Developing a Surplus Mentality in COVID-19

May 18, 2020

COVID-19 has created a general scarcity mentality. For several weeks, stockpiling became the norm, causing shortages of hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, and yes—toilet paper. But a scarcity mindset can be detrimental to your health and happiness. So how do you combat a scarcity mindset and develop a surplus mentality during COVID-19? Try these tips:

Purge Possessions

Sometimes you have to let go of some of the things in your life to realize how much you have. While you’re spending a lot of time at home, take some time to evaluate your possessions, and let go of those things that are no longer useful or meaningful in your life.

Delay Gratification

We live in a society of instant gratification. But delaying purchases and other impulses can have huge benefits for your mental health. Often you’ll find that after some time passes you don’t really need what you thought you did—you have enough after all.

Give to Others

When you do something for someone else, it increases your own sense of gratitude. Giving to someone else—whether you’re offering time, money, or other resources—teaches you that you have enough and to spare, and can help you develop a surplus mentality.

Express Gratitude

Similarly, expressing gratitude helps you to focus on the positive. By paying attention to the good things others contribute and thanking them for what they do, you can have a feeling of greater abundance.

Developing a surplus mentality is possible even in times of uncertainty. By focusing on what you have, looking outward to how you can help others, and increasing your sense of gratitude, you can foster a surplus mentality that will boost your health and happiness during COVID-19 and beyond.

See more posts in this category