I am hearing that people are unhappy in their isolation, tempers are growing, signs of burnout are appearing, and productivity is falling. Most humans are designed to have social interaction. I know it is tough right now, but for each employee’s sake, for each employer’s sake, and for the sake of the economy, we could choose to be happy, laugh, and enjoy our current lot in life. Start laughing, even if you must fake it until you make it.
Here are some ideas to help you laugh and refocus your attitude:
Shawn says that in order to create lasting positive change we should try the following:
3 Gratitudes – Write three for 21 days. This will train your brain to look for the positives.
Journaling – Daily writing your thoughts will train you to be happy
Exercise – Daily routines will help your brain
Meditation – Gain control by learning to focus your thoughts.
Random Acts of Kindness – Email one person a day with the only intent of expressing kindness.
Did you find Shawn as funny as I did? Did you laugh out loud?
Bob Newhart “Stop It!” In this skit, Bob Newhart’s character psychologist Dr. Switzer tells a patient how to eliminate her fears.
“Tis nothing good or bad, But thinking makes it so.” William Shakespeare
By the way, during quarantine, Shakespeare wrote King Lear and Antony and Cleopatra. Finding a creative outlet is another way to cope with isolation, just make sure not to beat yourself up if your creative endeavors don’t result in one of the best plays ever written.
Also, remember we aren’t in Shakespearean times, we have access to more technology that will connect us than any other time in history. Find those creative ways to gather and socialize. I know someone who has been meeting for a weekly “Zappy Hour” where drinks and community are shared over Zoom.
Stress is a choice. In response to any event or condition, you can choose:
Frustration
Fear
Guilt
Anger
Happy & Delighted
The first three are natural stress responses designed to protect ourselves in the short-run, but long-term is deleterious to our health and happiness. The fourth, Anger, is secondary to the first three not being satisfied, and it usually has disastrous results. The fifth is the only choice that has the best, long-range results. If you don’t believe that stress is a choice, or you want a further discussion about how you can D-Stress, call me.
I spent an hour this weekend looking at videos that made me laugh. I would love to hear how you are making yourself laugh during these periods of isolation.
Cheers!
Doug