The ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 has turned into a threat which has negatively impacted many workplaces from around the world. Not only has the stock market crashed significantly but the health of individuals have been also been affected. While larger MNC’s are at this point of time able to mitigate the risk however, SME’s and startups in India have been left baffled and stranded with the severity of the deadly Coronavirus pandemic.
As an entrepreneur, it’s a restless and helpless zone. For someone who never ever took a break and could only breathe work, to not able to contribute or be actively involved is nothing less than a nightmare. It's not a space that one can relax as we all are standing against uncertain times and there isn't a case study that can ever help us be prepared.
The outbreak has led to morale being down as many fear for their lives. The overwhelming thoughts of staying indoors and charting out new routines in place of the existing ones can be quite challenging both physically and mentally. Here are my top three tips to stay positive and active amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.
Communicate, Communicate and Communicate!
One cannot emphasise much on the importance of communicating during this time. As employees and leaders alike are prone to being sucked into panic due to the aftereffects of the outbreak and decisions taken in order to contain the disease; it becomes essential to communicate with people. Whether you choose to speak to employees, family, clients and/or customers it very important to communicate rightly. For many employees, the actions of leaders act as a model for their behaviour in times of crisis. Hence, it important to be reassuring, positive, firm and calm in order to radiate the same positive energy to others! Entrepreneurs should take time and encourage video calls for meeting and brainstorming the next way forward to keep the communication channel transparent and open for employees. When at home one can take this opportunity to rekindle the lost communication with their family members given the competitive and complex work schedules. Apart from our family members at home and in the office. One could also take time and communicate with clients reassuring them about the brands' dedication and the trust they should have at such times with their marketing communication
Disengage from Negativity and focus on Meditation
When sitting at home and forced to be in quarantine and isolation it becomes easy to fall into the loop of overstressing on each and everything. Hence, it becomes very crucial to disengage for a while, leave the negativity out and focus on meditation in order to calm the inner being. While it becomes easy for some to practice stillness and mindfulness however for others it becomes very complicated. It can be very difficult for people to not think about stressful events occurring around us. Hence, to free the clutter of the mind and meditate one can choose to sit still and listen to soulful music for some time or choose to play with their kids. As this engaging time can bring in the much needs fun and distraction from the current situation at hand.
Practise the attitude of gratitude
During this tough time, it’s important to have a sense of gratitude and be thankful for the things we have. An awareness about all the good things is very essential especially when following a routine. Sometimes the current work and lockdown lifestyle become very platonic hence, crafting a well-thought routine is the key. While appreciating all the blessings you have, it's also essential to stop and help others who are in need of the same and share the gift of thoughtfulness and gratitude with them. There are only a few things in this big world which is powerful than the thrust of positivity. ‘A Smile and a word of optimism and the hope to recover and bounce back to your hustler routine. Which is why it's important to keep in mind that ‘You can do it’ specially when things seem tough.
