Many Questions, Uncertain Answers
With all that is going on in the world, including natural disasters such as bush-fires and floods to the global wide pandemic of COVID-19, have you noticed how easy it is to feel anxious in times of crisis and uncertainty?
These types of events have a direct impact on biological, psychological and economic paths. Currently, the global population is facing a serious psychological impact, with low morale, underlying anxiety and increased isolation as human connection and freedom to travel are being heavily limited.
Social distancing doesn’t mean social isolation
Most importantly, we should follow the health recommendations of washing hands, avoiding contact and social distancing. We can’t ignore the medical risks of spreading this virus further. On the other hand, we would be foolish to ignore the sociological threats of isolation.
Maintaining some semblance of human interaction is important to our mental health and self care. The good news in all of this, we aren’t fated to wither in social isolation. There are proactive steps we can take to gather and preserve our community and social relationships.
First, we can be kind to ourselves and those around us. Don’t waste the opportunity to give a smile. Those tiny moments can have a lasting impact on how we feel.
Second, we can be intentional about using technology for meaningful connection. Just take one extra step to actively connect with another person each day.
Third, we can focus on increasing the quality of the time we have with others. Be purposeful and consistent with the limited moments we all share with one another.
Moreover, this is a great time to try new recipes you’ve always wanted to cook, start on spring projects such as gardening or develop a new hobby you have been interested in. There are so many more strategies to help you manage your mental health and increase your resilience as we navigate through this difficult time. Take care of yourselves, stay home and stay connected with your friends, family and coworkers.
Business, not as usual
Although it’s not business as usual, it doesn’t mean that the vast majority of us have to stop doing business. Above all, we have a duty to keep operating our businesses, to get the economy flowing and to keep our teams, customers and vendors safe.
In fact, this is precisely when we need to call upon our entrepreneurial creativity, ingenuity and community spirit to keep the wheels of commerce, industry and our societies rolling. Many great businesses have survived terrible recessions and many amazing new businesses have started during troubled times.
Find the best way to work
Most of us have a phone, a computer and an internet connection. In other words, these helpful apps can keep you connected with your colleagues, friends and family:
CHAT: Campfire, Slack, Facebook messenger
VIDEO: Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, FaceTime, Join Me
FILES & COLLABORATION: Google Docs, Dropbox, Evernote
PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Trello, Asana, Basecamp
Technology can be incredibly helpful in these situations to your keep business running, unite you with colleagues and make working at home easier. For more info, check out these tools https://skillcrush.com/blog/remote-work-tools/
