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Finding Resilience During Pandemic Winter
As the holiday season wraps up, many are finding the post-holiday winter phase particularly tough, especially in the context of an ongoing pandemic. The emotional weight people carry is seemingly heavier this year, marked by feelings of disappointment and loss as plans are canceled due to the resurgence of the omicron variant.
The collective sadness stemming from the pandemic has altered our reality. For educators, staff, and students, the absence of familiar comfort from gatherings, community, and routine is profoundly felt. Many individuals are mourning loved ones without the closure of traditional funeral practices, causing additional layers of grief and stress.
This winter, the combination of pandemic fatigue and external political unrest adds to an already heavy atmosphere. It raises the question of how we can continue to push through when positivity seems like an unattainable goal.
The Importance of Positivity
Pursuing a positive mindset can be a critical lifeline during challenging times. While it may be easy to slip into despair, actively cultivating positivity helps create a more fulfilling life experience. Kyle Elliott, a career coach, emphasizes that maintaining a positive outlook requires deliberate effort. “Staying positive takes strategy and intention,” he notes.
Shifting mental frameworks is essential. Rather than solely focusing on negative circumstances, one can train their minds to view these situations from a different perspective, thereby selecting a more uplifting narrative. However, this process should not be attempted in isolation; it benefits from a solid plan and the support of others.
Community Support
In this shared experience, it’s important to acknowledge that everyone is facing their own challenges, regardless of their appearance of strength or success. As we enter another year of pandemic realities, feelings of weariness and trepidation about the future are common.
Engagement with others can foster resilience. By focusing on building positive connections, individuals reinforce their own mental health while contributing to communal well-being. Instead of indulging in negativity, we can extend a helping hand to each other and work collaboratively towards shared resilience.
Tina Hawk, the senior vice president of human resources at Good Hire, highlights the value of a positive mindset in professional settings. “A positive mindset at work is a tremendous asset,” she states, underscoring how a constructive reaction to challenges can not only enhance personal resilience but also inspire others in the workplace.
Making Personal Commitments
Amid discouraging times, it’s beneficial to actively recognize and embrace moments of beauty, truth, and kindness around us. Personal commitment to nurturing positivity should be intentional. Establishing routines that protect mental health is critical, particularly during tumultuous times.
Like physical fitness, positivity requires regular practice. Engage in activities that invigorate your spirit—whether that be exercising, enjoying nature, reading, or spending time with those who uplift you. Make time for self-reflection and allow yourself moments to celebrate even the smallest of achievements.
Keeping a daily journal to recount accomplishments, as suggested by Elliott, can help foster a positive habit of reflection and gratitude. This routine can cultivate a sense of accomplishment that reverberates throughout both personal and professional spheres.
Nurturing Mental Health
It’s imperative to prioritize mental health unabashedly. Seeking the assistance of a therapist or life coach can be invaluable, particularly as many find themselves shouldering more responsibilities than ever before. Recognizing one’s own limits is key to providing support to others, whether they are students, colleagues, or family members.
While we may not control the broader challenges we face, we can exercise care over our own wellness. Engaging in self-care practices, reaching out when needed, and building supportive networks can mitigate feelings of isolation and overwhelm.
Embracing a Realistic Positivity
Maintaining a hopeful outlook goes beyond merely ignoring harsh realities. It involves acknowledging the challenges while choosing to flourish despite them. Embracing a grounded approach to positivity combines both confidence and realism, suggesting that thriving is possible even in adversity.
Finally, it’s vital to accept that not every day will feel bright. As Elliot states, “it is OK to have days when you do not feel positive.” These moments of struggle are shared; supporting one another in times of difficulty is essential. By actively fostering community and compassion, we can navigate this winter and the ongoing pandemic together.
Source
www.higheredjobs.com