How to seek out positivity and improve your wellbeing
/In times of uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to take care of your emotional wellbeing and find ways to stay positive.
In April 2020, online searches for “good news” spiked to a five year high1.Amid all the uncertainty in the world right now, people are actively searching for uplifting stories to act as a counterbalance to all the negative news we’re hearing.
It’s normal to feel anxious about what the future might look like for you, your loved ones and your community. However, if you feel like it’s impacting your emotional wellbeing, it may be a good idea to take active steps to add some more positivity to your life. And by putting your own wellbeing first, you’ll be better able to help those around you during this challenging period.
How to manage worry
While it’s important to stay informed about what’s happening in the world, if you’re constantly glued to the news cycle it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. It can be helpful to take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories – including social media.
Instead, you could allocate a specific time of the day to keep up with the news, and then switch off your news feeds and alerts for the rest of the day. You could also schedule time in your daily routine to step away from your screen altogether and do something to unwind and de-stress, such as reading, gardening or going for a walk.
If you’re feeling excessively worried, you could make a list of the things on your mind and have a plan for how to respond should the worst happen – for example, losing your job or falling ill. This will give you some peace of mind that you understand the possible risks and are prepared for them. It will also help you accept the risks that are beyond your control.
During times of crisis, we often get bogged down in what’s happening at the moment and forget that this period will eventually pass. Try to focus on the future and make plans for six months or a year from now.
Adding positivity to your life
If you feel yourself getting weighed down by all the negativity in the world right now, there are small steps you can take to improve your wellbeing and make a difference in your daily life.
Here are some helpful tips to consider:
■ Create a daily routine that schedules in time for physical exercise, activities you enjoy and plenty of sleep.
■ Set a purpose for each day so you don’t feel like you’re filling in time until life returns to normal.
■ Write a to-do list and celebrate your accomplishments as you tick things off, no matter how large or small they may be.
■ Do good deeds for others, such as a friend, relative or neighbour who needs help. Or, you could support a charity you believe in by making a donation or volunteering your time.
■ There are countless social issues and causes vying for our attention right now. Rather than investing your energy in every issue, decide how you can make a difference in one area and focus your attention there.
The importance of connection
Social distancing and government lockdowns – while necessary to prevent the spread of the virus – have increased feelings of loneliness for many people. That’s why it is essential to stay connected with your friends, families and communities, so your physical isolation doesn’t have to make you emotionally isolated as well.
Now that these restrictions are gradually being lifted, it is a great opportunity to reconnect with loved ones that you may not have seen for some months – or even longer. After countless video calls, now could be the time to cherish the ability to catch up with friends and family in person once again.
The future may still be uncertain, but it helps to open up to others about how you’re feeling. Discussing your fears with people you trust may help you to work through them, rather than having them play over and over in your own head.
1. Wunderman Thompson Intelligence, The Future 100, May 2020
Source: Colonial First State
