Ty Howard
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COVID-19 has now become an unexpected and uncontrollable global crisis. Over the past nine months, it has produced catastrophic effects on businesses, grocery stores, restaurants, educational institutions, and everyday life. People have been instructed to stay at home to keep safe, and this has increased stress, anxiety, and depression rates worldwide. What's even worst, no one knows when this pandemic will be over. Millions of human beings worldwide have complained about rising conflicts, depression, mental illness, lack of food, lack of money, and lack of safety supplies. Several people have attempted suicide because they are lonely, worried, unhappy, socially disconnected, and less active than ever before.
Now the question that boggles everyone – What measures can one take to become and stay happy, active, and socially connected during the COVID-19 pandemic?
I have a few answers for you.
How to Stay Happy?
"I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is not determined by our circumstance, but by our disposition." ~ Martha Washington
It's no denying, the COVID-19 pandemic has completely impacted our lifestyles, but if you look for the positive aspects, it will become easier for you to digest our new reality. Even though many of us are restricted to our homes, we have discovered better ways to manage our tasks and chores at home. Some of us have also increased our online working skills as a result of working from home.
People think that the pandemic will never end, and we will be forced to stay inside our homes for years to come. Do not forget, though, viruses, such as HIV, Hepatitis, Polio, and Measles are still affecting the world's population. These viruses could not force us to stay shut-in our homes. They've all become a part of society, and we now have well-developed vaccines for them.
To live happier, you must start with your mindset. You may not be able to alter or change what is going on outside of you, but you can focus and work on what's going on inside of you. Happiness, like attitude, is a choice. Just look for and find the good in any situation. Talk and listen to other happy and positive people, and appreciate their support and words of encouragement. Also, if you have to, use your skills to work from home and find ways to earn money for your expertise. Always be grateful for what you have and show compassion for those living in poverty and struggling to maintain the necessary resources of life.
How to Stay Active?
"Eat clean. Drink water. Stay active. Be healthy." ~ Author Unknown
Isn't it great that the pandemic has brought you an opportunity to stay active at home? Those who complain that they cannot go to the gym or their favorite restaurant or the office to work, this pandemic period may have made them lazy.
Think out of the box! You can finally complete chores around the house; you can learn something new e.g., cooking, baking, cleaning, etc. No gym? No problem! Try yoga, meditation, Zumba, power walks around the neighborhood or a community park, and you can also bring your gym equipment home to do active workouts.
WHO recommends to do heavy exercise for 35 minutes and light exercise for 50 minutes. Okay, let's set a reminder to do some form of exercise each day in the morning, afternoon, or evening. Whatever you do during this pandemic period, you have to stay active to boost your immune and cardiovascular systems, to ward off illnesses, and to keep yourself as healthy and fit as you possibly can.
How to Stay Socially Connected?
"Connection: The energy that exists between people who feel seen, heard, and valued; when they give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship." ~ Brene Brown
Did you know that over one million social media platforms have been created for you to stay socially connected and engaged with others? It may be a bummer that you cannot go out to spend time with your relatives or friends, but you can stay connected with them via phone, laptop, tablet, or mobile devices.
Plus, you can ask your neighbors if they need anything, and check to see if they have been affected by the COVID-19 virus. You can also help out by going to get a relative, neighbor, or friend groceries or required health supplies to aid them in their recovery. Your kind efforts and support are how we become a more positive example of social care and connection in our communities around the world.
No doubt, the pandemic has infected and traumatized people everywhere. Still, keep your head up because we can and will make it through this together. Follow the above tips to Stay Happy, Active, and Socially Connected, and follow the government's guidelines to keep you and your family safe and COVID-19 free during the pandemic.
Hello! What is one way you've stayed Happy, Active, and Social During the COVID-19 Pandemic? Our MOTIVATION Readers would love to read about and learn from you on this topic, too. Please feel free to share your experience and input by commenting below. Thank you in advance for sharing.
About the Author: Ty Howard,
Founder, CEO and Editor in Chief of MOTIVATION magazine
Ty Howard is an organizational development consultant and executive and manager development coach. He's an internationally recognized authority on personal, professional, relationships and success habits development. He is the creator and lead facilitator of the trademarked Untie the Knots® Process, and the author of the best-selling book Untie the Knots® That Tie Up Your Life: A Practical Guide to Freeing Yourself from Toxic Habits, Choices, People, and Relationships, as well as dozens of published articles on relationships, healthy habits development, empowerment and peak performance worldwide.
For information on the author click on the following link: Ty Howard.
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