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The 2020 Pandemic Rut

It’s been a crazy year – pandemic, fires, protests, riots, hurricanes and more. Some people have lost their jobs or taken pay cuts with no idea of how or when they will get that money back.  We have leaders who are untrustworthy and have instilled a sense of mistrust in its peoples that runs so deep as to cause a backlash of some interesting conspiracy theories. Not knowing what’s true anymore is just an added stress that could have been avoided by direct truths. Truly these are stressful times and the 2020 Pandemic rut is real.

What do I mean by the 2020 Pandemic Rut? Well, I think it’s like a wave that has hit each of us at differently. While some people escape job or income losses, they still suffer from the pervasive fear surrounding the situation. Working from home while managing homeschooling, loud children, or constant interruptions causes intense stress. This isolation also fuels a rise in mental health breakdowns, domestic violence, and suicide calls. I even know a family whose parent suffered a breakdown, leading to a separation that magnified their financial stress and future uncertainty.

At times you may feel you are being productive and have it all under control but then another innocuous thing happens and the 2020 Pandemic rut creeps back up into your whole being, possibly having a day, a week or a month long ‘what’s the point’ feeling and waiting for the next shoe to drop. Depending on what state or country you reside in can make those feelings even more intensified. I’m a pretty optimistic realist but I’ve definitely had my days during the 2020 Pandemic Rut.

So what can we do to stay positive and not get too overwhelmed by it all? For me it’s always movement and nature. Those 2 things help me to keep my body and thoughts in alignment with my spirit and to stay positive. I have my days when my thoughts aren’t as positive but these things help me to spend less time in that rut. Below are my top 5 things to help you from going down the dark hole of the 2020 Pandemic Rut.

 

5 habits to help you stay positive

1. Exercise – Move your body whether it is inside your house, with your trainer or at a gym…be sure to get some type of exercise in daily. You don’t always have to do a high intense workout either. You can just do some mobility and stretch if that’s all you have energy for.
2. Nature – get outside as much as possible and into nature. Take a walk or just sit under a tree and listen to the leaves and wind. If you live in a cold climate it may be harder to do but try to even if for a few minutes.
3. Meditation – now this one isn’t always the easiest for me. I would rather be doing something physical than sitting in silence but I will say that it does help. Though I only practice for 20 minutes and sometimes fall asleep, this routine still connects my mind, body, and spirit to release small stressors..
4. Sleep – Ah, sleep, one of my favorites! You’ve heard me say it before, sleep is when you repair and recover so don’t underestimate the power of sleep.
5. Water – yes, that’s right staying hydrated can help you to stay positive. You probably wonder how that’s possible. Since water makes up 75% or more of the body, dehydration saps your energy. It leaves you feeling down, tired, and worn out, which ultimately damages your mood. So, stay hydrated!

So there you have it, none of these 5 habits are revolutionary or different from the advice I give to clients, friends or family members. But, they are very important to healthy living and having a more positive outlook on life. Whatever the external circumstances in our environment may be the internal mental one is all we really have control over. How we think, act and how we create positive ripples in our community can go a long way to not only help others but in helping ourselves as well.

I’ve never lived anywhere longer than seven years, forcing me to start over multiple times and live what feels like several lifetimes. Throughout these transitions, I have struggled with finances, relationships, business, and networking. The 2008 financial collapse hit me especially hard. It took years to recover, and I constantly worried about paying rent while refusing to rely on my family. Despite my degree, diverse skills, and industry experience, high-paying jobs simply did not exist because nobody was hiring. Through it all, I resolved to figure things out. I maintained my exercise regime and spent time in nature, which always anchored and supported me in every way.

Eventually, things recovered. My perseverance and optimism opened doors to new opportunities, while my workout discipline kept me on track through those tough years.. I am grateful for that habit I formed long ago and that I feel and see the benefits of it. That is why I urge others to find a regular movement practice they love. We all need an outlet to connect with our inner spirit, release frustrations, and feel strong when everything around us feels broken.  After all our thoughts are our reality so let’s try to make them more positive in the new year.

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