My Top 5 Tips for Staying Positive During a Pandemic

My days are beginning to flow together. Prior to COVID-19 and our Stay at Home order, I went to campus to teach a class on Mondays and Wednesdays. Traveling to campus provided variety that I needed. Now, when I wake up in the morning, my first thought is, "What day is it?" "When do I have to be somewhere?" Being somewhere during the COVID-19 pandemic means when do I have to be on Zoom attending a class or meeting. We are all adjusting to our new normal. One that we do not have much control of, at least in terms of what is happening outside our home. We do have control of what is happening inside our home and inside ourselves. This is where I have been focusing my energies. I have control over what I think, and what I think helps to create a more positive environment. I searched the web for Staying Positive During a Pandemic. There are many, many articles and resources. I could spend some time seeing what others are saying and recommending, but I do have my list of tips. Here are my tips and actions that are keeping me positive during this unprecedented time.

Tip #1: Get Outside and Walk - I am taking a walk every day. Some days it is only 1 mile. Some days it is 2 miles. As our Stay At Home orders continue I notice that more and more of my neighbors are also getting out and walking.

Tip #2: Listen to Uplifting Podcasts - While I am walking I listen to informative and uplifting podcasts. My favorite are Brené Brown (Unlocking Us), Lee Harris (Impact the World), and Elena Brower (Practice You).

Tip #3: Eat Healthy - If I am being honest, I just started this practice. I am an emotional eater, so I found that I was reaching for lots of sugar. Today is Day 2 without sugar!

Tip #4: Balance Activities - I have been spending too much time in front of my computer. It is necessary, but I am less productive when I do not get up every hour and walk around. I use an app based on the Pomodoro Technique so that I take a break every 25 minutes or so.

Tip #5: Turn Off the News - We have a hard time doing this in our home. I think it is definitely FOMO. So we are finding key times and key sources for plugging in and getting updated information about COVID-19.

These are my top 5 tips as of today. They may shift and change. I am grateful that I have the ability to connect with my family, students, colleagues, and the larger community. We are not doing this alone. Please stay connected with your important people. Stay safe and healthy!