Positivity despite coronavirus - how you can stay positive even in difficult times.
To say that we are living through "challenging times" sounds like both a cliché and an understatement. Over the past year, news about the pandemic, economic problems and isolation have caused many of us enormous anxiety and sadness.
When we look back on our lives, it is usually the most difficult challenges that give us a new perspective and allow us to grow the most. Of course, it doesn't feel like this in the middle of a crisis. However, there are steps we can all take to deal with difficult periods in our lives using techniques and strategies from the field of positive psychology.
"Positive psychology is not about denying difficult emotions. It's about opening up to what's happening here and now and cultivating and enjoying the good in life," says Ron Siegel, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School.
Here are some positive psychology practices we can all try:
Be more mindful
Mindfulness means intentionally focusing attention on a present moment, a present situation, without judging this moment and accepting it as it is. Learning to live more in the present is particularly helpful when the future is uncertain.
Seeing the good in life
Even on a really bad day, there are things that we can be grateful for and that contribute to the good things in life. Take 5 minutes in the evening to answer the question: What can I be grateful for today? What did I do well today?
Shaping positive relationships
Nothing brings happiness like closeness, and the need for connection has become stronger for many people during the pandemic. Take time for your friendships, family and acquaintances. Ask yourself who of the people you know might need help right now? Who can be helped now and how? A simple gesture often helps here, perhaps a quick phone call or a handwritten card that brings joy to you and those around you.
Consciously come to rest
Especially in these uncertain times, we need calm and serenity. Meditation, yoga or a relaxation exercise can support conscious good thoughts and emotions and help us to deal with the crisis well.
