Did you know that everyday thoughts and feelings contribute to our well-being? The Center for Healthy Minds researchers explored the “how” of emotional well-being in a new paper in the journal The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Read more about this study here.
As we know and say quite often that these are challenging times. Everyone knows that many people are more stressed, anxious, lonely, and depressed than usual.
I know when I hear so much sadness in the news, I can easily forget about what gave me joy a day or two ago. Most of us are resilient people that can handle life’s challenges and have no problem bouncing back quickly. For others that may be faced with difficult challenges, may not bounce back too well.
During these times we hear health advice about how to make it better by changing your behaviors, like eating a balanced diet, exercising and getting good sleep. Not so easy for most of us is it? Social distancing makes a lot of this very complicated. How are we supposed to eat right when you do not have a job or money to eat balanced? How can you work out when you’re cooped up at home? How can you sleep when you feel depressed or anxious about everything going on in your life?
Here are a few tips on how to stay emotionally positive during these times.
1. Go outside and get plenty of natural Vitamin D by going outside daily if you can, even if it is on the porch for a few minutes. I am aware everyone does not like or cannot take a walk. But, just getting a few quick deep breaths even in the cold may improve your confidence and mood.
2. Exercising just a little bit as well as praying or meditating can bring on positive emotions. If you have a hobby you can work on may also lift your spirits.
3. Meet or just be around people face to face with a mask and social distancing’s 6 foot rule. Social interaction and mental health go hand in hand. If you have gas to burn, something simple as getting in the car and taking a short drive may give you a boost.
4. Stay connected to emotionally healthy family and friends. If they are toxic please consider staying away and become social in other areas such as social media.
5. Help someone else by volunteering. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Gandhi
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