Namaste!
Following up on yesterday's post, here are some things that's helped me stay positive this lockdown. I understand that it is difficult to make the effort to try these things out, but I want to let you know, that I started off with committing to just one of these 3 tips (in order of mention) and built up on that. It's taken me three months to come up with these ways to deal with negativity, so if you're willing to give it a shot, don't be overwhelmed by all three!
These methods have worked for me only now, and I can't say I've tried them out before. In fact, many of the things that I expected would keep me busy, failed to do so.
I've always loved to paint, so I did try it out initially but I haven't been able to pick up the brush or look at Pinterest boards for inspiration. I would generally finish a whole painting in one sitting, but this time I found it quite stressful to keep up with it. I've learnt that painting is not for me at this moment!
So I hope these tips help some of you, they are quite simple if you think about it but they definitely have made a difference in my lifestyle these past few months at home.
And no, I'm not suggesting Yoga here!
1. News
If you're someone who reads the newspaper first thing in the morning or watches the news, and you find yourself constantly worrying about the things you've seen and heard, then I recommend skipping this task. I began regularly reading the newspaper sometime last year and followed the Covid 19 situation from the start. As time went on and the situation began getting worse, I also became more paranoid.
I would travel back home from college by train, and every cough or sneeze I heard I would literally hold my breath in fear. This was when there weren't even any reported cases!
So when the lockdown started, I stopped reading the paper. Everyday with the cases increasing, I would worry even more, doubt myself when I had an itchy throat, worry about the things I had touched and then begin sanitising my house.
Of course this doesn't mean you shouldn't be aware of the situation, I would always hear about the news from family and friends, somehow by simply refraining to read or watch the news myself, made a difference. You can still be up to date with the current situation, with social media and sharing it is easier to do this!
2. Reading Books
I have learnt to make sure I read at least a page a day. I love mystery and crime thrillers and reading them keeps me really busy. Productivity and self help books are really great if you lack the motivation to do things. I never thought I would say I love reading productivity books but over the past 18 months or so I have found that they never fail to motivate me. Especially reading from people's personal experience is something that always gets me fired up and thinking of where I want to pick myself up and do better. Of course any book will keep you busy if you enjoy reading it! Some friends of mine who have probably read 2 books all of their lives have picked up books this lockdown! And there's nothing like the satisfaction of turning the last page of a book well read! Do give it a try, I'm sure if you're not a reader at all, after finding the right book, you will be!
3. Journalling / Gratitude
I'm sure we've all learnt to appreciate our lives and privileges more since this pandemic, I know I certainly have. Think about all the things you've begun to appreciate more, and in keeping with that, write it down!
Writing stuff down has always helped me, wether it was to-do lists or studying for an exam, writing is the way I can make sure I get things done. At school we were always made to journal and I am grateful for this today, to be able to put down into words what's on my mind and clear my head. As of late, I have begun to jot down these things in a cute little book I like. I even write down stuff people have told me especially if that has touched me. Write 3-5 things you are grateful for everyday, at the end of the day or even at the beginning and I ensure you this will make a difference.
If there's something new you want to start, or old that you want to pick up, start writing down exactly what that thing is, even if you're not doing it now. I promise in no time you will start doing it.
I actually made the conscious effort to do this myself, and here I am! On the 8th day of putting up a post everyday. Technically this is like my journal, just one that you guys can read and maybe relate to! It does seem extremely difficult, but once you start, it's like a chore you find yourself almost subconsciously wanting to get done each day.
These things have genuinely helped me and I hope they can help some of you too. Do let me know in the comments if you enjoy these kinds of post and if you have been doing these yourself! I would love to hear any feedback from you guys, it keeps me motivated and I appreciate it so much!
Thank you for taking the time out to read these past few posts!
Stay Safe, Stay Aware!
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