Boost Your Mood After Postponing A Special Event
Due to the uncertainties of our current situation created by the Coronavirus pandemic, many people such as, moms-to-be, brides and grooms, graduates, and high school seniors are faced with the difficult decision to postpone their special occasions. Just like the many couples out there, my fiancé and I have also had to make the heartbreaking decision to postpone our original wedding date, for the health and safety of our guests. While making this decision, and playing out every possible scenario, I began to notice how, at certain times, it was hard for my fiancé and I not to sound a little selfish. Followed by a second wave of guilt.
After doing some research, I found that I am not alone. In fact many people feel guilty about expressing their intimate feelings with others in fear of being perceived as inconsiderate during the pandemic (Hendel, 2018). As a (future) healthcare professional, I cannot ignore what’s happening all over the world, but I also cannot ignore the stigma behind the deteriorating emotional and psychosocial well-being of others during this trying time.
I recently came across an article online, published by my local newspaper about some high school seniors having to cancel their prom. After reading various comments, I was disheartened to see my fellow community members being so insensitive and lacking empathy. Many comments were negatively aimed at the high school students, labeling them as inconsiderate and ignorant towards bigger issues going on. While it is important to temporarily cancel these events, it is also important to acknowledge the impact on our mental health!
“Ignoring our emotions can lead to secondary symptoms like anxiety and depression”
Psychotherapist Hilary Jacobs Hendel, wrote in a Time article that there are a multitude of ways to avoid confronting our feelings by suppressing them with long-learned mantras such as “mind-over-matter.” The truth is, ignoring our emotions can lead to secondary symptoms like anxiety and depression. However, when people are given guidance on how to properly internalize and navigate their emotions, they can begin to work towards a more positive well-being. If you’re feeling any of these emotions arise while reading, know that you are most certainly not alone!
Below I have provided 10 strategies I’ve used for improving my mood and staying positive while trying to make difficult decisions amidst the pandemic.
1. Make a plan. Make a plan of action that will get you back on track to where you want to be! Consider designing a website to update friends and family on event details and rsvp options. This is an informative and cost-effective option, and something that you can always go back to view when you’re feeling down!
2. Create a ‘pros’ list. Find the silver lining in postponing your event; maybe this gives you an opportunity to save more money, tackle those DIY projects, or select a venue or vendor that wasn’t initially available for your original date. Remember, there is always something positive to be found in any situation!
3. Ask for help. It can be overwhelming to re-plan your event and coordinate a new date with the same vendors, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether you ask a friend, bridesmaids, or hire an event planner, it is OK to not be OK!
4. Journaling. I’d say this is the most difficult process to get started but also the most rewarding. It’s normal to experience a range of emotions during this difficult time but try to think of how blessed you are and all that you have to be grateful for. The beautiful thing about journaling is that you can express yourself however you choose, but try not to dwell on these emotions. End your journaling session by writing 3 things that you’re grateful for!
5. Stay organized. This one is key to your success and your sanity. Stay focused on what you can control by writing down all the things you have to do. You can write it in a list format or keep it in a calendar; however you decide to stay organized try to make peace with the change of your original date.
6. Exercise. During our quarantine time, take advantage of all the free online classes — yoga, Pilates, kickboxing etc.! Whether you use YouTube, or you seek your favourite studios (online) from anywhere in the world, it seems everyone in the fitness industry has really come together to provide unique at home workouts for our benefit! Under my classes tab, I have also begun posting short 20 min yoga sessions.
7. Practice mindfulness & meditate. This involves concentration, meditation, and quieting of the mind. Although there are many different forms of meditation; one central theme is stillness — experienced in both the mind and body. Find a comfortable seated position (in a chair or on the floor) and close your eyes. You can set a timer or listen to a guided meditation; and for those few moments try to focus only on your breathing. Another great tip is to repeat positive affirmations to yourself. I currently use an amazing app, Headspace, that guides you through meditations and sends notifications of “Mindful moments” to my phone throughout the day!
8. Create a vision board. Have fun creating a vision board that will help you to keep things into perspective. You can include images, quotes, drawings, etc. Remember, whatever event you had to postpone was probably a huge accomplishment, make sure you acknowledge that on your vision board!
9. Create a playlist. It’s no wonder that creating a happiness playlist is a great way to give yourself a mood boost or pick-me-up. Whether you use Apple music or Spotify, find or create a playlist that will get you thinking that you actually could be the next Celine Dion! Music therapy has been shown to improve our mental health, boosting mood, self-esteem, and quality of life; and reducing feelings of anxiety and depression.
10. CELEBRATE DAY OF ORIGINAL EVENT! FaceTime with friends, enjoy time with family, or throw a one person parade around your neighborhood! Whatever you decide to do, acknowledge your milestone. Remember, YOU DESERVE THIS, so instead of thinking what could have been, start thinking about ALL that can be!
I hope this inspires anyone who may be facing or have already made these weighty decisions. Let’s encourage one another by sharing your story below and building one another up with kindness and support. 💕
Thank you for reading!
Cass
Reference:
Hendel, H.J. (2018). Ignoring Your Emotions Is Bad for Your Health. Here's What to Do About It. TIME. Retrieved from https://time.com/5163576/ignoring-your-emotions-bad-for-your-health/
Wang, S. Agius, M. (2018). The use of Music Therapy in the treatment of Mental Illness and the enhancement of Societal Wellbeing. Psychiatria Danubina 30(7), 595-600. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30439854