Looking for positivity isn’t easy right now. Our lives have changed so much in such a short time. You may not see it or feel it at this moment, but there will be positive effects on our lives. Our priorities and values will shift through this pandemic, and on the other side of the peak, we will experience positive changes.
I have been #stayhome for more than four weeks. I have gone through the same ups and downs of daily life during this pandemic as so many others. What started as a health concern moved to sadness and tears. Then a feeling of tremendous loss of control. What followed was being genuinely scared. I wasn’t just afraid for my health but also for the loss of loved ones, jobs, financial security, and so much more.
I’ve now moved on to feelings of hope, strength, and positivity.
Finding the positive, to move us through this uncertain time, is essential. If you were to list what you need most during this pandemic, it might be increased immunity, stress relief, improved wellness, and better resilience. Guess what? Those are all benefits researchers have found in people utilizing Positivity.
The “peak” we are collectively facing isn’t just the chart of COVID-19 cases. The uphill climb we are feeling during this uncertainty will also have a peak.
Take a step back from where you are for a moment, and let’s look at 10 positive changes for the future.
Positives on the Other Side of the Peak
1. Increased focus on health and well-being – It’s been incredible to see so many more people experience the benefits of exercising outside. A simple walk is good for the body and mind. The health benefits of even 15 minutes outside are well documented and adds physiological restoration.
2. Improved connection and interpersonal relationships – Who knew physical isolation would result in increased social connection? It has been remarkable to witness and experience. Using creative ways to establish social connections are critical to happiness.
3. Expanded methods of teaching, learning, and sharing information – Traditional social media is tired. Online learning takes over Facebook? Maybe not, but the amount of content available online has made learning easy, inexpensive, and another way to find social connection. It requires self-motivation, adaption, and time management. Those are all skills that we can use now and in the future.
4. Viewing our world as One – As we watched the heart-breaking images come out of Italy and New York, we are reminded we are one world. This virus doesn’t know state lines or country borders. We are all connected, and in this fight together.
5. Refocus on our commitments, passions, and purpose – A time of hardship requires us all to look at what’s important. It’s time to make room for more of what’s essential in our lives moving forward.
6. Renewed gratitude – The slower pace of life at home, along with the stress of the current pandemic, reminds us to be grateful. Practicing gratitude improves happiness. Looking for the good, even in the dark days, has a beneficial impact on our lives and well-being.
7. A shift toward helping others – There will be many that need help after losing income for months, whether it’s the service industry personnel or the small businesses it’s up to us to get them going again.
8. Realignment of our career and lifestyle – Our fast-paced, distracted lives don’t allow for much time to find clarity. The gift of time to reflect on our lives, jobs, and ourselves may be the change needed to move into our NEXT and best chapter of our lives.
9. Realizing the freedom of simplicity – As our lives were simplified, does it feel like you have more time? There is tremendous freedom in taking back our time. Are there things you are currently living without and realize you don’t miss? Leading a simpler life provides incredible freedom.
10. Learning the value of experiences over stuff – What do you miss right now? I doubt it is all the “stuff” you just cleaned out the house. Most people are missing connections and experiences. Realigning your life to include less stuff and create more experiences opens tremendous opportunity.
Where will YOU be on the other side of the Peak?
Now may be a good time for you to look to the other side of the Peak. However, this is dependent on where you are in moving through the changing emotions of the pandemic. If you aren’t ready, that’s okay. You shouldn’t feel pressure to “achieve” during this uncertain time. Take time to focus on yourself or your family to get through the day or the week. And know that it is perfectly all right to take the time you need.
Go ahead and “feel” each of those feelings you are experiencing during this pandemic. On the difficult days, don’t let them have power over you. Instead, turn to your strengths.
For those that ARE ready, spend time finding or re-establishing your purpose and point yourself in the right direction. If you don’t have a personal purpose statement, a great resource is found in Peak Performance by Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness. Also, this Linkedin article by Michael Gervais provides a quick and effective exercise to find your personal philosophy.
Think of it as your mission statement. During this arduous experience, being able to rely on your compass provides direction, confidence, and calm—things we all need during this time.
Next, look at your strengths and put them to use. If you aren’t clear on your character strengths, consider visiting viacharacter.org to take their character strengths survey. You might be surprised by your results.
Knowing AND applying your strengths during this time is vital.
I challenge you to put your top character strengths into action. You may find your ability to find perspective is a way to counsel others struggling. Or your leadership skills may be useful in moving your work team or family forward during this disruption. If your strength is hope, by all means, use it to inspire those around you.
Our strengths and purpose are tools we can lean on during this challenging time. Using them right now, when they are needed the most, can create a positive impact to get through this pandemic and move into an even better future.
Adapted from Linkedin article written by Dr. Lisa Rechkemmer found here
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