pandemic

Sep

2021

Fashion Items To Buy During this Pandemic

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The fashion industry is one of the biggest hit industries by COVID-19. The lifestyle of people changed. And this in turn led to a shift in consumer buying preferences. Many fashion brands already closed stores. But this does not mean that people have stopped buying clothes altogether. There are still fashion items that are still worth your money even during a pandemic. Let’s face it. Fashion is still a part of life even though many people prefer to stay at home. So, what are the fashion items to buy during this pandemic?

1. Activewear

People used to buy activewear to work out. But almost a year and half into the pandemic, people are now using it for everyday activities from going to the grocery, ordering take-out or even just by simply lounging at home. It is now the favorite work-from-home outfit by many.

2. Flats, Sandals and Slippers

Since work-from-home is the new trend, there has been a shift to casual dressing. Dress shoes, heels and stilettos are now taking a back sit as people prefer wearing comfortable footwear. Flat heels, sandals, slip ons and of course the slippers are now the fashion essentials when it comes to footwear.

3. Masks

Whether vaccinated or not, masks offer an added layer of protection in the new normal. Yes, you can choose to wear a regular surgical mask but you can also opt to use the face mask as a statement piece. By choosing to wear a non-disposable mask, you are not only making yourself fashionable but also doing your share in helping the environment.

4. Sleepwear

Gone were the days where sleep wears are used solely for sleeping. Thanks to the pandemic, pajamas and other forms of sleepwear have been part of the new normal. What was used to be considered a luxury item has now become an essential item as more and more people use pajamas at home.

5. Sling Bags

Aside from wearing face masks, a hand sanitizer has become an essential item in the new normal. Because of this, we need to have a type of bag wherein we can easily access our hand sanitizer, tissue or wallet without touching too many surfaces. Sling bags are the perfect accessories. They are practical, ergonomic and user-friendly.

6. White Sneakers

A pair of white sneakers is one of the must-have items in any person’s closet. It is chic, simple, classic and goes well with anything. It is a closet staple for every fashionable celebrity, fashion icon and stylish person. During this pandemic where people prefer wearing casual clothes, the white sneakers are your go-to shoes.

7. Zoom Tops

With so many travel restrictions in place, video conferencing has been the new norm. Companies now resort to virtual meetings. However, as much as we are comfortable with our pajamas and loungewear, they do not exactly complete our “professional image”. Thus, we need tops that will give us that polish and professional look yet at the same time comfortable enough to wear at home.

Feature Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

Aug

2021

Ways to Help Others During This Pandemic

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Nowadays, it is so difficult not to absorb all the negativities happening around. It is easy to feel sad, scared and lonely. How to stay sane during this pandemic? Change your focus. What you focus on determines your reality. Instead of focusing on yourself and what you have lost because of the pandemic, shift your energy on how you can help others. Helping others is not just for the benefit of other people, it is all about you too. It gives you a sense of purpose. It improves your mood. In addition, It builds self-confidence and increases feelings of competence and satisfaction. At the end of the day, it makes you a happier, healthier and better person. So, what are the ways to help others during this pandemic?

1.Follow Protocols for the New Normal

Let’s face it, we now live in a new world. In the new normal, cleanliness is the new cool. It is easy to become infected and at the same time infect others if we will not adhere to the etiquette rules for the new normal. Remember to always wash your hands. Wear your face masks. Practice social and physical distancing. Stay at home if you are not feeling well. Learn to protect yourself and others.

2. Donate

If you are one of those fortunate few who have more than enough money in your pockets, do provide financial assistance to those in need. Many people are dying. Millions lost their means of livelihood. Millions more are dying of hunger. Your financial contribution will greatly help a lot of people in need.

3. Volunteer

Depending on your skills, you can volunteer to help those in need. For example, if you have medical expertise, you can help in the vaccination drive. If you are good at counseling, you can volunteer to become a crisis counsellor.

4. Spread Positivity

Are you the type of person who loves forwarding messages and news to friends? Before you do that, ask yourself first; what kind of information are you spreading? Did you verify the source? Verify if it is not fake news. What will be the effect of this piece of information to others? I suggest you do the Four-Way Test of Rotary Clubs.

Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and better friendships?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

If one item is not satisfied, don’t bother sharing it with others. Remember that many people are scared, sad and fearful. Don’t be a source of more negative feelings for others.

5. Check on Other People

Call your family, friends and neighbors. Check on them. Ask them how they are doing. Be a source of inspiration or simply listen to what they have to say. What is important is making other people feel that you are there for them.

6. Take Care of Yourself

Self-care is important now more than ever. And it is not just about physical wellness but emotional wellness as well. Love yourself. Only by truly loving yourself and taking care of yourself will you be able to truly love and help others. You will not be a toxic person to others if you yourself is healthy and happy.

Feature Image by Sasin Tipchai from Pixabay

Dec

2020

The Year in Recap: Life Lessons from 2020

Reading Time: 3 minutes

It is almost the end of the year. Many people are eager to have 2020 done and over with. That’s not surprising considering the fact that 2020 has been an exhausting and overwhelming year for most of us. But before we chase the remaining few days of the year, why not look back and take a look at the year in recap and learn some of the valuable life lessons from 2020. The following top articles of the year is a reflection of what transpired during the year and the general sentiment of the readers.

1.Cherish Your Loved Ones While You Still Can

As of this writing, more than 1.76 million people around the world had already lost their lives because of COVID-19. This means that many people lost their loved ones because of this pandemic. Most of the time, it happened so quickly that they were not able to properly say their goodbyes. The grieving process becomes worse if there is regret and guilt involved. To avoid this from happening, it is better to cherish your loved ones while you still can. Don’t wait until it is too late to do so.

2.Korean Dramas About Overcoming Challenges

If there is one thing that we got from 2020, it is the gift of time. Because of the lockdowns, many people found themselves trapped at home with nothing to do. To help fight boredom, many people resorted to watching Korean Dramas. Because many had to go through challenges this year, they look for something inspirational to watch like Korean Dramas about overcoming challenges.

3.Redesign Your Life Through a Bucket List

The world is now totally different. What used to work before this pandemic may no longer work in the new normal. Thus, now is the perfect time to redesign your life through a bucket list. What is it that you want to accomplish in life going forward? What needs to change? It is time to create new dreams and goals.

4.It’s Okay To Not Be Okay

Let’s admit it. No matter how big or small the effect of the pandemic is in our lives; at some point this year, we can honestly say that we were not okay. But, it’s okay. It is all a part of life. Sometimes, it’s okay to not be okay. The only way we can only move forward is if we learn to embrace our negative emotions and our pain. That is how we grow as a person.

5.How To Survive This Economic Crisis

Unfortunately for us, the COVID-19 pandemic is more than just a health concern. It has also turned into a full-blown economic crisis with millions of people losing their means of livelihood. So many people found themselves at a loss just trying to figure out how to survive this economic crisis.

6.Wealth Rules from the Richest Man in Babylon

Because of the economic crisis, people now realized that working hard alone is no longer enough. There is also a need for financial literacy. Knowing and understanding how money works can help people prepare and survive a financial crisis. What better way to learn about money than learning from the wealth rules from the richest man in Babylon.

7.Crossroads: Making Life Changing Decisions

In a nutshell, 2020 is all about change. Since the world is changing, people found themselves in crossroads, making life changing decisions. It sounds easy but change is a difficult thing to do.It is scary most especially if we don’t know what lies ahead. Should I move away from the city? Should I change jobs? Should I change my lifestyle? All of these questions involve choices. Many people were forced to make difficult decisions in their lives this year because of this crisis.

8.The Power of A Smile

When everything around us is negative, it is difficult to stay positive. However, did you know that a simple smile can do wonders for our health and overall well-being? That is the power of a smile. A smile can make us feel better, albeit temporarily. It reduces stress. It boosts our happiness level, even if the smile is fake. So the next time you feel gloomy and sad, force yourself to smile.

9.Stock Options: A Way To Earn Amidst A Crisis

Since many people experienced a reduction or even a loss of income, people are now searching for an alternative source of income. Although there are many investment vehicles available out there, only a few can give positive and substantial returns even in times of crisis. Stock Options trading is one of them. Stock Options is a way to earn amidst a crisis. With stock options trading, it is possible to earn regardless of market direction.

