Mercy Advice Column (#2): Staying Hopeful during COVID

Mercy Advice Column: Staying Hopeful During COVID

Since COVID has been going on, how can I remain hopeful during this time? -Seeking Hope  

Dear Seeking Hope, 

    Even though we are beginning to adapt and create a new normal, unfortunately the coronavirus is still here. I can one hundred percent see how it is so easy to lose hope when we’ve been quarantining, wearing masks, and pumping out hand sanitizer like pros since March. I have compiled some ways to stay positive and take our minds off the current situation that may just help you to see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

Stay Connected

It is so important to our mental health to stay in touch with those that make us happy, especially when we feel like hope is lost. Setting up a virtual game night or scheduling a time each week to call a friend can give you a chance to talk through the current challenges. Even simply taking five minutes out of your day to check on a friend or grandparent. Don’t forget to laugh and smile. :)

Take Time For Yourself 

Taking time for a little self-care can be a great way to relieve the stress of the world for a minute. A face mask, at-home manicure, or a warm bath can be just what you need to focus on you. In addition, remember to get exercise daily as it can boost your mood and energy levels. In teens specifically, exercise can help to reduce stress and increase relaxation. Practicing meditation or relaxing breathing techniques are also ways to find calm and peace within you.  

Follow Positive Influences 

As a society, we spend a lot of time-consuming various types of media in our everyday lives. Over the past 7 months, we have seen the media turn its focus and energy to the COVID-19 pandemic. I don’t know about you, but watching rising case numbers and reading the negative headlines has just become a way to heighten my anxiety about COVID-19. Taking a break from the news for a few days can be beneficial if you are feeling increased anxiety about COVID-19. I also believe that social media can be used in so many positive ways to bring people together, showcase talent, and be an outlet of creativity. I encourage you to take a look at who you are following and make sure they are positive influences on your life. Use social media platforms to your advantage to follow creators that can bring happiness and positivity to your life. 

Seek Help if Needed 

Talking through the current challenges of the world or personal challenges can be so beneficial during this time. Do not be embarrassed or ashamed to reach out to a friend, family member, therapist, or school counselor if you feel you need someone to lean on. You can work together with a therapist or counselor to create helpful strategies that are specific to you and your mental health needs. 

Practice Gratitude 

One of the best ways to gain hope for the future is to see the good in the present. Each day write down one thing you are grateful for in a journal or a piece of paper. Look for the silver linings that the last seven months have given you and acknowledge that. Make an effort to improve your mindset by appreciating what you have instead of what you are missing out on. 

If you take nothing else from this article, I hope that you know that each one of us has struggled in some way during this pandemic so you are certainly not alone when it comes to struggling to remain hopeful. I hope that we can all work together through the next few months so that we can have hope for 2021.

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