During this coronavirus pandemic, it’s easy to get flustered and lose control over our narrative. The brain is wired and configured to detect a threat, emotions get involved, and panic follows. We have to remind ourselves that the world is not over, and this is only a temporary break where we can capitalize on improving our way of doing things. Having that in mind, here are six successful ways to lead yourself during a crisis.
Meditation and exercise
Be responsible for your own body and mind. A cliche repeated over and over even when we are not in a crisis; take care of yourself, exercise, meditate, do yoga, and much more. Yes, we all heard it. Yet, it takes conscious effort to maintain a routine while at home all day. Exercise and meditation keep one in balance and refocus your brain onto things that matter most. Ten minutes of physical or mindful activities make a huge difference. It rewires the mind for a more defined and positive outlook that is essential to get us out of the crisis quicker.
Identify your fear
Fear ensues when we see others panicking for their lives. The ripple of emotional waves pulls us in, and we start to lose ourselves. Practice reframing by asking this question: “Is this a legitimate tangible fear, or is this only a perception of my mind?” Reframing can be a powerful tool at this height of the crisis. By identifying and confronting your fear, instead of running away from it, you will start to gain full control of your narrative and keep a cool head on your shoulder to deal with the crisis in a smarter way.
Take advantage of virtual conferences and online resources
It is easy to let yourself slide into a cycle of eating, sleeping, and watching TV. To maintain discipline and emerge as a better and more informed individual, take advantage of virtual conferences. Start contributing and teaching something you know through Udemy, emails, Zoom, or other available resources. Such resources will help spark your creativity and get your dopamine flowing, but it enriches your life by creating values for people in need. I often hear people complain about how boring it is to stay at home; it’s only so if you don’t actively engage yourself to “make” things happen.
Gain control of your narrative
Restrain yourself from small talks or petty gossips as this stirs up low-level emotions. It’s easy to point the fingers to others for the spread of the pandemic. Instead, this should be the critical time we focus on building the fortress together to get through the crisis. Stray away from the negative talks and self-talks. Instead, focus on a more productive conversation such as helping clients, generating ideas to keep businesses going, and encouraging people to achieve balance in mental health.
Write to connect and inspire
People have been switching to virtual meetups and concerts. One way to empower others through this tough time is to pour your heart out on the page. Your story has a commanding presence. Tell your own and how you get through a time of crisis. Writing inspires yourself and others. It clarifies your thoughts, boosts your creativity, and preserves the unique memories you made during this period. People often gain exclusive insights from their struggles, and writing helps them spread the message and garners empathy from their community.
Spend time with loved ones
Many of us go through life busy with our own making; thus, this is a perfect opportunity to reconnect with your family and friends. I am currently staying with my mom and daughter, and I feel grateful every day. There is a sense of relief to know that my family is alive and well. You don’t have to be a food delivery person or a doctor to make an impact on someone’s life, start from within those around you. Bring little joy to your grandparent, who lives alone on the other side of the state. Be there and stay present for them because this is the time they need you the most.
Coronavirus is undeniably a shock to the global economy, families, and individuals, but it doesn’t have to be all darkness. Our high rising emotion tends to lean towards the worst when it comes to pandemics. However, it doesn’t have to be if we do our part to keep ourselves in check. A time of crisis is an opportunity to reprogram yourself and change how you operate every day — hopefully for the better. Capitalize on what’s available with less worry about scarcity, but with a sense of urgency to emerge more robust, and more creative when the crisis comes to an end.