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22nd March’21 – Janta curfew, was the date nobody will forget. It was the day that officially marked the beginning of this pandemic. It is since then that COVID entered our lives, the infection was declared a pandemic and things turned upside down. 

It has been more than a year since this, and it is not a short period of time. There have been several casualties and mishaps that left us mum. If there is anything this crisis has taught us, is to be prepared for tough situations and to not lose ourselves in the process. 

It might seem arduous to be positive, while people are suffering. But look at it this way – there is not much that you can do about the pandemic, but if you stay positive you will be able to think straight and spread positivity which is actually the need of the hour. This pandemic has not just affected us physically, but it has taken a toll on our mental health. Staying positive helps to think straight and in turn, enhances your ability to do the right things at the right time. 

Speaking of that, here are 5 simple ways to stay positive in this pandemic.

1. Early to bed, early to rise –

In the beginning, we all took advantage of the lockdown and ignored the clock, both biological and wall clock. It was fun for a few days, but if your routine is still the same, it needs to be changed. Getting a good night’s sleep plays a crucial role in your mindset. Well, most of us are getting good sleep, just not at the right time. It is true what they say –

early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy wealthy, and wise.

You feel fresh, you get more time to plan your day ahead, and you go to bed early. 

2. Shake it –

Move around, workout, do some physical activity and see to it that you spend some energy. Working out helps improve your mindset and outlook on life. It releases endorphins – the happiness hormones. Most of us gave up on our new year resolutions, but take advantage of the lockdown. Utilize the time that you are getting, use it to get fit, use it to become healthier. Exercising relieves stress and anxiety and when you are tired, you also go to bed early. So it’s a win-win! 

3. Write and organize –

Maintain a journal and write in it every day – about what you did, how you felt, everything. You will know how productive you are each day, and that will push you to do something more every day. Try to make a to-do list every day, the satisfaction of cutting a task as you complete it is addictive. Your mind will be occupied with the tasks, you will get a sense of being productive, and that itself will help you be positive. 

4. Declutter –

Make some time to be organized. Declutter your surroundings and clean it up every once in a while. The mess can give you anxiety and make you lethargic. Dedicate some space for work, that makes you more productive. Clean your cupboards and keep them that way. It gives you a sense of being composed and sorted and induces positivity. Now that you are home for the most time, make sure the space you are in, motivates you to be productive and helps you to get things done.

5. Put social media to good use –

Social media can be a positive as well as negative space. It depends on what you choose to see. There is a lot of news, unverified pieces of information floating everywhere on social media. Make sure you follow people who inspire you to be better, to do better, follow people whom you can learn something from. Positivity attracts positivity, follow pages, and people who spread positivity. That way, you will also be inspired. 

The pandemic is going to be around for a while, to take care of ourselves and our loved ones is the only thing in our hands. So instead of being scared, anxious, and negative, let us try to have a more positive approach to these times of crisis. Let us rise with hope and positivity and lift others along.

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