How to stay positive in quarantine is something I’ve learned to do, and continue to learn how to do every day. It’s been about nine months since the pandemic started, and many of us have entered a second lockdown, which means more time at home. It can be hard some days to stay positive in the midst of this global pandemic, but it can be achieved. I think if we remain positive, we might even be able to make this period a time we will look back on with a few fond memories. In no way do I want to negate the suffering of so many people, however. I just hope I can share some ideas on how to stay positive, so we can get through this together.
This is something that took me a while to learn this year. Some days, it feels like the weight of the world is just crushing me. I’ll read a story or see something on the news that will trigger all of these sad emotions, and from there I can spiral into a very dark place. When that happens, I pull out all of my self-care tricks. I might adjust my day and put off doing something if that will make me feel better. The key is really to just do what feels okay in the moment, and let yourself process these emotions.
Self-care is important everyday, not just the days I’m feeling down. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of anyone else or show up for anyone else. Self care looked a lot different for me when the world was open and free, so I’ve had to adjust what my go-to things are that make me feel good. I like to go on long walks and listen to a podcast, take a hot bath, and escape with a movie or a book. Other self care items could be journaling, talking to a friend on the phone, or creating art. Whatever makes you feel good!
It’s hard to stay positive if you aren’t feeling well. Over the summer I was not feeling well physically, and my doctor suggested eating more fruits and vegetables. I realized that I hadn’t been eating well, and definitely wasn’t getting the right nutrients. Since I started focusing on eating more plants, I’ve felt a lot better. When I feel better, I can be a more positive person because my health isn’t bringing me down or making me feel ill.
Moving your body every day is another easy way to promote positivity. The endorphins that flow through your body after a workout help you feel happy and good. Think about it. Last time you worked out, did you feel better afterwards? I almost always do! Find the exercise that feels good to you and make it part of your daily or weekly routine. I’ve been enjoying walking, running, and doing yoga at home.
The good news is that there is so much progress being made with a vaccine, so it feels like there is a light at the end of the tunnel now! If you remember this, it makes things easier. When you zoom out and look at the big picture, it’s not so bad. This pandemic will occupy at least a year, maybe two of our lives. One day we will look back and it will be a distant memory. So please, don’t get too caught up in the trials of it all because it will be over soon!
Whenever I find myself getting down, I think about how lucky I am to just be staying home. I’m not an essential worker, I don’t have to risk my life every day during this pandemic by working outside of the home. My family is healthy and safe. Practicing gratitude is a great way to remain positive in normal times and especially in this pandemic. There are probably so many other people who have it worse than you do, so count your blessings and keep gratitude in your mind every day.
One thing that has helped me stay positive is being busy. When I’m busy with work and projects and other things around the house, I don’t think about all of the normal life things I might be missing out on. Find some hobbies or projects that you’re interested and devote a night or two every week to them. Or save them for the weekend when there’s not much else going on!
By making sure everyone around me is doing okay and staying positive, it helps me to stay positive. Drop off a coffee or a pastry at your friend’s house on Friday morning, or send someone a heartfelt note. There are so many little things we can all do for each other to make sure everyone is happy and cared for. Think of how happy it makes you when you receive a letter or a gift, and spread that joy by doing it for someone else. I guarantee it will take your mind off your own troubles and help you feel good.
Remembering that none of this is permanent has also really helped me to stay positive while in quarantine. This pandemic won’t last forever, staying at home won’t last forever, not being able to see friends and family won’t last forever. If we can just get through it now, we will have so many happy moments ahead of ourselves.
A final note on staying positive is to remember that there is still so much beauty in this world. Even if we can’t see it now, there are gorgeous sunsets, waves crashing on beaches, people falling in love, planes taking off and landing in the places we want to go. All of that beauty is still out there, and we will experience it all again someday soon.
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