Ways to Cope and Stay Positive in 2020
Wow. I keep finding myself at a complete loss for words. I know we are only about half way through 2020 but this is an election year so the foolishness will linger. The year started off promising; I opened my law firm, was getting the hang of parenting with my three month old, and started to workout and start feeling like myself again. Fast forward to Mid-March and ever since it has been an uphill battle. Everyone has their own challenges to cope with, but mine have been centered around mommy hood and being a new entrepreneur and small business owner. I’ve found myself wanting to say something but its hard. I’m angry, sad, hopeless, restless... How do you stay positive when really you just want to yell and retaliate with violence?
We are human, we are allowed to feel different feelings even if they conflict from one moment to the next. For this reason, as much as our anger is justified from the police brutality and killings of Black Americans, to the grief and mourning caused by the sickness and deaths from COVID 19, we have to find a way to navigate these emotions and channel that energy into something else.
As angry and tired as we all are, and rightfully so, whenever that emotion subsides you can fill your spirit with feel good things until the next wave of rage comes. Another thing I’ve learned is that when we are able to observe our feelings and not be consumed by them, we are better able to manage them.
When feeling flooded with anger or other “negative” emotions, I try to think of mantras or quotes. I put “negative” in quotes because all feelings are energy, we don’t need to label them good or bad. They are human feelings that are speaking to us and letting us know about the things that trigger us; the things that need healing, the pain buried deep inside. Don’t feel bad for feeling bad. We are all healing while still trying to be present and fulfill our earthly obligations.
“When you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond to what’s happening. That’s where your power is”
I try to remember that I am in control of my feelings and reactions. No matter what is happening externally, I have the power and control over my mind. Our minds are the most powerful force of energy we have. Our thoughts literally create our reality. We have to protect our mental health at all costs.
Based off your own personality there are varying things you can do when feeling down. Here is a list that you may find helpful to destress:
Reading a book around positivity or wellness
Yoga (of course)
Being in nature (i.e., hiking, walking, running through natural trails)
Talking to/playing with kids. Even if you don’t have small kids at home, you may have family members with small kids that you can video chat. Their innocent energy and mind is so refreshing when you’re feeling down or hopeless.
Cleaning your space
Organizing
Meditating
Gardening
Creating art
Working out
Cooking
Watching something
Looking back at old photos to reminisce on good times
Calling friends or family that make you feel better
Doing nothing
Taking a day off to move slowly and let go of the need to be productive or in a rush
Listen to music
Journal or write your thoughts down
Sing at the top of your lungs
Dance
This list is not exhaustive but really meant to just get you thinking about ways you can destress.
I will end with this, at any time and at any point, you can let go of whatever it is that pains you. You can counteract whatever emotion by doing something that feels good. Our intuition and gut feeling alone can guide us and help us navigate this world. Our mind plays tricks on us all the time, don’t always trust that and rely on it.
We are all spiritual beings and connected to a higher power. We have a greater purpose, focus on your mission. Focus on healing. Focus on loving. Focus on creating. Focus on being.
YOU. ARE. ENOUGH. You matter. Your feelings matter. Your thoughts matter.
Always remember you cannot do for others until you have done for yourself first. The world needs you.
With LOVE always,
KayaDejure