10.Six Dimensions of Wellness

Because of the lockdowns, people have realized that the absence of disease alone does not mean that one is healthy. To be truly healthy, one needs to be healthy not just physically but emotionally, intellectually, socially, spiritually and environmentally as well. There are six dimensions of wellness. All of these dimensions are equally important in the overall well-being of a person.

That is the year in recap and life lessons from 2020. Hope we all learn from the experiences. Let us all look forward and visualize better days ahead of us.

Photo by Markus Winkler from Pexels

Dec

2020

Holiday Travel During A Pandemic

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Are you thinking of traveling during this holiday season? Before you get all excited and begin packing your bags, you may want to reconsider your plans. While the holiday is really about reconnecting with family and loved ones, we are still in the middle of the pandemic. There has been a resurgence of cases in some areas. So, everyone should remain vigilant. Certain factors such as large gatherings increase the risk of infection. Traveling can also increase your chance of spreading and getting the disease. But if you really must go, here are things to consider in holiday travel during a pandemic.

1. Be Aware of the Health Condition of Your Loved Ones

Before you even begin contemplating on your travel, ask yourself. Are you in good physical condition? Is someone from your family sick? What is the health condition of your household? What about the family you are going to visit? If one of you is immunocompromised or has a comorbidity, it is best to just cancel or postpone your trip. Protecting yourself and others should be a priority.

2. Know the Situation of Your Destination

The next thing to do is to do some research. Are the cases high in the community of your destination? Aside from your destination, you should also consider the latest health development in your area. The higher the cases are in your point of origin and in your target destination, the higher the chance of you getting and spreading the virus.

3. Check Travel Restrictions

Whether you are planning on a road trip or booking a flight, if your destination is in another city, province or state; it is best to first check the travel restrictions. Various destinations have different travel restrictions in place. In addition, travel requirements are very volatile these days. They change frequently depending on the latest health developments. Thus, it is important to keep yourself updated before you travel.

4.Get Yourself Tested

If it is not a mandatory requirement for your travel, still, do consider to have yourself tested first. It is the only way to protect yourself and others from you.

5. Get Travel Insurance

Traveling these days is no longer that simple. Travelers are now more conscious of the added risks involved. Thus, in order to protect yourself from unplanned incidents, it is best to have insurance. Furthermore, many destinations now require travel insurance, especially if you are going overseas.

Typically, a travel insurance covers the person during the duration of the travel. However, during this time, it is best to get something that will cover you even before your travel that includes pandemic coverage. For example, someone from your family tested positive for the virus and you are forced to cancel your travel. If this happens, the insurance can reimburse your prepaid arrangements. Thus, it is wise to Invest in travel insurance during this time of uncertainty.

5. Follow the New Normal Protocols

Follow the new normal protocols wherever you go. Remember to always:

Wear mask.
Follow social distancing.
Wash your hands frequently.
Bring an alcohol or hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol wherever you go.
Pack medicines and vitamins.

And lastly, always remember to strengthen your immune system by drinking lots of water, eating healthy foods and getting enough sleep.

Happy holidays!

Feature Image by Anna Shvets from Pexels

Oct

2020

Lessons Learned from COVID-19

Reading Time: 4 minutes

The COVID-19 pandemic took everyone by surprise. No one was fully ready despite numerous warnings from scientists for a possible pandemic for decades now. Moreover, a lot of people dismissed it as an isolated case that would probably be contained in one area, just what happened in the past with the SARS, bird flus and swine flus. But the inevitable happened. The virus spread from Asia to Europe and to the Americas at a very rapid pace. And soon, everyone on the planet just woke up to a whole new world. As of this writing, more than 35 million people around the world has already been infected with over a million deaths. We can no longer undo the past but now is the time to learn the lessons from the devastating experience. As we look forward to reliving our life again in the new normal, here are lessons learned from Covid-19.

1.Health is Wealth.

People don’t generally take care of their wealth especially when young. it is common knowledge that health is the most important thing in life. Yet people only starts thinking about their health when there is already some form of illness or disease. This is because it is hard to resist unhealthy eating habits and behaviors. The pandemic reminded us to take care of our health.

In New York state, more than 80% of the total Covid-19 deaths have underlying illnesses.

