Although most of us should know by now on how to deal with the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic, anxiety levels have increased exponentially with the latest round of Movement Control Order.
Once again, we worry if we will get paid at the end of this month and if our children will be able to be educated as usual. Also, will we be able to pay our rent, car instalment or housing loan next month?
For some, it's also simply of a question of whether there'll be food on the dining table!
But, as hard as it is, you must bounce back from setbacks. I know it's tough, especially when you get repeatedly "pummelled" by a virus you know nothing much about.
The lack of cohesive strategies to effectively fight the pandemic has worsened things. It also doesn't help when there is a tremendous amount of tentativeness.
Perpetual uncertainty and U-turns seem not to be the best way to deal with this pandemic.
But ultimately, like I have said on numerous occasions previously, keep your head held up high and soldier through the difficulties.
This can only happen when you cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Your ability to recover from setbacks is what will save you finally. And the right frame of mind that fortifies you is also needed.
When there are fears and troubles, especially those that you are not responsible for, your ability to rise above the insecurities will strongly depend on your own mindset, resilience and fortitude.
It's easy to blame the government of the day. And yes, perhaps you should stand up and ask questions.
However, ultimately, you really need take ownership to solve the problem.
You have to think your way out of trouble and this is where gratitude plays a crucial role.
The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word "Gratia", which in simple terms means graciousness or grace.
Naturally when you have gratitude, you acknowledge all the good that you have received in life, regardless of whether it is tangible or not.
You will begin to understand that with gratitude as your default setting, you can connect with things that are larger than yourself. Everyone needs support, comfort, and care. How you treat them becomes so important for your own mental state of mind.
Research in psychology shows that to achieve greater happiness in life, you must need gratitude. The energy that comes from gratitude manifests itself in different ways.
When you think about the past and become thankful for the good that has happened to you, don't you simply feel happier?
And, if you maintain a hopeful attitude about the future, you are able to carry on today.
Two psychologists, Dr Robert Emmons from the University of California, and Dr Michael McCullough from the University of Miami, studied this phenomenon.
They asked one group of participants to write down only good things that they were grateful for and which had happened to them in a week.
A second group was asked to write about irritations that had displeased them while a third group was asked to write about things that had affected them, with no emphasis on whether it was positive or negative.
After 10 weeks, the group that wrote about gratitude was far more optimistic and felt better about their lives.
And more importantly, this group went to the doctor less frequently than those who focused on their aggravations!
Being grateful makes you optimistic and this is what you need, isn't it?
If you face the fears you have about the future by concentrating on the things you can be grateful for and focus on all the good things that you have around you, you will be happier.
Like me, I am sure you are ticked off with the current situation. But channel your energy correctly.
You must figure out quickly how to make ends meet, get
your family affairs in order,
make the hard decisions about what to prioritise, re-negotiate with your creditors, swallow your pride and reach out for help, if needed.
And you can do all this only if you get yourself into the right frame of mind.
Start with expressing gratitude. When you do this, scientific evidence says you will increase the neurotransmitter dopamine, your brain's own "feel good" chemical.
This increases your energy levels and turns on your brain's learning centres. It will allow you to feel more motivated and content.
This is what you need in moments of crisis like this.
So, are you grateful?