Enjoy Wellness

7 Tips To Beat The Coronavirus Blues And Feel Like Your Best Self 

Lindsay Mott  |  June 26, 2020

If the ‘Rona has got you down, you aren’t alone. Thankfully there are ways to shake your funk. We’ve got a rundown of the best ones. 

We get it — the world has been turned upside down, and all the routines we’ve come to depend on (coffee with friends, having regular childcare, and, you know, a job) are out of whack, if not completely non-existent. Suffice it to say, it’s okay if you’re having a tough time, and it’s just fine to dwell in your sadness until you’re ready to feel better. 

But once you are ready to feel better (because ain’t nobody got time for being in a bad mood until this whole thing is over) we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to improve your mood, and set yourself up for success, whether you’re at home with your kids, spending way too much time alone, or are still working your regular work schedule as an essential employee. 

How To Get Out Of Your Funk 

First, Acknowledge Where You Are 

“First, I think it’s important to recognize when you’re in a funk or just feeling off your game,” says Erin Sanderson, CEO of FitRockerChick, LLC. “There’s nothing wrong with feeling a little funky. It happens to everyone from time to time! So don’t shame yourself – but don’t ignore it!  If you ignore it, you forfeit not only your power, but the opportunity to fix it.”

Forfeiting the opportunity to fix a bad mood can often lead to numbing the pain with your vice of choice  — food, alcohol, anger, tv, social media —  and “a numbed out life is not a life well lived; it’s a life lived in hiding,” Sanderson says. 

Change Your Physiology

Changing your physiology is the No. 1 fastest way to change your mental and emotional state, says Julie Holmes, performance and personal transformation coach, referencing studies showing that a power or victory pose can increase your testosterone and boost your mood by 20% in just two minutes. “When you stand tall with your shoulders back, head up, and smiling, it is virtually impossible to feel bad.” 

Find What Brings You Joy

Is it rocking out to your favorite song, or a little living room dancing? What about reading, painting, cooking or baking? There’s also an option to simply watch the sunset or take your dog for a walk… The point is that you already know what brings you joy. Think about one thing that would make you happy in whatever spare moments you have,  and go for it – even if it’s just for a few minutes. Finding that release valve is key to giving your mind a break and feeling better instantly.  

Practice Gratitude

If you’ve never given this a shot before, give it a try — even if you’re a sceptic. Write down five things that you are grateful for every day, even just one week, and see what difference it makes. Set yourself a reminder – this can be a game-changer. Your gratitudes don’t have to be anything big. You can simply be grateful for your health, a warm cup of coffee, or the morning sunlight streaming through your window. 

“I’ve found it’s hard to feel funky for too long when you stare at five things that make your life pretty great night after night,” Sanderson says.  

Stay Connected 

You may not be able to see your family and friends in person, but there’s nothing stopping you from getting on a phone call, having a game of truth or dare via Instagram stories, or setting up a Zoom happy hour. You’ll feel much more connected when it’s over — we promise. 

Meditate / Shift Your Focus

Meditation is a great way to quiet the mind and reduce stress, Holmes says. And meditation doesn’t have to be complex — it can be as simple as focusing on your breathing for a few minutes, or following a guided meditation online or with an app.

Turn Off News & Social Media

Yes, it’s important to stay informed, but don’t inundate yourself with too much information, especially if you tend to lean toward fear and anxiety, Holmes suggests. Also, try to avoid the speculation and negativity that can often be found on social media. Listen to uplifting music, an inspirational podcast or read a book instead. 

Set Yourself Up For Success

“I think that maintaining a sense of normalcy is vital right now,” says Holmes. “Try to keep your routine as close as possible to what it was before. This means showering, shaving, not staying in your pajamas all day, exercising, and eating healthy. It will help you to maintain your sanity and feel your best.”

Sanderson agrees that getting ready for the day can be a huge mental boost. “I learned several years ago when I started working from home, that how I see myself matters,” she says. “Whether you like it or not, what you see looking back at you tells your mind where you’re going. What your mind believes, it acts on. Your mind needs to believe you’re going to come out of this better.” 

A morning routine can often set your mind right for everything that follows. “I will not start my day without reminding myself of who I am, before the world tries to tell me what I’m not,” Sanderson says, adding that she takes time each morning to journal, and write out what she wants for her day. If you aren’t sure what to write,  simple positive affirmations can go a long way. She suggests: 

I am excited about my life. 

I am successful. 

I am the happiest person I know. 

My dreams are coming true. 

I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.  

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