For the past 12 days, due to COVID-19 situation, I've been working from home. It has been challenging, and I had to make a few adjustments. I am trying my best to keep to my routine to create some normals. According to James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, "In times of uncertainty, your habits can ground you."
Earlier this month, I wrote 6 Steps to Help Prepare your Business. So far, I've seen in our local business community sharing clear communications, trained and informed their staff, create plans for moving forward, and encourage staff to work from home; a job well done.
While some businesses are ready and continue to be proactive, most companies still have some challenges. Nobody knew the extent to which our communities would be impacted by Covid-19, and the immediate reaction has shifted us to what I consider to be pulling the rabbit out of a hat; nevertheless, our creativity shines.
During this crisis, while our physical wellbeing is necessary, our mental health is also essential. Information about Covid-19 is continuously being circulated. I believe to-date, it is the most used word this year. And it has already been used 5 times in this article (don't go counting lol), I've limited the use of the word.
Over the last 3 weeks, I've taken the following steps to help with my mental health during this crisis, and I hope it may help you too:
Filter emails: I applied a filter to my email that contained the word 'covid-19' and 'virus' to a specific folder. I also mark the emails as read. I only look at these emails at set intervals during the day.
Disconnect from the news: I believe the news about the virus doesn't change. The news continues to speak on the increase in the number of cases, action government and other agencies are taking and advocating for actions to protect your friends and family (STAY AT HOME, Wash hands). I simply stay away from listening to the news now.
Limit Social Media: I refrain or limit the use of social media. I currently only hang out on LinkedIn and Twitter. Facebook is overwhelming, and I wish I could disable WhatsApp Status. I'll have to get into the habit of not checking it.
Limit conversation about the virus: I have little or no conversation about the virus. I don't participate.
Watch Movies/ Series: I spend a couple of days watching or rewatching some of my favourite films and movies. So far, I've rewatched all the Avengers movies and I'm now catching up on The Good Doctor, The Flash, Arrow, Super Girl, The Legends of Tomorrow. Discussion about movies and series are good converstations to have, especially around this time.
Take a short walk and enjoy nature: Where I live has a small number of houses. During the day, I take a short walk through the bushes. It helps to clear my head and gives me an evident appreciation of all of God's blessings.
I hope these tips can help you get through this. In the meantime, please be kind to each other. Be safe. Be generous to each other. Be patient with each other. We'll get through this together.