How to remain positive even when it’s all negative

By Mel Sim

Yes, we know you're going through a tough time right now so you might want to read this

Feel like we can’t get over this pandemic? The numbers are coming down and then it goes up again? Want to have a meal at your favourite restaurant but worried about being out there? Also, has working from home made you feel even more blue?

If this is you, know that you are not alone. It’s been more than a year with COVID-19 just invading our lives and it doesn’t seem like it’s ending anytime soon. Sure, the vaccinations are in but it will be a long, long time before it is your turn and who knows when herd immunity will be achieved for everything to go back to normal.

Work has also been demanding, what with you trying to adjust to the new normal and yet everything isn’t really normal at all! Also, the constant nagging worry that your job could be yet another COVID-19 casualty isn’t something fun to have to deal with.

All that negativity…. How do you stay positive?

Here are some ideas.

#1 Surround yourself with positive people
If you and your group of friends are constantly complaining about how tough life is right now, it’s not going to help you feel any better. Instead, have a positive support group. Surround yourself with positive people who can help you look at the brighter side of things. Or get your friends onboard and make every Monday a positive day when you do things to make each other happy, like order a delivery lunch for one another.

#2 Write down on a piece of paper what you’re grateful for
It’s easy to forget that we actually have a lot going for us when things seem so bleak right now. But here’s the thing though: Even in the worst of times, there are still things for which you should be grateful for! Like a supportive family, a job that still gives you satisfaction, and yeah maybe that new baking skill you just picked up that you don’t mind making your side hustle. Practise gratitude. Write down on a piece of paper the things you are grateful for. Keep a journal to capture the grateful moments. This can help you see the positives and not just the negatives.

#3 Do fun things
Don’t forget to do the things you like. If you’re staying home more, maybe it’s time to reignite that love for reading or cooking. Or pick up something you’ve always wanted to try – who knows, you could be really good at it.

#4 Schedule in some quiet me time
Nothing like having peace and solitude to help clear your mind of negativity, especially when the whole world is screaming PANDEMIC! That five to 30 minutes of peace can help ease your mind and put you in touch with yourself. In fact, experts agree that we need to make silence a part of our lives as it will slow us down and let us focus on the present not the past or the future. The most important thing is that quiet me time can stop your mind from running wild with worry.

What to do? Have a technology blackout for an hour every two days. This will block all that negative news that are just coming in like a thunderstorm. Listen to a favourite podcast with earphones in. That way no one can disturb you doing the thing you enjoy. You could also try meditation which has been proven to reduce irritability, anger and fear. It doesn’t have to be difficult, you can try this step-by-step guide.

Photo by arash payam on Unsplash

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