7 Strategies for Coping with the COVID-19 Pandemic

Many areas of the world are currently at war with an army of microscopic knobby little balls known as COVID-19 or the novel coronavirus. Like all viruses, we can’t see them but know that they can create a devastating effect. We know that people in our own communities can be carriers and distributors of COVID-19 (and other more well-known viruses too) without even knowing they are doing so. 

Though closures, cancellations, and social distancing precautions can seem overblown way out of proportion to the severity of the situation, if we wait until the infection rate is high enough to convince everyone that precautions are needed, it will be too late to slow the spread to a level that our health care system can manage.

We see and feel the normal human responses to a crisis. We are afraid because we can’t for sure know how this will turn out. We are angry because we feel a loss of control over things that are essential parts of our daily routines. We have been kicked out of our comfort zones even though the great majority of us feel fine. 

We have been asked to give to people we don’t even know. To give up our freedom so that grandmas and grandpas don’t die yet. To give up our sporting events and conferences so that collectively we can spare an unknown number of lives that would have been ended too soon by this virus that we can’t see. In many cases, to give up our livelihoods for a time, as cruises and flights are cancelled, theme parks close, and restaurants and bars are empty. To give up the social contact of work and school and figure out how to accomplish our tasks and support education of our young people while at home because of an invisible storm. It’s a lot to take.

Here are 7 strategies for coping with the COVID-19 pandemic.  

1. Realize that this pandemic will pass. 
   While we don’t know for sure how long virus containment efforts will be needed, it will for sure be a finite amount of time. This particular crisis will come to an end.
2. Stay educated but don’t panic.
   Keep informed but don’t let the knowledge of what’s going on lead you to take actions that you may regret later. If you don’t have to stop investing in your business, then don’t. If you don’t have to sell investments at a loss, don’t. Stay upbeat and ride out this virus storm as calmly as you can. Precautionary measures in response to data and science is not panic. Responding to precautionary measures by hoarding, withdrawing all your cash from the bank, firing all your employees, and shutting your business down when you don’t have to are examples of panic and will call forth more panic, hurting everyone. 
3. Trust in others that we are all trying to do the best we can.
   At this challenging time, resolve to be patient with others as we cope with new situations. Social distancing may, paradoxically, mean that you are spending your days with more people than before, as children and adults do their respective work online from home. Tempers may flare up. Technology may fail to cooperate. Deadlines may need to be extended. Various Plans B (or C or D) may need to be adopted. Many of us will be navigating uncharted territory. Give people the benefit of the doubt whenever you can. 
4. Keep focused on your goals.
   It is easy to use COVID-19 as reason to abandon your targets and water down your goals. Instead, be a creative problem-solver and see if you can find new ways to adapt, and new efficiencies in your systems. If you find that you have extra time that you would normally spend commuting or in group meetings, then use that time to invest in your business and yourself. Now is a great time to catch up on your professional education, which might lead to new ventures in time.
5. As much as you can, support your local community and economy
   Take recommended precautions, but continue to patronize local businesses whenever you can. You might be surprised at the number of restaurants that offer their menu items for take-out. Check in on neighbors and friends to see how they are doing and if they could use help. Those who are especially vulnerable to COVID-19  may appreciate help with getting food and medicine brought to them so they don’t have to go out. 
6. Use this as an opportunity
   With every crisis there are hidden positives. Cancellations may present you with more time to spend with family. Overseeing online classes may require you to be more involved with what your kids are learning, which may turn out to be beneficial for them and for your relationship. You may be pushed out of your comfort zone as you practice video conferencing. You may think of a new pivot for your business which you might not have otherwise. Keep an open mind and try to be grateful for new experiences.
7. If you are ill, take it seriously and take care of yourself
   Do you ever read a list of symptoms for almost any ailment and suddenly feel like you are dying? Well, don’t do that. Sometimes a little cough is just a little cough. But if you have a fever and other disturbing symptoms, do get checked out and take care of yourself. Please observe the recommended quarantining measures to avoid prolonging this crisis for yourself and others. 

Hang in there. One day probably not too far in the future we will look back on these remarkable times with wonder and awe, surprised at ourselves and our neighbors that we not only survived but rose to the occasion with grace and good will. Be that person now that you will be proud to have been.