"It is normal to feel anxious during this time, and it is OK to ask for help," Dr. Leondires said. "I encourage my patients to convert those anxious feelings into hope for the future. Know that we will get through this as a global community; I hope that this time makes us realise that we truly are all connected."
Following Dr. Leondires' lead, here are some exercises that might help restore your optimism (that may sound trite, but they're powerful with repetition):
- Phone a friend. Continue to connect with your support system via phone and video call to vent frustrations and centre your thoughts on the future.
- Focus on small victories. Even little things like getting out of bed or finishing an assignment for work are worth celebrating. Write down all your mini victories and pat yourself on the back every single day.
- Keep a gratitude journal. What and who are you grateful for? Write this down in your phone or on a pad of paper, when you wake up and before you go to bed, to shift your focus toward hope and optimism.