When your energy and enthusiasm are flagging, what you need is a boost! Here is your Lockdown List for Health & Happiness!
1. Check your money
Work out the truth. How bad or good are your business and personal finances right now? Plan for being in lock-down for at least four months and then work out what that means to the money you have in your savings, cash-flow or potential earnings. Then make a plan.
2. Have a support system
Be supportive to friends and family and take support from them. We’re all in this together.
3. Build a routine of work and relaxation
Get up, get dressed and work every working day that you always did before the lock-down. Get into a routine. But it doesn’t have to be as long as it used to be. A few hours of quality work where you’re focused and productive will do. Then relax, chill, take exercise, enjoy hobbies.
4. Limit your news intake
Check the news once a day, maybe first thing in the morning. It’s on repeat and it’s draining. Get the basics every day, but then get on with your life. You still have it.
5. Spend time with your kids and your pets
With regard to kids – if they’re in lock-down with you, make sure you plan routines for them to and spent quality, creative, hobby or fun time with them too. If they’re grown-up kids, then agree and share this time together. With regard to pets, they’re a life-line and support function – so spend time with them too – every day.
6. Be grateful
There are others who are worse off than you and don’t have your potential or personal power. Remember to do your best with what you’ve got. Thank the universe every day for having the chance to do something great.
7. Let your emotions out
Laugh, cry, sing, dance, play, be happy. Don’t feel guilty if you laugh at a meme or silly video. Allow your emotions to be seen and heard. Do your best to have positive emotions such as love and laughter. They are a tonic for you and others.
8. Know that even this will pass
My half-Russian father used to say this. If he were alive today, he’d tell me of the millions who died in WWI and WWII and of the more than 3,000 who died in one day during 9/11. As humans, we are resilient, compassionate, caring and courageous. Here’s your chance to be the best you – you will get through this.
9. Help other people
No need to be a hero or heroine. However, you can telephone or video conference friends, family, neighbours or others that might need emotional support, or someone to get their groceries or medicines. And helping others will bring its own reward.
10. Stop being afraid or guilty
The best hack comes from Alan Weiss; famous US consultant. He says “Most of all, stop being afraid and stop feeling guilty…We will resume our lives and businesses, hopefully somewhat wiser and kinder. The question is never about what’s happened to us. The question is always about what we’re going to do about it.” So true.
