This piece was written during the coronavirus pandemic, which was one of the most painful times in the history of the world. If we can learn to stay happy during difficult times like those, it is easier in no so difficult times.

The pandemic was one of the most difficult times in the history of the world. Everyone was somewhere on the scale of sad to miserable and I am talking about happiness.

My name is Amar and I 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. There was no idea when would things return to normal.

Nobody knew.

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.

When we face pain, we are somewhere on the scale of grief.

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 stay happy during painful periods, do all of the below.

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.

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.

Work

Some of us are out of work because our work happened to be physical in nature. Or, 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.

Take it easy to stay carefree and happy

Don’t stress out. Make sure that you take care of your mental health and NOT give in to the negativity around you.

Laugh out to stay happy in whatever times

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.

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. If you are struggling with negative thinking or depression, this may help.

Thank you for reading.

The purpose of this blog to help you find your happiness. Please read the other posts on the blog, and follow so that you get updates when new posts are published. Please share any posts you like with your friends so that they can also find their happiness. If you have any feedback for me, please leave it in the comments and I would be happy to work on it. If you would like to support my writing and this blog, you may please send a donation through PayPal here.

I appreciate the time you spent in reading the blog and wish you happiness.

Love,

Amarvani