Covid-19 has been dubbed as a ‘lifestyle virus’. This is because a great majority of those hospitalized, with severe symptoms and those who died have underlying illnesses. And these underlying illness are mostly lifestyle illnesses, or those illnesses associated with a person’s lifestyle. Hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and cancer are some of the lifestyle illnesses.

If we want to survive this health crisis, it is now time to rethink and change our lifestyle. Develop habits that will improve our immune system so our body can naturally be able to combat viruses and other illnesses.

2. Proper Hygiene

Good personal hygiene is the best way to protect yourself from the virus. A simple act as washing your hands with soap and water can be a life-saving action. Not only does it protects you, it also protects others. The practice of good personal hygiene can prevent you from spreading the virus to others.

3. Importance of an Emergency Fund

Because of Covid 19, many people faced reduced hours while some even lost their jobs and businesses. Unfortunately, not all people from around the world received government aid. The pandemic is not simply just a health crisis, it is also a very challenging time financially for most people. Just imagine what happened to those families who do not have an emergency fund set aside.

Going forward, now is the time to seriously consider setting aside a portion of your future income as an emergency fund. The rule of thumb is to save at least 10% of your income a month. The money jar budgeting system is the best guide on how to budget to ensure that you are ready for the next emergency.

4.Importance of Diversification

If you are a stock market investor, you probably watched in horror as the market dropped significantly. Investing in one company or one industry alone would have hit you badly especially if that industry has been greatly hit. Examples of such industries are airlines, tourism and hospitality. But if your portfolio is diversified, like you also have investments in health care or consumer goods, then you have minimized your losses. The market is very volatile and unpredictable. Diversification is the only way to manage risk.

Diversification is also applicable to all kinds of investments from real estate to businesses. For example, you invested all your money in a restaurant chain. And that restaurant closed down because of the lockdown. Another example is what you invested all your money on real estate rental properties. And because of the pandemic, the tenants all left leaving you with no income. And worse, you still have to pay mortgages for the properties. With diversification, all these scenarios could have been prevented. Always remember to not put all your eggs in one basket.

5. Having People and Healthy Relationships

Ever since the outbreak, most people have been spending their time at home. This is the perfect opportunity to spend more time with family and loved ones. It is ideal for those people who have healthy relationships with people close to them. But what about those people who have not so good relationships with their family? Being trapped at home for months with people that you cannot stand and fight with can be a nightmare.

It is the same thing for people who live alone because they don’t have living social interactions with others. In a study done by Martina Luchetti from the Florida State University College of Medicine, they found out that living alone increase the feelings of loneliness.

6. Respecting Other’s Personal Space

Respecting other people’s space is one thing that we normally taken for granted. With Covid-19, we learned how to respect other people’s space. When someone goes near us, we feel uncomfortable. In the same way that they feel uncomfortable too if we get near them. That’s why we become conscious of our space and other people’s space.

7.Having Goals and A Routine

Having daily goals and a routine is good for your mental health. Goals will give you something to look forward to. Instead of dwelling on the uncertainties of the now, your focus shifts to a dream of a better tomorrow. A routine on the other hand is a good way to combat boredom. It is also an effective way to make you feel in control during times of great stress. It will keep you busy and takes your mind off things.

8. Importance of Gratitude

With all the negative things happening around, it is so easy to fall prey into negative thinking. Instead of reading the news or opening your social media account, why not start your day with gratitude. Gratitude shifts thinking away from the negative and into the positive. Instead, gratitude makes you focus on your blessings.

How about you? What lessons have you learned from this whole Covid experience?

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Sep

2020

How to Help the Elderly Cope up with the Pandemic

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the global population in more ways than one. Those who got infected have different reactions. The effect can be as normal as a regular cough and colds for some. Others don’t even manifest any symptoms. But it can also be lethal especially to those who have underlying illnesses. The chance of getting severe illness from the viruses increases with age. This means seniors are more at risk if infected. Thus, in order to flatten the curve, many countries resorted to protecting the vulnerable especially the seniors by keeping them in isolation. Although such tactic is effective, it leads to a devastating effect on the mental health of seniors. Studies indicate that social isolation of more than 10 days can lead to depression and anxiety. But this can be prevented through the help of family and close friends. it is important to learn how to help the elderly cope up with the pandemic to ensure that they remain mentally and emotionally healthy during this time.

