Today, we’re getting real y’all. We’re talking about feelings!!! As I write this blog, the world is experiencing the pandemic that is COVID-19 (aka Corona/Rona as she’s known in the streets.) The world is on edge as this virus spreads more everyday and we, as humans, are battling with uncertainty, sadness and loneliness from all this social distancing. I can’t think of a better time to talk about this and shed some positivity in the world no matter how big or small that may be.
For those that know me in real life, you can say I’m a pretty positive gal. My mantra is life is too short not to smile and laugh every chance you get. That being said, I want to share with you my tips and tricks to maintaining a positive mindset especially in the midst of uncertainty, loneliness. I hope one or two of these you can attest to or be willing to try the next time you’re having a glum day. Let’s get in it! 🙂
Key Point: To maintain a positive mindset, it requires reconnection and reinforcement – reconnecting with your inner self (values, desires) and reinforcing those beliefs with some external resources (affirmations, media).
1 – Yoga
I’ve always been a closet yogi but I started taking my yoga journey seriously a little over a year ago. It has completely CHANGED MY LIFE! We all know (hopefully) the benefits of yoga and I view the practice as a physical, mental and spiritual reconnection to my present self. My recommendation for anyone interested in getting started is Yoga with Adriene – she’s the GOAT! I wouldn’t be this far in my yogi journey without her and she has so many at-home videos focusing on inner peace and happiness.
2 – Journaling
Truth moment – I don’t journal often. For those who don’t know, journalling is the fancy word for writing things down or putting pen to paper. I recently start journalling once a month (my Passion Planner made me) and so far I’m enjoying it. My favorite part of the process is looking back at my previous thoughts and reflections. It feels like I’m opening a time capsule and 99% of the time I’m a better person off than I was a month or two ago. Realizing this gives me a boost to keep going. Isn’t it crazy how the things we’re worrying about now rarely matter in the future?! Definitely try journalling at your own pace but it really is a great form of self-therapy. Looking at my vision board each day helps too! 😉
3 – Read an inspirational book
If you’re a reader like myself, then you know the power of a good read. Don’t sleep on it. I love inspirational and self-help books. Sometimes you just need that reminder of how great you are, you know? Two of my favorite inspirational books that do just that are You are a Badass and You are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero.
4 – Scroll through Pinterest for inspiration & positive affirmations
I wholeheartedly enjoy a good Pinterest scroll session. You can type in exactly what you’re searching for and millions of cute curated quotes and affirmations pop up to remind you of who you really are. If that doesn’t uplift you…then I’m genuinely concerned about what’s going on the inside. I have a board on Pinterest board full of 100+ good feels and sayings if you need a place to start. Feel free to check it out or create your own board of awesomeness. 🙂
5 – Watch a TED talk or inspirational video.
Reinforcement is key! One of my favorite motivational speaker, Les Brown, talks about spending at 30 minutes each morning listening to something positive and inspirational to start your day right. This is a practice of the wealthy and I understand why. It’s so important to start your day in the right mindset, especially if you work in a not-so-pleasant work environment. Search ‘les brown’ on youtube and thank me later! Also, TED talks are also super inspiring and informative. A TED talk I’ll always recommend is Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes.
6 – Talk to someone who gets you
There’s power in a phone call or text. No matter what zodiac sign you are, we all need people. Sometimes when I’m not feeling my best I like to FaceTime or message one of my close friends or family just to chat. I always leave the conversation feeling better and full of perspective. It helps to know we’re not alone, especially now.
7 – Pray/Meditate
My spiritual folks get me on this one. Blocking out deliberate time to pray or meditate is EVERYTHING! Even if it’s for 5 minutes, your mindset will definitely shift if you’re receptive to it. Also, meditation can be useful as well. Full disclosure – I’m far from a meditation expert (My version of meditation is laying down and doing nothing). But when I do, it’s quite renewing and peaceful. There are so many resources out there to assist – I’ve been meaning to try the Calm app. My go-to is asking Alexa to play some meditation music/leads and being as still as possible. Let your faith be your guide!
I truly hope these tips were helpful to you in some way. Do you any of these things already? What works for you?