3 steps to Resilience in a pandemic crisis *
- Safety first – stop, secure essentials, connect, protect
- Mind-set adjustments – how do I really feel about this situation, slowing down, managing anxiety, things really have changed
- Create your new normal– start to look at new and healthy routines, check out opportunities, resilient re-wiring of the brain is happening, there is hope
Safety first
In a crisis establishing security is the priority. In the UK a few weeks into the Covid-19 crisis, most of you will have done something to secure the essentials. This would be food, following government guidelines, connecting to loved ones and friends whilst in isolation, protecting those who need to be protected most and of course looking after yourself.
Take a moment to congratulate yourself on taking those steps. The way you responded is a testament to your existing resilience.
Don’t expect yourself to be as productive as usual. It’s important, if you haven’t done so already, to allow yourself time to make the mental shift to the next stage.
Mind-set adjustments
In this stage really give yourself time to feel your emotions, the full range of them. Shock, grief, fear, confusion, anger, overwhelm, depression, anxiety, excitement, wonder, relief, appreciation in waves and bouts. You will become aware that things really have changed. Allow yourself time to adjust, rather than giving in to the pressure to be super productive all the time, right now. If your work is on “the frontline”, at least build in and take breaks.
The world has changed. You may have already glimpsed some of the beauty and opportunity this has brought along with and because of the chaos and breakdown. Be slow, go deep. Human and global transformations and connections are underway.
Create your new normal
As you begin to accept the new conditions, you can start to shape and make the most of them. You can learn ways to get the best from remote working: set a morning, midday and end of work routine; clarify personal work boundaries at home; focus on what you can control; practice ways to relax the mind; consider new opportunities and projects.
There is hope and help available
This is a good point to consider my online one-to-one Resilience Booster coaching. We will also cover skills and actions to “get the best from remote working: resilience steps in a pandemic crisis” a live-online programme and small group sessions.
(*adapted from the article “why you should ignore all that coronavirus – inspired productivity pressure” by Aisha Ahmad, assistant professor of political science at the University of Toronto)
Contact: Shamshad Khan poet/writer and Resilience Coach Shamshadkhan27@gmail.com mobile: 07786816173. www.Shamshadkhan.co.uk