If you are like us, you are probably thinking when are you going to wake up from this wild dream where everyone and everything is impacted by COVID-19…
But if you are also like us, you can’t sleep…so you can’t wake up.
Your mind is racing about what the news will tell us next, you are wondering should you hit the grocery store for more toilet paper, then you stop to wonder is the grocery store even open, you worry about friends, family and how on earth are you going to be able to teach your child “stack math”, algebra or…yikes…trigonometry!
You think about how much you love days off from work – but to be out of work is completely different.
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During unpredictable times, when we have time to think about things, it is natural for minds to race conjuring up scenarios about the unpredictable future.
So what to do?
Tackle the predictable. Tackle what is known.
Take this time you may not have asked for, but have been afforded, to work on your “To Do” list from a business, personal and community perspective. Here are a few ideas we wanted to share with you to help you take advantage of today:
From a business perspective:
Reevaluate your training manuals, risk management plans, checklists and report templates -- Establish some if necessary
Clean-up old databases and files
Spring clean your computer software -- Does it still meet your needs? Are upgrades available? Or a less expensive programming option that can still help accomplish your goals?
Develop a strategy for how to hit the ground running when we are through this craziness
Enhance your marketing/social media plan -- How are you ensuring you stay connected to your audience? And how will you when things normalize?
From a personal perspective:
Brush up on your continuing education credit / professional development credits -- Take an online class/professional development course -- Or consider taking an online course that will help you personally diversify your skills
Clean out or spruce up your garage, closet, basement or yard
If necessary, read “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo. (Thank you, pair of socks, with a hole in the toe…thank you and good-bye.)
Read the book you have been putting off (better yet…make it a business book)
Learn a language, using an app like DuoLingo or Babbel, so you’re ready for that next vacation once we can hit the road again
Make a fort out of all the extra toilet paper you now have on hand!
Work out, meditate or do yoga -- There are a ton of good Apps available (several free!) to guide you
WRITE (don’t email) a letter to someone – don’t lose contact with others! -- Find a way to brighten both your day and theirs
Call someone! Some of our peeps are calling 10 friends a day to say hello!
From a community/wellness perspective:
Go Christmas shopping – yes in March! -- Support local businesses by purchasing gift cards online to help them make it through this tough economic period. These people are your neighbors.
Remember food banks as they will be in greater demand at this time
Facetime, Skype or video chat with your family and friends for drinks -- While you can’t be with them in person, you can still take time to share moments with them during this period
Go to church, if practicing, via video --- maintain your spiritual schedule to help maintain your spirit
Start a journal to express your thoughts on paper
Start a meditation practice. -- It’s amazing the effect of calming the mind for a few minutes at a time
It is safe to say, none of us want to be in this situation, but it does nothing to sit and ‘wish’ things were different.
Opportunity exists for us to grow, develop and improve during this period – if we wake up to reality and seize what we can right before us.