Keeping a Positive Attitude During These Unprecedented Times

We have a new norm, at least for the time being. It is safe to say we are being bombarded hourly by what is happening with the coronavirus (Covid-19 or SARS-CoV-2). That can take a toll on the most positive of attitudes. It is normal to experience anxiety and fear of what is happening around the globe, our nation, our neighborhood. Social distancing (not emotional distancing), what did I touch, did I disinfect, OMG did I touch my face? All things that take time away from our regular day. All take a toll. Even during these unprecedented times, keeping a positive attitude can help make for a better day in your world and those around you. The power of a positive attitude cannot be underestimated.

“Any fact facing us is not as important as our attitude toward it, for that determines our success or failure.” Norman Vincent Peale

These are not ordinary times and it is important to not lose sight of the fact we have more power and control than we think and keeping a positive attitude is a very strong tool in maintaining that sense of power and control.

“A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.” Herm Albright

It’s Easier to Be Negative

The average person all too easily gets imbued with a negative attitude. It’s so much easier to whine and complain about the kids are driving me crazy, I can’t find any toilet paper (what’s up with that), or why is this happening to me. People are often lost in the negative imagery and don’t ever realize it’s in their own power to change their circumstances.

People who have survived cancer invariably say that a positive mental outlook was vital to their success in overcoming their terrible disease. A positive mental attitude helps you find the humor in things that may typically bring you down. You’ll be able to see things from a fresh perspective so you can handle the tough times with more creativity and intelligence.

Use these steps to maintain your positive attitude:

• Deep breathing. When you feel your attitude shifting away from positive, stop, close your eyes, and take a deep breath in, hold, exhale slowly doing this 5 times. Open your eyes and notice something that makes you smile or brings joy.
• Maintain your sense of humor. It is vital to be able to laugh in maintaining your positive attitude. Even if it’s just a smile, make it happen. Make each other laugh.
• No one owes you anything. It is true. It is a mindset that leads very quickly to a negative, whining, complaining attitude. If you find yourself going down that path, stop it by reminding yourself no one owes you anything.
• Surround yourself with positive people. You can’t avoid negative people all the time yet do your best to connect with positive people that bring you joy and laughter.
• Make sure others know how much you appreciate them. Saying “please”, “thank you” are small quick ways of showing you appreciate the other person. Acknowledge how thankful you are for the other person’s effort or however they are showing up in your day.

“Optimist: someone who figures that taking a step backward after taking a step forward is not a disaster, it’s more like a cha-cha.” Robert Brault

With a positive attitude, you’ll laugh more, feel healthier, be more courageous, have more self-confidence, and you won’t be as prone to giving up before you even get out of bed. Take stock of the things you are grateful for to use during those times when you just don’t know how much longer you can take this. Stay positive and know we will get through this.