How To Change Your Mindset Within 24 Hours

Summary

The article discusses strategies for rapidly adapting one's mindset to cope with the sudden changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence, open-mindedness, and self-care.

Abstract

In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Dutch government imposed strict lockdown measures, necessitating a swift shift in daily routines and mental attitudes. The author reflects on the personal challenges faced during this period and shares insights on how to change one's mindset within a short timeframe. Key recommendations include listening to one's own feelings and those of loved ones, maintaining an open mind to new possibilities, understanding the needs of children, engaging in enjoyable activities, and ensuring exposure to fresh air. The article underscores the significance of these practices for mental well-being and adaptability during unprecedented times.

Opinions

The author believes that adjusting to the new circumstances caused by the pandemic is challenging but manageable through mindful practices.
Emotional well-being is considered paramount, with the author suggesting that one's feelings are a reliable guide for decision-making during uncertain times.
The article posits that mutual understanding between partners is crucial, advocating for open communication and compromise to navigate the situation effectively.
An open mind is seen as essential for creativity and problem-solving, allowing individuals to discover new hobbies or learn new skills.
The author emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the specific needs and desires of children, while also setting clear boundaries.
Personal time dedicated to hobbies like playing the violin or painting is highly valued by the author for maintaining individual well-being.
Regular exposure to fresh air and nature is recommended for increased energy and productivity, as well as for the health benefits of vitamin D.
The author concludes with a personal note, suggesting that while these strategies work for them, individuals should find what suits them best to cope with the pandemic.

At the beginning of March, our Prime Minister told the Dutch people that all children need to stay home from school. People already had to stay home, work at home and we were not allowed to go outside, other than for a small walk and going to the grocery store.

This all was decided within a few hours since the first few Coronavirus cases and the numbers of infections got very high. We all had to adopt this new situation very quickly. Not within a year, no, we had to adjust to this situation within 24 hours. At least, it was too fast for me to adjust to this situation. I’m still looking for a way to adapt to this new situation and I also think I just learned a certain way. Somehow, I managed this far. It was a very challenging time (it is still a challenging time). And, it will be a challenging time (which is also life) and is still a challenging time.

Everyone copes differently with the new situation and handle it differently; how they think is best for them to do in situations, what is best for their beloved ones (such as children, spouse, parents etc…) and you name it. It is no good and there is no wrong in this. We all want and need other things in life. We do what we think we have to do, we have our own feelings we cope with.

How to change your mindset

As said, we had to change our mindset within 24-hours. How do you change your mindset within a short time when you have to? I’ve thought about it for a while now. I don’t have a recipe for this, but there are certain things we have to think about for ourselves, for our parents, friends and above all for our children and partner.

Listen to your feelings

Listen to your partner’s feelings

Have an open mind

Know what your children need and want

Do nice things every now and then

Get fresh air when possible.

Listen to your feelings

What is best in these situations is listening to your feelings. Your feeling knows best the most of the time. What you feel does matter and it goes hand by hand with what you think, thus rationalise. What you think must feel right. Your feelings tell you everything. They understand your thoughts very well.

Listen to your partner’s feelings

Your partner's feelings are important too as much as yours. You both have feelings that matter as well as your both thoughts. You should listen to your partner's feelings and thoughts carefully. When you listen to your partner's feelings and listen to your own feelings you both have to compromise what works for you best.

Have an open mind

When you have an open mind, possibilities will come to see problems and issues differently. When you have an open mind, you see how creative you must be to solve these issues and problems. You also see what you, your children and your spouse are capable of during the pandemic. Or you’re open-minded in playing games when you never thought you’d like that to do. Or you’re going to do something new you never did before but always wanted to do. Learning new skills you’ve always wanted to learn. When you’re open-minded, you become more peaceful.

Know what your children need and want

When you know what your children want and what your children needs, then you know how to act towards them, but also be firm when things are not able to do or when you have something else on your mind. They need to know your boundaries. When you know your child needs more attention when he or she needs more time to do their maths to understands the assignments.

Get fresh air when possible

Getting fresh air is so important to get. When you have been in the fresh air you feel more energized than before. When I come from my nature round I feel more productive too. I have more energy to do what I want to do. It is also very good to inhale the fresh air. Being outside is also good to get the right vitamins D.

This what helps me. Probably there are tons of more things that will help you.

#stayhome and #staysafe.

Agnes Laurens is a writer. She writes for the local newspaper. Agnes lives in Bunnik, The Netherlands, with her husband and three daughters. Writing is — aside from playing the violin — one of her passions since childhood. She is on Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to my mailing list and subscribe to my Thoughts.