Keep Your Mind Filled with Optimism

It is a tough time in the world today and many are feeling uncertain of business, jobs, paycheck, rent, mortgage, bills, relationships, church services, and even prayer. It is tough enough hearing of all the daunting news related to COVID-19 and the domino effect of almost every aspect of our lives. And to know it is not only a city, county, state, or country, but it is the world!

A colleague of mines said, "we sometimes have some limiting beliefs and we have to find our path forward and find people who stretch us..." I find these words fit for times like these because we can indeed make it through these times if we seek to find the face of optimism in the scorching heat of the craziness of COVID-19. It is important to intentionally keep your mind filled with uplifting thoughts, prayers, music, books and anything that can impact the thoughts.

I hear people frustrated about not being able to go outside and do life as usual. Your frustrations are all legit. You have a right to feel that way. After all, your regular life has been grossly modified without much warning if any. And you are forced to live a certain way. Thankfully, many have understood that it is all for the safety of others.

Well, business is not as usual as people's lives are in jeopardy. Regularly a person may say, they would never kill a person. However, rebelling against the guidance given by federal, state and local governments, scientists, and healthcare professionals, is simply not the answer. Coming together and working hand in hand to alleviate and ultimately eradicate COVID-19 is the way we can combat it and save lives.

While we are indoors and modifying our schedules and as we practice social distancing there are a number of things that we can practice to remain well during these times and maintain healthy minds.

1. Wash your hands regularly

2. Protect your ears, nose, and mouth when interacting with anyone outside of your home

3. Clean and disinfect supermarket carts

4. Keep your immune system strong with healthy food and simple home remedies

5. Read books

6. Call family and friends via video or phone and have meaningful conversations

7. Take walks

8. Meditate and pray not only for yourself and family but also for others

9. Play family games, board or otherwise - discourage visitors to your home for now

10. Make positive social media posts

11. Strategize on ways to take your personal life, business, or career to the next level

12. Watch a good movie

13. Pace yourself on the amount of COVID-19 news you watch per day

14. Schedule online meetings and participate in online webinars

15. If needed purge your wardrobe

16. Do some interior decorating

17. Engage in gardening if you can

18. People watch from your deck, porch, balcony, or window

19. Write a poem, blog, letter, or book

20. Revamp your resume

21. Intentionally feed your mind with building blocks for mental stability

These are just a short list of 21 things you can do during this time of quarantine. Unless you are an essential personnel, stay home and get in touch with the online world. More important that you realize, protect your mind and remain optimistic. You will thank yourself for it after the COVID-19 era.