“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”
– Thich Nhat Hanh
All of us, even those without pre-condition, are having a tough time coping with this global pandemic. We worry about our health, our families, our businesses/jobs, and even the smallest things we hear/see on the news.
Each of us has a different coping mechanism. Others may prefer their private space, while some would like to keep in touch through video calls or messaging. A few tips from friends to shake off the cabin fever:
- Take breaks from work and even from house chores by reading, watching, writing, or simply laughing at silly things you find in social media
- Do stretching, walking, meditation, or deep breathing maybe at your balcony, in the room, or outside the house if you can.
- Eat yummy and healthy food, treat yourself with your favorites, and if you must, go grab your comfort food
And when you ran out of happy things to do to keep your mood up, force yourself to smile. The kind that lifts up the face, the brightens the eyes, and warms the heart. Trust me this works, you’ll see it will make a difference. I always greet the day with a smile the moment I wake up.
We all just want this to be over, and get things back to normal again. But until that time, take good care of yourself, prioritize what brings you joy, and smile always – to yourself on the mirror, to a neighbor/stranger, to your loved ones. Enjoy your day!