Struggling to cope during the pandemic?

Summary

The article provides a list of daily reminders to help maintain mental and physical well-being during the challenges of the pandemic.

Abstract

The author expresses the mental exhaustion experienced due to the pandemic's relentless impact on daily life, from concerns about health to the stress of social distancing. Despite these challenges, the article emphasizes the importance of gratitude, family, health, and positivity. It offers practical advice such as being thankful for each day, prioritizing family, focusing on health through diet and exercise, and appreciating life's simple pleasures. The reminders serve as a guide to navigate the pandemic with a hopeful and resilient mindset.

Opinions

The author acknowledges the difficulty of staying positive during the pandemic, admitting it's "damn hard" to find a silver lining.
There is a strong emphasis on the importance of family and the need to protect them during these uncertain times.
The pandemic has highlighted the insignificance of material possessions when faced with threats to life and health.
The article suggests that negativity should be avoided as it harms mental and emotional well-being.
Controlling one's health and diet is seen as a way to exert control in an otherwise uncontrollable situation.
The author believes in appreciating life's simple joys, such as nature and a good cup of coffee, to maintain a sense of gratitude.
Lowering expectations and not fixating on the news is advised to reduce stress and anxiety.
The article encourages readers to live each day to the fullest, as if there is no tomorrow, in light of the abrupt end to life that COVID-19 can cause.

Use this list of daily reminders to stay focused on what matters most!

I don’t know about you, but I’m mentally exhausted!

Since the pandemic began and social distancing became the norm, my mind is in a tug of war — one day I’m happy to have opened my eyes, and the next moment I’m worried a loved one might die from coronavirus. This mental tit for tat is relentless, peeling away at my sanity.

Before COVID-19, I tended to my mental health like an overprotective gardener, fertilizing my mind with positive thoughts, careful not to over-water with a constant stream of negative news, meditating, and maintaining a peaceful home environment. But these last few months have been challenging. Each day starts like the day before: coronavirus deaths and cases rising in the US, public health guidelines and recommendations constantly changing, and the racial unrest is moving closer to a boiling point — WTF!

Finding a silver lining in an abysmal situation like the pandemic isn’t easy — in fact, it’s damn hard!

Let’s face it — we’re all human and currently dealing with an unprecedented situation, which is why we need to check-in daily on our mental health!

Without getting all hippy, dippy on you, I’d like to give you some real advice to help you cope and overcome your pandemic woes. These reminders have helped me through the bleakest moments. Despite all the uncertainty and the dire outlook we’re facing — It’s still a blessing to be alive!

Start the day thankful — no matter what, each day above ground is a good day!

Enjoy the life you have now—you only get one and there are no do-overs.

Family is most important above anything else. Period. Don’t waste time on the frivolous. Keep yourself and your family safe.

Materials things have no value when the necessities of life, and life itself, are at stake. We have learned this hard lesson during the pandemic.

Hugs are priceless — do this often.

Cook your own food — control what goes into your body.

Stay positive — negativity is an enemy to your mind, heart, and soul — avoid at all costs.

Control the things you can like your health — eat healthy, get moving— f%@k everything else. Don’t exert mental energy on things you can’t control.

Appreciate simple beauties of nature like blooming flowers.

The sun is always shining somewhere. Be thankful when it’s shining on you.

Love life like there is no tomorrow — COVID-19 has shown us how life can end abruptly.

Lower your expectations — everyone is doing their best with coping.

Don’t binge on news — listen a little and forget the rest.

Laugh often. Laugh a lot. There’s enough sadness in the world.

Enjoy life’s little pleasures like a good cup of coffee.

Let these positive reminders help you stay focused on what’s important in life — your physical and mental health, and the safety of your loved ones. Just take each day as a blessing and another opportunity to live a life better than the day before. One day, the pandemic will vanish, and we will return to our normal lives—for everyone’s sake, I hope we’re all much wiser.