On the bright side: Adjust your lens

In these trying times we can choose to give up hope, or we can choose to look at how we can thrive in new ways

There’s no way around this friends, the world is a mess. I’m sure many of our lives are also somewhat a mess. Whether it’s because you had to move back home, lost your job, have been sick, are on lockdown, or any of the other endless reasons it all sucks. 

When the year started, we all thought this was going to be the year. The year we were going to make our claim. Now here we are. 2020 really came at us hard. Like really hard. I know many of us had plans: vacations were set, graduation announcements sent out, plans were made to visit new places, wedding dates were just around the corner, and so much more. We all had some sort of thing to accomplish. We had expectations to accomplish so much. 

Just because many of our original plans have changed or been cancelled doesn’t mean you can’t set new ones. Yes, it sucks to rethink the way you planned your time, but it could be much worse. We can all still thrive in new ways. 

There are two ways to look at the life we temporarily live in. One: it’s the end of the world, everything is awful, and there’s no hope. Or you can adjust your lens. Recognize that things aren’t great but take this time to focus on yourself, learn new things, and take a step back from your normal life. I’m aware not everyone wants these things but honestly there isn’t much of a choice.

I feel like it’s safe to say everyone was really upset and anxious at first, and could still be upset and anxious. So many different things came crashing down at once. But now that we’ve all been in this for a little bit we can adjust from constant anxiety and depression to new daily goals and new hobbies.

One of the best things you can do for yourself during this time is to have a daily list of things to get done. A daily list of things to accomplish might help with a sense of normalcy and “routine”. Even if it’s cleaning or laundry or trying a new recipe for dinner. Make that list and have it in view. Seeing it will help you know you have things to get done. Or if you are a procrastinator you can put it off to tomorrow and have that sense of normalcy of not doing what you’re “supposed” to do. 

Another thing to do during this time is finding new hobbies. I have seen people take up crochet, puzzles, painting, cooking, at home exercises, reading new books and so many other things. Having something to do is also a good way to occupy your time if you have a lot of spare time on your hands. 

One other really important thing to remember is that it’s social distancing not social isolation. Just because you are keeping your distance and reducing social gatherings doesn’t mean you have to completely isolate yoursel. Have a virtual coffee date with friends and catch up. Call members of your family, especially the older ones who might need the company of a phone call. Spend some time with the people in your house and play card games or board games. Keep in touch with people, even if it’s just virtually.

One final thing I want like to leave y’all with is recognizing your state of well-being and where your mind is at. 

Take time every day to recognize what you are feeling. Are you extra anxious today? Are you more tired than normal? Have you been eating to fuel your body or fill a void? Are you feeling lonely? Is your depression creeping up? Ask yourself how you are really feeling. Please take the time to do this. Address what you recognize. Figure out a good way to solve the feelings you are experiencing. 

Above all, do not be afraid to reach out if you need help. Tired? Plan a little nap. Lonely? Make plans for a phone call with family or friends. Overwhelmed? Stay off of social media for the day. Anxiety getting bad? Take time to recognize good things, relax, and reach out to someone if you need to. Eating habits a little off? Plan to make a tasty healthy meal. Make sure you are taking time for yourself and recognizing how you feel. If you are not taking time those feelings will fester. In the long run that can be very harmful. 

I hope all of you guys stay healthy and well. Keep your distance, and wash your hands.