Stress levels spiking because of the pandemic?
If you’re mentally fatigued over discussing coronavirus, here’s how to change the conversation positively.
Your Low-Stress Guide to Leveling-Up Your Bedtime Routine
Are You Burnt Out or Depressed?
We ultimately settled on makingour own respective gratitudelists.
Over-talking about the pandemic can rile us up in a negative way.
Over-talking about the pandemic can rile us up in a negative way.
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give a shot to stay positive, distract yourself, do some self care.
And talk to people who replenish, not deplete your energy.
But, uh, what else, really, is there to talk about?
Well, redirecting to three simple topics can help change the conversation toward a direction that feels more joy-inducing.
And one expert says we can use channel the low din of constant worry into something genuinely helpful.
Worry is productive to a point because it gets us to put a safety plan in place.
Some examples could be learning a new language or working toward your fitness goals.
Which everyday routines have you changed since being at home?
Will you continue any of them after this is over?
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What personal projects are you working on?
How are they going?
:Full disclosure:You dont need to completeeverythingon your to-do list right now.
Nobodys forcing you to writeKing Learwhen your mind is mostly focused on survival.
But its also wonderful to cheer on our friends and see where theyre looking to become better.
This gets people to remember that they are capable of working toward goals, says Dr. Steinberg.
Can I show you what Im working on?
:This gives you an opportunity to showcase that fresh loaf of sourdough that youre proud of.
This strengthens relationships and is good modeling, Dr. Steinberg says.
Can we plan to do something together?
:And not in person, to be clear.
Dr. Steinberg recommends booking something thatll strengthen your bond when you cant be near others.
For something less low-key, you could try out a digital class with a few of your pals.
What new books have you been reading?
:Reading is amindful intention, centering, distracting, and there to lower your cortisol levels.
Here are a few personal questions to pepper into the conversations youre having.
How did you meet your partner?
in the periphery of video chat, you might as well learn their meet-cute story.
What was your favorite vacation, and why?
So, lets use the power of nostalgia to transport us in the meantime.
Whats the best compliment you ever received?
:Theres no way this one wont be instantaneously heartwarming.
Whats the best date youve ever had?
:I love this one, but I also love its mirror: Whats theworstdate youve ever had?
What are three things I probably dont know about you?
:Even if its someone youve known for literal decades, there are always some secrets to trade.
Too much negativity holds us back, and it affects our mental health.
In contrast, positivity opens up our mind.
Below, find three positive-thinking prompts to inspire your friends to think happy thoughts.
What positives will come out of this experience for you, your family, or your work?
:A lot of terrible things are happening right now and will likely get worse.
Andyet,I find it helpful to look at uncertainty with opportunity instead of fear.
How do you stay so positive?
:You know your one strangely sunny friend who is somehowcrushingquarantine?
Like nothing has squashed theirsense of optimismandboundless charity?
Youknowtheyll appreciate the compliment, and they may introduce you to a new coping technique.
What three things are you most grateful for during this time of uncertainty?
:New York City, my jumpsuit, and you.
Its easy to fall down an emotional well right now, so hereshow to halt negative thinking.
And it might stabilize you to incorporate a fewbasic self-care actionsin your daily quarantine routine.
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