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CAMARILLO — It’s been less than a week since California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered a “stay at home” mandate for the almost 40 million residents in the state. The realization that our social and work lives have dramatically changed from only a few weeks ago is beginning to sink in.
“Pessimism is rampant in the world today, with good reason,” says Camarillo-based Dr. Noelle Nelson, author of Power of Appreciation and Happy Healthy…Dead. “Our health and our financial well-being are severely at risk. Surely, there is nothing to be optimistic about. Yet, optimism is exactly what we need for our mind and our body at this moment. ”
Nelson notes, the best personal protection we all have against the potential ravages of COVID-19 (along with following the safety directives of government and health officials), is a strong immune system.
“Studies have shown us repeatedly that optimists have stronger immune systems than those who don’t have an optimistic outlook. Strengthening our immune system is our body’s defense against disease,” says Nelson. “We already know that the coronavirus is deadliest among those with compromised or weakened immune systems. Maintaining and developing a strong immune system can go a long way toward our staying healthy.”
If you’re not a natural-born optimist, Nelson suggests two steps to get you on track during these tough times.
Institute A 5-Minute Pity Party. A 5-Minute Pity Party is where you acknowledge your frustration over the aspects of your life that have been negatively affected by the coronavirus. You’ve lost your job, you’re struggling with homeschooling your kids or you’re mourning the complete shutdown of your social life. “Whatever the reason or reasons,” says Nelson, “it’s time to release your anguish. Get it out of your system (i.e., rant, rave, cry) safely and privately; once your five minutes are up, move to step two.”
Value What You Can Today. Look around you. What can you appreciate about your life right here, right now? You say “nothing?” “There is still plenty to appreciate. It can be as simple as appreciating the roof over your head or you’re in good health. Continue to look for other reasons to appreciate. Be genuine. By doing so, these thoughts of appreciation will have a dramatic, positive impact on your immune system,” suggests Nelson
“Optimism isn’t a cure-all. Yet in every crisis, there is opportunity for new growth and new inspiration when seen with an optimistic eye,” says Nelson. “Let’s keep our moments of dark despair as brief as possible and amp up our times of appreciation. If we do, we’ll come out of this challenging situation stronger and better than ever.”