With everything that is going on at the moment, most of us are finding it hard to feel grateful lately. The world feels like it’s been turned upside down and the media continues to focus on the negative so often.
It has been gratifying to see that the human spirit is still alive and well with communities and non-for profit organisations stepping up to the challenge and supporting us through these unprecedented times.
The thing to realise is we will all experience an entire range of emotions during this time, sometimes changing from one minute to the next. If you’re looking for more ways to practice self-care, here are four tips to keep in mind to practice more gratitude during COVID-19 isolation:
Don’t Force It - If you are having a hard time feeling grateful right now, don’t beat yourself up. Give yourself a break, look for even the smallest reason to be grateful. (if you are reading this you have internet access – that is something at least)
There’s No Need to Minimize Your Own Situation - Don’t minimize your own situation. While there are many things to feel grateful for, you can feel grateful and still feel sad, afraid or anxious. There is room for all your conflicting emotions. It’s important to remember — it’s all valid.
Keep it Simple - No need to complicate the gratitude process. Just take note of all the things that make you smile throughout the day. Like this week’s care task to find a simple object that represents what you are grateful for; writing down what you are grateful for is a great way to see the ever growing positivity you have growing inside of you. A journal, gratitude jar or post-it note wall are all simple ways you can visually represent your gratefulness.
Find a Proxy - Positive emotions can undo the harmful effects of negative emotions on a physiological level. That’s why practicing gratitude and upping your levels of other positive emotions can be beneficial during the COVID-19 outbreak. Doing something that makes you feel good; going for a walk, playing with your dog or doing an amazing 5 minute HiiT workout are all ways to lift your mood and help you find the little things in life you are grateful for.
Last Words
Be gentle with yourself during one of the most stressful time periods in recent human history. Allow yourself to feel all your feelings. There is no right or wrong way to process and deal with your feelings. Take care of yourself and be grateful everyday.
Mr Ryan Cheers
Deputy Principal - Students
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