How are you taking care of yourself? Is it differently than under “normal” circumstances? We at Leddy Group want to go on record as saying it’s more important than ever to take good care of yourself. If you find yourself trying to decide whether to eat your feelings or shop for things you don’t really need, we’re here for you!
With the constant stream of bad news, it is easy to fall into a negativity trap. However, it’s far more productive – and pleasant – to adopt a positive outlook, and this positivity can benefit you tremendously both personally and professionally.
The good news is that you can train your brain to be positive. Here are 5 tips that will help you think more optimistically:
Express gratitude. Keep a journal, regularly recording things that make you feel thankful, like chocolate or your good health. Is journaling too much? Then jot your thankful thoughts on a whiteboard to glance at when you walk by. Additionally, express gratitude to the supportive people in your life – your wonderful significant other, your child’s empowering teacher, a professional contact who arranged an interview for you. These expressions of gratitude could be in any form that feels meaningful to you – a handwritten note, homemade cookies, or even a sincere text.
Change your mindset. We often get caught up in what’s wrong with our daily routines. Perhaps your social newsfeed is full of negativity, causing you to dwell on things outside of your control. Instead of dwelling on the negatives, change your mindset to be more optimistic. Easy to say, but how can you do it? Don’t refresh that negative newsfeed. Understand that what you have and who you’re with are good things. If you have a roof over your head and people you care about, you’ve got a lot of GOOD. Be grateful for what you have. Rather than being angry or frustrated about circumstances beyond your control, find the positives. Seek them out. The positives are all around you. Listen to a podcast, create a positive playlist on Spotify, read a book, take a walk.
Practice random acts of kindness. Incorporate kind gestures into your life. Surprise the customer behind you in the drive-through line by paying for their coffee. Write a note to a former colleague telling them they inspired you. The gesture doesn’t have to be elaborate – just heartfelt.
Exercise. Being physically active increases feel-good endorphins and decreases stress. Incorporate regular exercise – a 30-minute walk, scenic bike ride, Zumba class, or any enjoyable activity – into your routine and you’ll improve your outlook and your health. Too much? Okay fine, make it a 10-minute walk a couple of times a day. Slowly, quickly – doesn’t matter. Try it!
Be curious. Don’t settle for the status quo, and don’t do things because “that’s the way it’s always been done.”Ask questions, innovate, consider other solutions. Be willing to learn, try new things, and take risks. Embrace life as an adventure and rejoice in the uncertainty of the open road.
At Leddy Group, we’re looking at the positives as often as we can, and we’re getting through these challenges together. We invite you to reach out to us with your employment questions and needs. We’re really good listeners, and we excel at what we do. These are difficult times for us all, and we encourage you to use your time to pursue those things that will bring you through these challenges as the best you that you can be.
