Help and/or Donate Where You Can

Do you have an elderly neighbor who might need help getting some groceries? Is there a foodbank or other local nonprofit stepping up to serve the community? Lend a helping hand during these challenging times and spread positivity wherever you can. And you remember, all acts of kindness – big or small – make a difference.

If you’re interested, this post shares ways to help the NYC area specifically as they are one of the hardest hit areas in the US.

Exercise Regularly

As Elle Woods of Legally Blonde would tell you: Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.

This isn’t to say you need to be training to run a marathon, but engaging in some amount of regular exercise can go a long way in maintaining a positive outlook. On sunny days, get outside and enjoy a daily walk. Inside? Turn to YouTube for workout videos that will keep you going. My current favorites are Caro Daur’s HITT workouts. (They’re super quick, but super effective!)

Give Yourself a Five Minute Pitty Party

Okay, this might sound like an odd suggestion on how to stay positive – but it’s something I learned when going through a particularly tough period battling chronic pain. Grant yourself five minutes to express your frustration, anger or sadness — then stop. That could be five minutes of crying, five minutes of screaming into a pillow or even five minutes of venting to a friend (or a pet).

The idea is to give yourself permission to acknowledge how sucky your circumstances may be, but stop yourself from wallowing in misery.

Listen to an Inspiring Podcast

Without a doubt, the amount of time I spend listening to podcasts has definitely increased over the last month. They’re incredibly helpful when it comes to shifting your focus onto something more positive as well as providing perspective during such a wild time. Even just listening to a productive, adult conversation can do wonders when you’re feeling low.

In the need for some suggestions? Checkout this post on 8 podcasts I’m loving at the moment.

Add Structure to Your Day

While everyone’s version of normal is different, finding ways to add some structure to your day can be a big help during these abnormal times.

Schedule Zoom or other video calls with friends/family
Schedule daily workouts
Sign up for webinars relevant to your industry
Register for Skillshare and take online classes on topics that interest you or developing a new skill
Follow a work routine

Turn to Feel Good Favorites

Now isn’t the time to be listening to mopey music and watching a sad movie or television show. Now would be the time to turn to old feed good favorites like classic Britney Spears music, TV shows you love or books that make you smile. And hey, if that means signing up for Disney+ and watching old Disney classics – so be it!

Start a Gratitude Journal

Okay, I admit this a bit of a sappy suggestion on how to stay positive but it really is effective. Maybe you already have a gratitude journal that you’ve forgotten about or maybe it’s a new concept to you altogether. Either way, at a time when there is so much awful happening in the world around us – it’s really effective to jot down things you’re grateful for every day.

Take 3-5 minutes at the end of each day to write down five things you’re grateful for. That can be anything from your health during the coronavirus pandemic or a great FaceTime chat with family to the beautiful weather outside. Big or small, we all have things to be grateful and recognizing them is a terrific way to keep the positive vibes flowing.

Turn to Animals

My last tip on how to stay positive – turn to animals. When all else fails, there’s something undeniably joyful about watching a cute video online of animals doing cute things. Social media is a goldmine for this, so hop on Twitter or Instagram and search till your heart’s content. Some favorite accounts of mine are :

Thank you for reading! I am sending you lots of love. x

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