How To Think Like An Optimist During These Unique Times

by Robin Rubin, MSW | Thursday, May 14, 2020
think positive

Brene Brown uses the phrase FFT’s. I cannot tell you the real meaning….it is X-rated. The PG meaning is First Freaking Time. I am referring to the idea that for all of us, this pandemic is our FIRST ever!

So how do we handle this? Nobody has a good answer and the answer is different for everyone. What I do know for sure, is that having an optimist attitude during this time is critical.

After all, how could a pessimist attitude help us at all?

Here are my tips for thinking like an optimistic person:

  1. Recognize your thoughts and make a conscious choice to reframe a few of your negative ones . Stress during this time is unavoidable, however we can choose how we think about those stressors. An example of that would be- you lost your job. A positive spin to that would be that a better, higher paying job is on the horizon. I don’t know that for sure, but what I do know is ruminating about losing a job will not get you to the next job.

  2. Be kind to yourself and others.  This time is NOT a good time to work out kinks in relationships.  This is a good time to be flexible with others and be compassionate. We need to give ourselves a break and treat ourselves the same way we’d treat others that are going through a difficult time. Being kinder than we typically might be makes us feel better which then improves our outlook on the world.

  3. There is no time like the present to let go of any past troubles especially if it’s been years since that event happened .  We need to connect with friends and family now more than ever and it could be time to let that old “hurt” go! When we let negativity towards others “go” we also feel better and are able to look at the big picture in a positive way.

  4. Laugh … just finding something funny on the television or the internet helps us cope better with the irritations of daily life.  Laughing releases endorphins and makes us feel so much better. Laughter actually boosts the immune system and makes us healthier! Can you imagine the stories we will be telling long after this pandemic is over about the toilet paper shortage???  So, find something to laugh about and I promise your general outlook will be more optimistic!

These strategies will help you find the silver lining in this most trying time.  Might as well try them because sitting around feeling sorry for yourself can never be a good thing!

It is not easy…..and it takes practice…..however, I believe you will feel happier if you adopt some of these tips.