The chance of getting severe illness from Covid-19 increases with age.
mage Credit: CDC

Putting seniors in isolation increases loneliness. Loneliness in turn can lead to physical and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, dementia, high blood pressure and other health risks. In order to prevent this, the first step is to know if your elders are suffering from loneliness. Symptoms include:

Sadness
Loss of interest in hobbies
Feeling always tired
Unexplained aches and pains on body
Tendency to binge-watch
Sleep problems
Spending too much time on social media
Gaining weight

What You Can Do To Help Seniors Cope Up with the Pandemic

If you are seeing these symptoms, it’s a definite sign that the pandemic is already affecting the elder’s mental health. Here are some ways on how you can help the elderly cope up with the pandemic.

1. Teach Seniors to Use Technology

It’s never too late to learn something new. Technology is the key to living in the new normal. Their life will improve immensely if they can discover the world of technology. In order to teach them the use of technology, do remember to be patient. Explain the value of technology and what it has to offer. Do bear in mind that most words that are common to us like internet, wifi, app, facebook, facetime, twitter, youtube, skype and all similar words do not mean anything to them. So you have to take it slow. Avoid information overload. Don’t be too harsh if they cannot get it the first time. Again, the key here is patience.

2.Take Them to Adventures Online

Once you feel that they are already familiar and comfortable using their gadget, send them to online adventures. Teach them how to discover videos, how to keep in touch with friends, how to learn online, read books, watch concerts and more. If you live together, make it a shared experience. You can talk about what she discovered. You can also watch videos with them.

3. Allot Regular Time Each Day.

Allot a specific time everyday with your elders. Make the time exactly the same each day. For example, you can have tea with them every 4 o’clock in the afternoon. You can play chess, watch movies or simply talk. If you don’t live in the same house, you can call them at at the exact time everyday. Doing this on a regular basis makes them anticipate this ‘together’ time with you. This will give them something to look forward to each day.

4. Make Them Listen to Music

Music therapy is one of the treatments used by clinical psychologists for mental conditions. Music addresses the cognitive, physical, emotional and social needs of individuals. Some certain sound frequencies help the body relax and put the mind in a state of calmness. It is said to remove insomnia, anxiety, depression and other ailments.

5. Practice Social Distancing Not Isolation

if you are living with them, always bear in mind that you need to protect them. The only way that you can do that is to keep yourself well and do every precautions to keep yourself well like boosting your immune system, wearing or masks when you go outside and getting the habit of regularly washing your hands. If you have been going outside, make sure to practice social distancing at home. Social distancing is not isolation. Give your elder freedom to walk around the house as he/she normally does but protect and respect her space. Don’t lock your elder in one room. it’s keeping them safe but not making them feel imprisoned or deprived.

6. Give Them a Project to Work On

Keep them busy. Give them a project to work on. It can be organizing old photos or writing down or her/his signature recipes. It can even be writing a journal to document his/her life.

Feature Image by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Sep

2020

Finding Joy in This Challenging Time

Reading Time: 3 minutes

It is normal to feel overwhelmed and unmotivated with all the things happening in the world right now. Yes, life is so stressful for many people nowadays. The health crisis is still there. We have not yet fully adapted to the new normal. And yet at the same time, we found ourselves trying to survive this economic crisis that was brought about by the pandemic.

It is okay to not be okay in times like this but to dwell on it for a long time is a different story. We must not fall prey into unending negative thoughts. The only way to counter this is to fill ourselves with positivity by looking at things to be grateful for in our lives. Finding joy in this challenging time is the key to staying positive amidst all of these.

The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things.
– Henry Ward Beecher

Finding Joy in the Small Things

As life slows down, let’s take this opportunity to be grateful and joyful for all the small things that we normally take for granted.

1.Waking Up

Did you know that about 150,000 people die each day? This is based on a research that was published in 2017. Today, that number may be higher because of Covid-19. The fact that you woke up this morning alone is already enough reason to be grateful for.

