8 Ways to Survive and Thrive Right Now
During challenging times it is important to find ways to manage the struggles we are faced with. And though there are days it feels like a never-ending story, the pages will turn, and these times will pass. In the meantime, it’s good to share the ways we are surviving, and along the way, even finding ways to thrive.
The following 8 recommendations are ways that have helped me; hopefully you may find some of these to be useful. Feel free to comment below and share things that are helping you right now.
Being you.
What I mean by this, is to allow yourself to be who you are, and feel what you feel, without judgement. If you’re feeling bored or frustrated or angsty, that’s okay. Don’t fight it. If you’ve ever tried NOT to think about a particular thing it makes you think about it harder. Don’t latch on to the feeling in your attempts to eradicate it, instead resist judging or defining yourself by it. It’s just a feeling, it’s neither good nor bad.
If this is something you struggle with, look for help. I was by nature a fighter of feelings, which only made me feel worse. For me, meditation is a helpful tool to discover ways to observe my thoughts in a less judgmental way, like “yep, that’s a wave of sadness moving through.” which seems to help keep it moving through.
Noticing
Finding time to live in the moment is important. Take advantage of the peaceful times, to slow down, and observe details in your life. What are the colors in the bird outside your window? A cardinal isn’t just red, it is different shades of reds and browns with yellows and blacks in its feathers, beak, and face. Close your eyes and breathe in the scent of bread baking in the oven. Listen deeply to your favorite music or the sounds around you. Spending time outdoors, preferably in nature or a nearby park, makes a notable difference in your day. And even if you can only sit on your stoop or open a window, take a few minutes to absorb the world around you through your senses.
Reflecting
Each morning or before bed, I think of an experience that happened recently in my life, something that’s been on my mind, and consider what has this experience taught me? What have I learned and how can I apply that lesson to my life? I recommend trying to do this in a curious, scientific observation-ey kind of way.
Comforting
Seek out small comforts in your surroundings. My favorites are hugs (these days this is only safely from my husband) and the great thing is we both benefit, as givers and receivers, I also enjoy the many things that FEEL much like hugs, cozy warm blankets, a cup of hot tea in my favorite mug, small luxurious pieces of chocolate, a hot bubble bath.
Moving
Each day I try to get outside and take a 15- 30+ minute break in the morning or afternoon to walk or play. (Walking our dog is a great excuse, and she also benefits from this.) To me, this time is like a mental re-set, and to breathe in fresh (hopefully) air, stretch my body that had been hunched over my computer, and remember that life exists outside of my bubble. When you can’t get outside you can still find ways to move that feel good, like standing and stretching or doing yoga, or exercises. You can do move to your patio, or a different room, or even just another corner of your room to do this. I keep a yoga mat and resistance band next to the window in the bedroom for this. In fact, while writing this, I was feeling a bit stiff, so I took a 10 minute break and did some gentle stretches. If you need ideas, there are a ton of videos on YouTube.
Connecting
If you are finding yourself isolating or feeling cut off from others, it’s important to step outside of your bubble, and to find ways to connect with other people. You can call a friend or family member, or you can write a letter to send to someone else who might be feeling lonely. If you are single, you might look for ways to connect online through your hobbies. If there are ways to safely spend time outside, you can visit with your neighbors. If you are living with a partner, your children, or a roommate, set aside some time for something you enjoy like making a special meal together or playing games.
Learning
There are so may new skills you can learn online or in books or from other people. I’ve been watching Ninja Nerds videos on YouTube, and my friend Cary has been teaching me how to make a macramé wall hanging over Google Duo. There are fee based apps like Master Class, where you can learn writing, photography, cooking, and much more from experts in their fields. In fact, since my Mexican cooking class, I have been making my own corn tortillas from scratch; they are so much better tasting and are fun to make! I also dug the dust off a book I already owned on learning Italian that I’ve been enjoying, and many cookbooks that had been on my shelves are now being used.
Creating
Taking time to attempt to translate the ideas and words and visions in my head into art, or onto paper, or into a meal, or by making something we can use, has been life affirming. It brings small joys to life, and reminds me of my humanity and helps me find positivity in others during this time when it is sometimes hard to see. It is less about what I create, than it is about taking this thought or idea clattering and rattling around and causing havoc in my brain, and setting it free, bringing it to life outside of me, sometimes sharing it with others (like this blog), sometimes not. I love seeing what others are creating! Now more than ever, I think creativity is blooming and taking new forms, and is finding ways to get out into the world, in ways we can seek to connect and build from, during this time when we need each other.
My hope for you is that you’ve gleaned something helpful here, and that you are finding ways to survive and perhaps even thrive right now. If so, you are encouraged to kindly share, so that others may benefit.
