There are so many opinions, viewpoints, theories and sources of information out there at the moment. So much news, so many songs, blogs, and memes … and, like every conversation I have had in the last few days, they all center around one thing – the Coronavirus.
We are all feeling uncertain and somewhat afraid. The situation in each country changes day by day as we hear about numbers rising and new policies, rules and restrictions being put in place. At any moment we may be placed into quarantine or our businesses forced to close. We don’t know how long the situation will continue, and how long our businesses will be impacted.
However, there are so many things over which we do have control, the first being our personal response to the situation.
Follow Guidelines
The first thing we can do is to follow the health guidelines set in place by our government and the World Health Organisation.
Set and enforce these guidelines in your home and workplace. Educate yourself on how you can keep yourself, your staff and your clients at the lowest possible risk, and make sure that everyone is on the same page.
Control Your News Intake
Make sure you limit the information and news you are taking in to a reasonable amount, and to credible sources. Don’t get stuck on social media and the news channel, consuming interviews and questions and theories for hours every day. Choose a credible resource and keep yourself informed. Take control of the news you ingest, instead of letting the news control you.
Be Proactive, not Reactive
The reality is that forced shutdowns and weeks of no work and no income put small businesses at great risk. But in every challenge, there is also opportunity. As a business owner and as an employee, each of us can actively seek out opportunities in this scenario.
Consider ways that you can redirect your time and resources into long-term growth for your business, instead of just taking an enforced holiday.
You still have clients, and your clients still have needs. Be creative with how you continue to serve them and meet their needs.
Use this time to build into your business, and you will hit the ground running when the time comes to start up again, instead of trying to pick up the pieces when it might be too late.
As an employee, realise the weight of no income coming into the practice and be creative and forthcoming with ways in which you can make a difference. What new roles and tasks can you fulfill during this time? You can continue to keep the business afloat by serving in novel ways. Discuss some ideas with your employer. Megan has put together a Business Survival Guide for Covid-19 with some great ideas and advice. You can download it here.
Your wellbeing
Make sure you prioritise your health and wellbeing. This means support and boost your immune system through what you eat, drink and do.
Eat healthily and well, with plenty of fresh fruits and veg. Add ginger, garlic, turmeric and avocado to your diet, and avoid sugars.
Get enough rest and sleep. Too little sleep will compromise your immune system and your ability to control your thoughts and decisions. A lack of sleep will add to your stress and reduce your immunity.
Keep exercising. Go for walks or runs with your dogs and get some fresh air while you’re at it. Nothing helps clear the mind and boost your body like a bit of exercise!
Direct your thinking
Focus on the things you can do instead of what you can’t, and do everything you can to direct your thinking in a positive and constructive direction. Instead of allowing negative thoughts to run havoc, redirect a thought that identifies a problem into a thought that finds a solution or an answer. Address your fears instead of allowing them to control you.
The more we feed into our fear, anxiety, worry, and stress, the more susceptible we make ourselves as we lower our immunity and our ability to function. The most important thing you can do is to control your thinking and your attitude towards the situation we all find ourselves in.
Contribute Instead of Consuming
Let’s find ways to contribute and give back to our communities right now. There has never been a more important time for us to find ways to give and to meet the needs around us. In doing so, always focus on your purpose and not on the response of others. There is no judgment in this space. You may find yourself in a situation where you can meet a need that someone else has walked away from because of their fear and uncertainty. Avoid judging. Just focus on what you can do, instead of on what others are or are not doing.
Let us know in the comments how you are taking control of your situation, how you are contributing to your community, and how you are adapting to continue to serve your clients and patients.
Or better yet, join Megan live tomorrow evening (Friday 20 March) to brainstorm and share your ideas and experiences in this time, with likeminded and affected individuals. Grab yourself a cup of coffee at 5PM GMT+2 and join Meg and fellow vetrehabbers here.
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