The Pandemic's Toll On Our Mental Health Is Staggering, But We Can Find Joy Everywhere Says Louise Pistole, Best Selling Author Of Discover Your Joy

    WILMINGTON, NC, November 12, 2021 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Today the headlines dramatically illustrate the breadth and scope of the ill effects brought on by the Covid 19 pandemic. It has affected our lives in many ways from stress and alcohol to exercise and child care. In fact, there is hardly any part of our lives that has gone unscathed. Furthermore, as problems continue to rise, solutions do not readily present themselves:

"…the World Health Organization (WHO) emergency committee said the pandemic is far from over, though countries are making progress in rolling out vaccines and treatments," according to an article by the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy.

The Hill states, "The pandemic has made a multi-faceted impact in our lives, which has exacerbated existing mental health issues and created new cases of depression and anxiety disorders. We have had to deal with the effects of the virus on the brain as well as the body. We endured loneliness from extended shutdowns, sheltering in place and social distancing. The loss of daily structure of our pre-pandemic lives and the insecurity we experienced in its wake. Many experienced loss of income and long-term unemployment. Sleep difficulties are more prevalent, due to overwhelming anxiety, changes in structure and increased weight. The pandemic has stressed us emotionally, physically and financially. "

NBC News has reported, "Stress from the pandemic has people struggling to make decisions large and small, with nearly a third of adults questioning even basic day-to-day choices, according to a new report.

"The American Psychological Association's "Stress in America" survey, conducted by the Harris Poll, found that 32 percent of adults are so stressed by the pandemic, they sometimes wrestle with daily tasks, such as choosing what to eat or what to wear."

Healthline.com issued a report stating, "Many people in the United States may be drinking more alcohol as a way of dealing with the stress and disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, suggest several surveys. Some may even have slipped into "gray area" drinking — that realm between healthy levels of alcohol consumption and a diagnosed alcohol use disorder."

Child care has taken a hit as reported by CBS News, "Across the country, there is a growing child care crisis. It's a crisis made worse by the pandemic and stagnant wages."

These are but a small sampling of the problems we face today. So what is the answer? Best selling author Louise Pistole offers some solutions, based on her best selling book, Discover Your Joy:

"Even though there are no magical answers to all the problems brought on by the pandemic, there are things we all can do to help ourselves and others." Pistole stated.

"Start by focusing on the good things in life. This could be family, job, hobbies, or anything that is meaningful. Read something inspirational or motivational every day. Listen to a few uplifting podcasts.

"Take time every day to go outside. Take a walk without your phone in hand or earbuds. Observe the sights and sounds around you. Soak in the sunshine and fresh air. You'll also feel better after getting some exercise.

"Try to take steps to interact with people every day. Share your story of how you or your family are doing under the circumstances. Soak in any encouragement that is offered and reciprocate as needed. Conversation and sharing offers hope to face a new day and new challenges.

"We know that consuming alcohol to deal with the stress of the pandemic will mask the problem instead of leading to a solution. But when times have been rough for so long, it's difficult to recount the reasons not to drink alcohol.

"Encourage friends/family to seek guidance before the alcohol becomes a habit. There are ways to break the cycle and find positive ways to deal with stress. Kindness and encouraging words will help people find their way out of the negativity of the pandemic.

"Phone a friend or family member for actual conversation. It's more personal than texts. You can hear their voice or their laughter. The conversation is stimulating. Encourage each other to keep moving forward.

"Get enough rest. Sign off from your electronic devices early in the evening. Use the time to read, meditate, or other quiet activities.

"Be prepared to deal with the effects of the pandemic on your life for a long time still to come. But rather than allow the pandemic to cause worry or anxiety, use some of these suggestions to move towards living a positive and joyful life."

Discover Your Joy

How does one actually live a life filled with joy? Best-selling author and motivational speaker Louise Pistole has discovered the key to doing just that. She gives us that key in her best-selling book, 'Discover Your Joy: Daily Splashes of Inspiration for Living an Abundant Life of Happiness, Blessings, and Inner Peace'. It is a book unlike any other you will ever read.

While many of us believe that happiness is found at the end of some long, arduous process, it is instead that we begin from a state of joy. Some of us have it backwards. Joy is not a reward - it is a choice. And because it is a choice, it is something over which we hold total control. That choice can be made now - today.

Many of us feel hopeless and joyless. Perhaps our intentions are out of alignment with our actions. Surprisingly we can live in joy every day of our lives, but again - it is a choice.

"I made my choice one Sunday morning about 12 years ago when my minister spoke about being joyful and watching out for joy-stealers," Pistole stated. "His message resonated with me and I began my journey to joy through reading, studying, and writing. As I began choosing joy day after day, it gradually became a habit in my life. Now my mission is to guide others to discover their own joy through these daily inspirational readings."

In Discover Your Joy, readers will:

• Enjoy daily inspiration for happiness and joyfulness,
• Learn how to live an abundant life filled with gratitude, hope, and joy,
• Discover inner peace through encouraging words,
• Discover how to become a Joy-Fanatic and enjoy one's best life.

A quick inspirational read every morning helps readers discover 'moments of joy' each day. Chock full of encouragement and motivation, readers will learn to seek and experience gratitude, hope, and true joy.

Readers and reviewers alike have praised 'Discover Your Joy'. One said, "Each page in "Discover Your Joy" is a simple and beautiful reminder that the world may not be perfect, there will always be the ups and the downs, but we have the ability to CHOOSE each day how we will use this gift we call life. I highly recommend this book!!" Another stated, "Pistole gives great insight into ways to remind us that our joy is important and to beware of "joy stealers". This book is a great way to start your mornings with a great cup of coffee and to discover your joy each and every day!"

Louise Pistole is available for media interviews and speaking engagements and can be reached using the information below or by email at [email protected]. 'Discover Your Joy: Daily Splashes of Inspiration for Living an Abundant Life of Happiness, Blessings, and Inner Peace' is available in several formats at Amazon and other book retailers. More information is available at her website at https://www.louisepistole.com.

About Louise Pistole:

Louise Pistole is a best-selling author, blogger and motivational speaker who encourages others to seek their own joy, no matter where they are on their journey through life. She and her husband reside in North Carolina.

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