#TACTIX :: Practicing Wellness in an Ongoing Pandemic

Delta Variants and Doubling Down

Way back in the beginning of 2021 (which feels like it was a decade ago), everyone was optimistic. Vaccines were rolling out, things were opening back up – we were ready to return to our lives. Anddddd then there was the delta variant. For many, it was in simplest terms, a mega-bummer.

From being excited about a wide-open summer to being reminded that this pandemic wasn’t over and it might still be a bit before your “normal” life can resume – it’s an understandably frustrating situation, but remember: nothing positive can grow from a negative space.

Easier said than done, of course. Art Buchwald, a humorist most well-known for his column in The Washington Post, adds some perspective, saying, “Whether it’s the best of times or the worst of times, it’s the only time we’ve got.” With this in mind, isn’t it time to start handling this thing on your own terms?

Staying Positive and Cultivating Wellness

You’re not alone if you’re outraged, scared, upset, confused, or just fed up with this whole thing. There are throngs of folks who would agree. Regardless of your stance on any of the associated controversial topics, the one thing we can all agree on is that Covid has definitely made its impact on more than just our physical health.

Staying positive is hard. It’s what those seeking enlightenment strive for. It’s what meditation is for. It’s what the punk-rock ethos of Positive Mental Attitude is all about. If it was easy, we’d all be walking around super upbeat and ready for anything at any time. This, however, is not the way of the world and it is not the way of human nature.

Staying positive requires practice, patience, and dedication. It’s a daily thing, something to be mindful of at any surprise, any traffic incident or mishandled conversation. That said, if you’re looking for a few ways to practice positivity and wellness while we wait out the rest of these things, here’s a short list of ways to keep your head up, whether you’ve got a mask on it or not.

• Gratitude – Seems simple enough, right? Just list off the things you’re grateful for. Write them down, use the notes on your phone – whatever works. They don’t have to be super detailed either. Grateful for having a furry friend, roof over your head, food in the pantry, friends and family? Perfect. Remind yourself every morning or night of the things that make your life abundant and worth living. It’ll remind you that even those times are uncertain, your foundation is strong.
• Perspective – The Spanish Flu was over one hundred years ago. Imagine what it must’ve been like without our advances in medical science and technology. Sure, you may not be able to travel, but you can video chat with your loved ones. You can fill your free time with video music lessons or eBooks and audiobooks. You can stream pretty much any movie or TV show. You can enroll in school and pursue a degree at any level. None of these things were possible during the Spanish Flu pandemic, and they still soldiered on.
• Check in on Your People – Let your loved ones know you’re thinking about them. Chances are they’re worried about you, too. Normalize letting people know you care and that you’re there for them, no matter what. You’ll get the same in return. Positivity and wellness is a team-effort. The stronger your team, the stronger your outcome.
• Fitness and Health – Health is relative. That is to say, mental health, physical health, and spiritual health are interconnected. Eat right, workout, practice your beliefs and you’ll find it much easier to be well. You don’t need crazy gym equipment or any of that, just a desire to overcome and feel great doing it.

Bringing it all Together

Everyone gets to have “one of those days”. You know the kind. Nothing goes right. It feels like the whole world is out to get you. The pandemic is seemingly endless. But remember, it will end. And we will get back to what we used to know as life. If anything, perhaps this endeavor will remind us all to be a little more kind, practice a little more gratitude, live with more empathy, and never take for granted our moments. They are finite.