how to thrive in this war - part 2
5. Connect with your loved ones: Don’t let social isolation take a toll on you. Reach out to your family members, friends and neighbors via phone or digitally to offer them support, share how you’re doing and exchange anecdotes and stories so that you remain connected and not feel alone.
6. Unleash your creativity: Transform this enforced quietude to an opportunity to focus on brave and beautiful creativity. Spend time on creating that masterpiece. Pour your heart and soul into your passion project. The great artists, innovators, and entrepreneurs used their suffering and isolation to produce exceptional products and works of art. You can do that too. Work on that book, start that podcast, create those paintings, the world is waiting to receive your gifts.
7. Get in touch with stillness: As we encounter these uncertain and challenging times, it’s best to detach from the outer world for a short time and focus inward. As Marcus Aurelius pointed out, the true retreat is within us and we always have access to it. We all have the choice to experience serenity and stillness, right here right now. Do activities that get you in that peaceful state; both meditation and praying can be greatly beneficial in this regard. Just close your eyes and focus on your breath going in and out. Play a guided meditation or some soothing music and tune out the world. Turn off the devices around you and discover the calm within you. Once you become a spectator of your inner world, you attain peace and happiness. Alternatively, you can spend some time in proximity to nature. If you have access to a forest, beach or a mountain where you can maintain social distancing (even a home garden works), go there for a brief time. Experience the beauty and tranquility of nature, and let it invigorate and heal you.
8. Stay away from sources of negativity: We are most influenced by the people that we associate with. Through the scientific phenomenon of emotional contagion, we start adopting the traits of the people we spend time with. That’s why it’s really important our social circle is enriched with people who are examples of mastery, leadership, courage, bravery, success and exceptionalism. We must become more deliberate with regard to the people we choose to spend our invaluable time with. So, commit to spending minimal time with energy vampires, unfollow people on social media who steal your joy, and massively cut down your news intake. Trust your instincts and pick quality over quantity as you choose your social network.