The world is changing - a shift of perspective is necessary
It’s hard to believe that just 4 short months ago we rang in the New Year 2020 blissfully unaware of how tumultuous this year would turn out to be, at least so far. Fast forward to now, and the entire world is practically paralyzed by an invisible enemy called Covid-19. Many people feel lost in the uncertainty of what happens next. Stress and anxiety are at an all-time high. You can literally feel the energy in the air. Things are shifting. The world is changing. A lot.
I’ll admit, even the eternal optimist in me struggles sometimes with the fear of uncertainty. It’s completely normal to deal with a mix of emotions simply because the reality is no longer what it used to be. However, I’d like to offer a shift in perspective and an encouragement to those who feel lost right now. The world is shifting. We have the opportunity to shift, too. The choice is ours.
Instead of being overwhelmingly negative – we can shift into a more positive mindset, or at least control the inflow of negative information (more like an avalanche right now). Why do we always have to focus on the worst case scenario? For example, with the Covid-19 epidemic, why are we so fascinated by all the latest statistics on how many deaths have occurred on a daily basis, hospitalizations, etc.? Why do we follow the panic inducing media headlines with such morbid interest? How many negative social media posts can we tolerate? Maybe it’s time to hit pause and think about the quality of information we choose to receive.
Instead of feeling powerless – we can choose empowerment. There is much in the world that is beyond our control right now. However, ask yourself what is within your power to change today. For example, what steps can you take to achieve better health? How can you protect yourself and your family? How can you use this time of seclusion for your benefit? How can you contribute to the world to make things more bearable? Instead of focusing on what you can’t do, think about what you CAN do. I even wrote a blog about it, you can read it here.
Instead of being fearful – we can seek calmness. When you feel fear or anxiety gripping you from the inside, find the tools to ease the hold. Turn off the news, turn on your favorite music, or just enjoy reading a good book in silence. Do deep breathing exercises to help your body relax, such as 4-7-8 breathing, you can look it up online.Take a long bubble bath, preferably with some aromatherapy, like lavender or rose essential oils. There are also herbal remedies and supplements that can help ease anxiety, such as L-Theanine, CBD, 5-HTP, Ashwagandha and many more. Certain lifestyle and nutrition changes can also help lower stress levels - longer sleep, lowering sugar and caffeine intake, proper hydration, avoiding inflammation inducing foods and eating more green leafy vegetables.
Instead of judging and suspicion – we can choose compassion and kindness. We simply don’t know the circumstances that other people face as we have not walked in their shoes. Whether someone is not following the quarantine rules the way you think they should, or they speak up their concerns about something you disagree with, our words matter, especially now. So many people are facing difficult situations and tough choices right now. So many desperately need to hear words of encouragement and support. Let’s not bring even more negative energy out there. The ripple effect is real, I firmly believe that we get back the energy we send out to others.
Instead of feeling depressed – we can choose faith and meaningful lessons to be learned. Have confidence that we will overcome this. Let’s not strive for things to go back to how they used to be. We have an opportunity to make meaningful changes in our lives and do better than that. This is applicable both on the global level and in our individual lives. What can we change for the better? What practices can we leave behind? One thing for sure, we will all be transformed by this experience. It’s up to each of us to decide what kind of transformation it will be.
A shift to a more positive perspective is not just good for mental health, it’s beneficial for our immune health and overall well-being, too. We have a choice right now to be proactive and make a difference in our own lives and the lives of others. Our children are watching us, and their future belongs in the kind of world we build here and now. I hope this post serves as an inspiration to you today. Stay healthy, be well!
