Four ways to deal with it and quit whining!
Summer Lotus Oct 25 5 min read
The title was inspired by the 2020 James Bond movie “No time to die” that has been delayed to be released in 2021. This is one of the blows dealt by the Covid-19 pandemic to the despair of many movie buffs. Despite the negative news that reverberates around the whole world, causing anxiety, depression, anger, and other associated pessimistic emotions, remember this, we all will die but we should have no time to die.
Life is exquisitely beautiful. Why?
1 ) We must count our blessings.
Look at the talents of human beings. We have evolved tremendously. From architecture to food to technology, our lives have gotten more convenient and more exciting because innovations are ongoing. Because of the interconnected world, we are able to savor the different cultures and ideas from all parts of the world and adopt them into our daily lives.
For example, you are now accessible to any information you want and be able to create and innovate. You could be the best baker, the most creative shop owner, the most unique designer if you seek information, far and wide from the ubiquitous internet, and work on your aspirations. You could launch a second career and excel in anything you put your focus on.
Nothing can get one down these days. Missed traveling? Well, there is Youtube for you to watch and note down your desired destinations for the future. You can learn a foreign language in under 72 hours from an app on your mobile. You could make new friends on social media but be mindful of scams. You can get in touch with anyone in the world using the zoom, Microsoft team without incurring a cent.
Experiencing lockdown in your part of the country? You may purchase products online and have them delivered to your doorstep. Governments have already figured this out to ensure there is some semblance of normalcy so bashing the government too much is not helpful. They want to get on with their lives too.
The options are limitless.
“What seems to us bitter trials are blessings in disguise” — Oscar Wilde
2) Keep positive even when the world seems so messed-up
For countries that seem to be undergoing massive upheavals whether social or political or economic factors, they have to sort out themselves. No amount of anxiety and hand-wringing by us can solve their problems. Things always get worse before they get better. I see people who are so affected by news in far ends of the world that their own lives are drastically affected. Especially mental healthwise. We should sort the troubles at hand and in our country’s backyard.
Human beings still help others in ways big or small to alleviate the problems of poverty and suffering. That is comforting because there are always good people. We should chip in where we can.
There is just too much negative news that floats round to think that doomsday is imminent. When a crisis ends, a new one will appear anyway so one has to remain upbeat always. History testifies to this recurring phenomenon. Think only in terms of solutions not tragedies.
“Keep looking up. It is the secret of life.” — Charlie Brown
3 ) Enjoy each day to the fullest
Memento Mori. — It is a Latin phrase meaning “Remember you must die” As this is a given, let’s not waste precious time on earth worrying about things you cannot control.
Because you must die, it means there is really no time to die, so to speak. Things need a sense of urgency to get them done, especially if they are good for your well-being and survival. Under this umbrella, I refer to important relationships to mend, critical tasks you need to do to bring your progress to the next level, and your health issues to fix.
Amongst this list of “To Do”, do not forget to slow down at the real moments. When the sun sets, it is a signal that work should be wound down and your leisure begins. It is noticing the myriad mix of flowers and plants around you and marvel at their creation. It is taking in the sights of the sceneries, architecture, the different taste sensations that you can savor to remind yourself that you should live and be inspired and thereafter inspire others.
4) Love and Laugh often
Love the people around you. Extend kind words and help if you can and it will surely come back to you many times. It is the law of cause and effect.
Look at situations from different angles and laugh at their weirdness, their absurdity, and positivity. One more reason to laugh and one more article to write for your speech project.
According to psychologytoday.com, there are 5 science-based reasons why laughter is the best medicine.
1 Laughter releases feel-good hormones called endorphins that can lift your mood. It also activates the release of serotonin that has an anti-depressive effect.
2 Contagious laughter form social bonds — When one laughs in a group, it is likely that others would laugh too as laughter is infectious and can promote a sense of unity and togetherness.
3 Laughter fosters brain connectivity — it is a good workout for the brain as it decodes the different types of laughter to understand what is really communicated. For example, joyous laughter is different from taunting laughter.
4 Laughter is central to relationships — Women rate this trait high when looking for a mate, men appreciate women who would laugh at their jokes.
5 Laughter protects your heart — It has an anti-inflammatory effect that protects your blood vessels and your cardiovascular system though how it works is not clear. However, it definitely reduces stress.
In conclusion, watching people in these extraordinary times has made me realize that many people are frittering their lives away lamenting, worrying, and fighting their mental battles. Getting aggressive, reacting senselessly is a vicious cycle of wasting away a good life, sucked up by the events that are beyond our control.
Trust and leave to the astute, relevant authorities who are more eager and enthusiastic than you can imagine to deal with the challenges of the time. Meanwhile, each of us, ordinary beings should heed all the sensible guidelines and co-operate to make this world more peaceful and livable. Do not allow yourselves to disintegrate along with the increasingly negative news that abounds. Together, we make a stronger world after this crisis.
WRITTEN BYSummer Lotus
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