At times it can be hard to see a path forward
So how you are holding up as we move into week 2, of life inside our COVID19 bubbles?
I’m sure that most of you, like me, have felt the impact of the changes to your normal routines and relationships.
At times it can be hard to see a path forward, but that’s why, as part of my commitment to helping people maintain their emotional wellbeing, I’ve been sharing, over this past week, practical evidence based tools and techniques, that are proven to help people manage and cope with their worries, fears and anxieties.
And if you’d like to get hold of the techniques I’ve shared so far, head over to my Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/pg/tycoaching/posts/
How optimism can help us through this crisis
“For myself I am an optimist – it does not seem to be much use being anything else.” ~ Winston Churchill
Today I want to take a different path and take a look at how optimism can help you through this crisis.
Yes, the world seems to be changing day by day, but that also means that each day promises the beginning of something new. And we have the option to stay focused on what we’ve lost, what isn’t here anymore, or to become aware of the new opportunities that open up each day. And optimism is about the latter option.
Optimism is about knowing there are possibilities out there even when you can’t see them right now them. It’s about holding a favourable view about the future.
The good news is, that a good deal of research shows that most of us are optimistic, and that we can, if we want to, improve our optimism. It’s worth investing time and energy into, because the positive psychology field has found that higher levels of hope and optimism can predict a number of desirable outcomes:
- freedom from anxiety and depression
- improved physical well being
- improved social relationships
Optimistic people are less likely to get sick
Several studies have shown that optimistic people are less likely to get sick. For decades, researchers thought the boost in immunity stemmed from the fact that optimistic people were more likely to take care of their health, but more recent studies have shown that an optimistic outlook is actually what influences immunity.
Looking on the bright side makes you less likely to get a cold or infection because optimism helps keep your immune system performing at its peak.
So what can you do now to start enhancing your optimism?
What I suggest is the 1 Minute Reframe.
Pick a situation you’ve been worrying about and take a 1 minute ‘time out’. Close your eyes.. , and imagine the BEST possible result showing up instead of the worst. Focus on what you can see, hear and feel, get your senses engaged as you run the movie of what you’d like to see take place in your mind’s eye. Consciously imagine what you want to happen.
Mental imagery or visualisation works because it activates the same brain regions as the actual experience would and your brain responds as if the imagined experience is real and happening now.
I recommend you schedule a handful of 1 Minute reframes into your day, and then through repetition you’ll begin to build a new ‘optimism enhancing’ habit.
I continue to hold an optimistic view of humanity
Personably I continue to hold an optimistic view of humanity and who we can become on the other side of this experience; a world in which we experience greater compassion, kindness, and generosity to each other.
And on that note I’ll sign off for this week.
Stay strong, stay safe and be optimistic
Tony
PS If you’d like to explore working with me, simply click here to tee up a complimentary 30 minute, no-obligation online discovery consultation.
I’m on a mission to help as many people as possible enjoy lives free of unnecessary stress and anxiety. If you’d like my help, or you know someone who would benefit, call/text me today on 021 056 8389 or email tony@tycoaching.nz
