This is a weird title for a post.
This is perhaps the most difficult time in the history of the world. Everyone is somewhere on the scale of sad to miserable and I am talking about happiness.
My name is Amar and I have found myself struggling with happiness during these times. I am a writer and stand-up comedian and most of my work, besides writing, happens in public settings. It is not currently happening, and I have no idea when will things return to normal.
You don’t know either.
But then, what we we to do?
There is a lot that happens that’s beyond our control, and we need to accept it.
Acceptance is the most important word during times like these. Only once you have accepted that Coronavirus is for real and it has affected your life the way it has, you will be able to move on with what you need do now.
There are 5 stages of grief:
Denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.
Considering that it has been a few days since the lock down, you and I would be somewhere on that scale. I think I am in acceptance today, and therefore I am writing this post. Yesterday, I was in depression. Day before, I was in the anger stage 🙂
The point is this. You need to accept that China has annihilated life as usual, and we need to get to terms with it.
If you want to be happy, here are my tips:
- Work out everyday
Make sure you make time to exercise every day. Physical exercise and meditation helps keeps mind and body healthy. It is even more important now than in usual times.
2. Appreciate your family
I mean don’t tell them, ‘Hey, I appreciate you. Do you get it?’ That may be kind of awkward. But, mentally, realize that they are important and that you are each other’s support system.
3. Work
Some of us are out of work because our work happened to be physical in nature. Some of us are scared for our jobs. Some of us are fortunate to be in businesses which are doing well during the lock down like tech businesses. Even if your paid work is halted, do whatever is needed to keep yourself productively busy.
Ask for financial help from family, if you are in dire need of it. This is a tough time, and people will understand.
4. Take it easy
Don’t stress out. Make sure that you take care of your mental health and NOT give in to the negativity around you.
5. Laugh out
Make sure you laugh out and spend time with your family. Nobody has had so much time to spend at home and there are so many things you can do. Sleep as much as you like. This will not be permanent. Don’t feel guilty about it. Crack jokes, watch videos, and stay active.
6. Read or learn new things
Take the time to learn things you don’t know, and have wanted to learn from a long time. I am reading a fair bit and there are always more books in the queue.
Please add what you are doing in the comments section, to keep yourself active and happy.
Thank you for reading.
