While listening to the Rise Together podcast this morning, I took away a lot of great inspiration and practical tips that I thought might help some of you in this crazy time we find ourselves in. The part that I most related to was about controlling our perspective and how we cope when we are faced with a difficult situation. Of course, this is fitting right now because of the pandemic, but this logic can be applied to any trying time.
We cannot control what happens to us or around us but we can control our attitude and how we handle adversity. In any situation, you can choose good or bad coping mechanisms. Some bad choices might include alcohol, pills, food, etc. Some good choices might be exercising, journaling, spending more time with family, etc.
We have all heard that it takes 30 days to establish a habit, and we all know that this pandemic and social distancing is not going to disappear anytime soon. Whatever habits you choose to form now will become your normal, whether you plan on it or not.
While I have given in to some of the unhealthy ways of coping with stress, I am trying very hard not to make these my habits. Instead, I am hoping that some of the positive changes I have been making will become our normal once all of this craziness settles down. I have been exercising much more and making it a point to move my body in some way everyday. I have been spending a lot more time outside. I have been taking the time to do more things like shoot baskets or throw a softball with our girls when they ask. (I really can’t make the excuse of not having the time right now.) We have been making more meals at home and eating together as a family.
I know that this current situation is affecting everyone differently, and each person will need to cope in their own way. Just please remember to choose wisely. Strive to find joy everyday and help others do the same.
