Spring Break Resets Against the Mindset Virus
Work hard, play hard ... right? Vacations are experiences most everyone looks forward to this time of year. They help motivate us to work hard and provide the necessary breaks we need from the long winter months. The pandemic has slowed down travel, and many have missed out on family vacations, holiday trips and celebrations, leaving families drained and irritated. I am a big fan of travel as it opens up our worlds to diverse people, food and culture that we often lack in our small personal experiences. Getting away from our daily responsibilities gives us renewed energy to face the stresses we experience on a daily basis.
Reflecting on the past year, we have all likely experienced cancelled trips, less get-togethers with friends and family, and an absence of large, fun group events that in the past have brought us joy. It’s easy to spot what we have lost in the last year. Can we pivot to focus on what we have gained and what these losses have taught us?
If you are an introvert, you may have enjoyed the less hugging and more social distance from people. If you are an extrovert, you may be missing out on activities that once energized you for the long and busy work week. I often hear the question: “Will we ever get back to life as normal?” I don’t know the answer to that. What our new normal will be is uncertain to say the least. Do we need that certainty of things being exactly the way they were before? Or can we lean into whatever situation is before us, making each experience the best it can be with the right mindset?
All in all, I think the pandemic has encouraged people to find creative ways to connect with other people in their lives. Virtual sites are now a part of the average person’s experience. As for me, I can maneuver through electronic devices more skillfully, which was quite a challenge at first. Without the pandemic, I likely would have resisted this and avoided learning these needed skills. I observe others around me sharing appreciation for being able to see co-workers and family members in person and a new appreciation for solitude. Let me ask you this: Will you be more angry or more grateful when life becomes safer? This outcome is a choice of the mindset you choose.
One of the things COVID has not taken from us is our capacity to be resilient. Resilience involves a mindset of bouncing back from a negative experience. It guards us against complaining, venting and getting stuck in what is going wrong rather than what is going right. When it comes to resilience, there are six areas that demonstrate a person’s success with bouncing back from adversity. These areas include:
Having a growth mindset — identifying learning from negative situations
Emotional intelligence skills — awareness and regulation of self and others
Community connection — serving others in some capacity
Self-expression through creativity (writing, talking or expression through arts)
Embodiment — mindful awareness of how your body manages stress
Understanding and focusing on choices within your control
These pillars of resilience can help nurture your overall well-being, bringing new skills and energy to your tough days ahead! I am always telling my clients that either you manage a difficult situation or it manages you.
What if you looked for new ways to “get away?” I am not opposed to those who travel, even in these uncertain times. But if you can’t, what will be your Plan B? This spring break, find a way to fill your emotional bucket by doing things that bring you energy and joy. This might include developing a skill you’ve always wanted to learn or doing a service project to make your community a better place. Any experience that fills you up emotionally can be a mind vacation to help you regain a productive mindset. Make a list of your “mind vacation” activities for when you need them.
Be careful of the circles you keep, as misery can spread like a virus based on who and what you give energy to, especially in your challenging moments. You can’t control the coronavirus, but you certainly can control your mindset viruses!
Ask yourself these reflection questions:
What negativity do I attach to throughout my day? Who and what am I giving energy to?
How would my best self manage this difficult situation?
What do my “mind vacation” resets look like and when do I need to use them?
What do I want to spread to others around me when they are having a bad day?
I challenge you to pivot your virus thinking away from the emotional triggers that send you spiraling. Retrain your mindset toward the opportunities that come from those difficulties. Develop mind vacations when you need them so that you stay in your best self. When you do, you spread patience, peacefulness, kindness and hope. Isn’t that more helpful than adding to the negativity that is already around us? I am not letting negativity take hold of me. I choose to be resilient, taking the challenge to live creatively in my best self.
Will you do the same?