Wow, none of us expected 2020 to be such an unbelievably worrisome and stressful year!  It’s just almost too much to comprehend sometimes that this pandemic is really happening.  Who would have thought?  We went from a somewhat “normal” lifestyle to a world where everyone and everything has just gone crazy.  But since it is a reality, we’ve had to learn to adapt, change and just learn to deal with a life that is very different than what we wish it would be.  Change can be super hard and stressful, but if we can remain positive in the midst of it all, we might even come out of this hardship as better, more resilient and caring people.  At least that’s how I choose to look at everything since I can’t change it anyway.

Here are a few tips that might help you keep your sanity during this difficult time –

If you are a religious person, keep your faith strong and pray often – about everything and everyone.  Keeping your mind focused, especially on helping others, will keep you grounded each day.

Try to keep your sleeping and eating patterns the same every day in order to stay as healthy as possible. Get as much sleep as you can.

Exercise – it keeps your body strong and keeps your mind healthy too.

Be sure to make time to do activities that you love – things that make you feel happy, like painting, cooking, singing, playing a musical instrument, reading, or any indoor or outdoor sport where you can be safe.

Stay connected with others so you don’t feel so isolated.  We have so many different devices these days that can keep us connected.  And don’t forget your neighbors or those who may need a friendly phone call.  We’re all in this together, and people need each other.

Find as many ways as you can to have positive emotions – joy, gratitude, love – all the good things that you can focus on.  Negativity never helped anyone.

Enjoy simple moments like sipping a cup of tea, laughing at funny moments with your children or grandchildren, playing with your pets, watching a special movie, or just having a conversation with a friend or family member.

Take whatever action that you can to achieve goals you have set for yourself.  It can be one of the best antidotes to anxieties.  Don’t let anything stop you from achieving what you want.  There is always something to be done.

I look at it this way. There will inevitably be hardships in this life. We have to remember to be grateful in spite of the difficulties in which we find ourselves.  We learn from those hard times and it makes us better and hopefully wiser people.  It teaches us not to take things for granted and to really appreciate what we have.

I want to give a special “shout out” to all those who are putting themselves in the front line to help those who are sick with this virus.  I appreciate all that you are doing and you are in my prayers – – THANK YOU!

I also want to commend the many many parents who are taking on the daunting task of online and home schooling their children.  That has to be a difficult task along with your daily jobs and everything else you do.  I feel sure that teachers are going to be appreciated much more after this!  More power to you!

This too shall pass.

Stay safe,

Solitaire

www.solitaireparke.com