Four Ways to Feel Good During Uncertain Times
This is how we emerge stronger
We all know that these times can be challenging and that they require a rebirth of our most soul-sustaining fortitude.
Many of us are more anxious, stressed, and depressed than usual.
According to new research by the National Center for Health Statistics, almost a third of Americans are living with anxiety or depression. This isn’t surprising, given our current climate of fear and uncertainty.
And many of us equate more negative with less positive. If something depressing happens on Wednesday, we forget the joy that we had on Monday.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
In fact, many other people are flourishing during these challenging times.
Research has found that people with high levels of resiliency are better able to remember the positive, even in the presence of the bad. When faced with difficult circumstances, resilient people don’t pretend everything is fine; they feel joy, gratitude, and hope while also feeling anxiety, depression, and stress.
This is because accepting what is, even the negative, is one of the most powerful ways to be resilient.
Research also shows that resilience is not a fixed characteristic. Like most attributes, especially those pertaining to the mind, we can cultivate it.
Resilience is powerful because it tends to grow as we experience more and more positive feelings. So the positive emotions result in increased resilience, which then gives us more positive feelings. It’s a win-win.
But of course, our current challenge is to experience more positive feelings, right here and right now.
Below is a list of four ways to improve positive emotions, which can lead to greater resilience and even more positive feelings.
Four Ways to Improve Positive Emotions
1. Make it a priority to care for your mind, body, and spirit.
Activities like taking a walk, exercising indoors, creative hobbies, reciting affirmations, or meditating can help us feel more positive emotions and in turn boost resilience.
We all know that it’s important to care for ourselves, but during times of duress, it is critical.
Get the most out of your rejuvenating activities by scheduling them at a set time, as often as you’d like; you can even set a reminder on your phone. My phone’s home screen says, “breathe, connect, meditate, physical therapy, outdoors.” So upon unlocking my phone, I’m repeatedly reminded of the ways that personally help me feel better.
I’ve also put a note on the fridge that says, “Every day we are born anew. It’s what we do today that matters most.”
And even if you are sheltering in place while working, raising children, caring for animals, or all three, it’s possible to find just a little time to care for yourself.
You can even include the family in your self-care rituals. This works best with older children, but even my 5-year old will take a rejuvenating walk with me to search for worms, ants, and mud. If things get particularly crazy, I turn on Reiki, and watch the energy of the house go from chaotic to lovingly controlled.
2. Help others.
Even while fostering inner positivity, it’s important to not become too self-focused.
Regardless of how much time people spend taking care of themselves, research shows that those who go out of their way to help others also experience more positive emotions.
And this is especially true during difficult times, because challenges always provide numerous opportunities for lovingkindness.
What can you do?
If you’re healthy, you can donate blood or deliver meals to elderly and high-risk neighbors.
Even if you are in a higher risk group like many of us, you can still spread kindness by calling an isolated neighbor or friend; sending a handwritten note, e-mail, or e-card; meditate or perform Reiki for world peace and healing; or just flash a beaming smile at strangers.
There really is so much that we can do to spread kindness when we actually look for those opportunities.
The key is to never stop looking, and to never stop seeking the deep wellspring of hope that resides in every one of us.
3. Hop on social media.
Even if you don’t regularly use social media, there are benefits to engaging with like-minded individuals from around the world.
Sites like Twitter, Facebook, and even LinkedIn can be very helpful for staying connected at home.
But the only caveat is that we must use these platforms intentionally, rather than passively scrolling and absorbing all of the negativity in the world.
Choose to use social media to spread hope, love, and support.
And be mindful of spending too much time reading distressing news and political rants. It only leads to more depression and anxiety, and doesn’t improve the world around us.
4. Try meeting or talking to others, even if you’re six feet or more apart.
We’ve been talking to our neighbors on the other sides of fences, out of car windows, and across the valley. It really does help.
Research shows that it’s much easier to feel connected with others when we are face-to-face versus talking through a screen or through text message. And although social media is helpful, it isn’t the same as that real human connection.
But at the same time, anywhere that we can forge an emotional connection with others will help build resilience and decrease levels of depression and anxiety. It’s the quality of the interaction that matters.
Remember that frequent positive emotions help resilient people thrive even in challenging times.
And over the long term, resilient people maintain the benefits of positive emotions while experiencing fewer negative emotions. When crises occur, they are better equipped to bounce back.
Right now, it’s even more important than usual that we care for ourselves, bolster our connections, and help each other however we can.
This is how we survive as a species.
This is how we all emerge stronger.
With great love and gratitude, Aurora