2.Family Bonding Time

We live in a fast-paced life. Most of us spend our time chasing money and growing our careers that we tend to sacrifice our relationships in the process. Then suddenly, the pandemic strikes and we found ourselves with too much spare time. If there is anything that this pandemic gave us, it is the gift of time. More than ever, we now have time for family bonding. Here is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with loved ones and create happy and lasting memories together.

3. Access to internet

A few years ago, unless you have an encyclopedia at home; if you want to learn something, you need to go to the library. Online learning and work from home are unthinkable. Nowadays, everything is just one click away. You can work, study, watch shows, movies and concerts online. You can even contact any person around the world without having to pay exorbitant long distance fees. Regardless of the speed of your internet or the model of the gadget that you are using, be thankful that you now have access to the internet.

4. Time for Self-Reflection

Did you find yourselves questioning your thoughts, beliefs, actions, career and other decisions in life lately? If you did, then congratulations! By asking yourselves important questions about who you are, where you are in your life right now and where you want to go from here is an indication of growth. It is the first step towards self-improvement. Now is the perfect time to look within yourself and find your purpose in life and unleash the genius within you.

5. Your Health

Your heart is beating. You can walk, run and do whatever you want. You are not sick. Aren’t you grateful for your health? You used to take it for granted. You party like there is no tomorrow. But now you know that health is the most important thing in life. You now find yourself, making healthy lifestyle decisions. You can experience the joys of life only because your senses allow you to see, hear, feel, taste and smell the beauty around you.

6.People Around You

Challenges are a lot easier to handle if you are surrounded by people who love you and support you. Be grateful that you have them in our life.

7. Nature

If you have experienced being locked down at home during this pandemic, you probably realized by now how important nature is to our lives. The flowers, trees, parks, mountains and oceans have become places to unwind because of their calming power. Nature has become a sanctuary in this pandemic world.

By finding joy in this challenging time, you are shifting your focus from the negative to the positive. As a result, life becomes not just bearable but fulfilling and amazing.

Feature Image by Larisa Koshkina from Pixabay Images

Jul

2020

How to Survive This Economic Crisis

Reading Time: 5 minutes

We are nowhere near the end of the Covid-19 health crisis yet we are faced again with another challenge – the economic crisis that was brought about by this pandemic. Millions of people around the world lost their jobs. Many businesses closed. It will take years before we can ever go back to the way it was before. The challenge now for many is how to survive this economic crisis?

I recently attended an webinar on Transformative Leadership. It was about developing business strategies on how to survive a crisis based on lessons from a leading conglomerate in the country. The key point is transformation. There is no way to survive this crisis without making some changes. Abandon the old model and create a new one. I found the lessons applicable on both businesses and individuals.

Here are my notes on the transformation guide and some insights and lessons on how you can apply them not only in your business but in your personal lives as well:

1. Ensure Financial Sustainability

The very foundation for everyone right now should be financial sustainability. Financial sustainability means being able to meet the cash flow requirements of the operations of the business or the monthly household expenses of the individual. There is no telling until when will this crisis last. So, liquidity is very important. It is time to cut down any unnecessary expenses and preserve cash.

For Businesses: Do you have enough cash? Do you have access to capital to continue operating your business? Do you have enough funds to continue paying your obligations? How to continue earning profit amidst the crisis?

For Individuals: How was your income affected? Do you have enough savings? Do you still have enough money to pay for your monthly household expenses? Are there already warning signs that you are living beyond your means? How to continue earning amidst the crisis?

2. Serve Customers

The customers are the foundation of any business. Knowing and understanding the customer needs at this time is essential for any business.

For Businesses: How will you be able to serve your customers without sacrificing your financial sustainability? There is no point continuing a business without profit. You also need to take into consideration that this is a health crisis. So, it is best to consider how to continue serving customers without putting their health at risk?

For Individuals: If your income was greatly affected by the crisis, it is time to look for other sources of income. Ask yourself, how can I serve others now using the skills and talent that I have? What can you offer to the community? Instead of chasing the money, focus on how you can be of help to others. Money is a by-product of the service that you rendered. The most successful businesses in the world addressed and solved an existing problem.

3. Protect Your People

The employees are the most important resource of any company. In these trying times, it is important that you have motivated and healthy people around you.

For Businesses: How do you protect your workforce? They are the ones who has a direct relationship with the customers; so, it is important that you protect your people. The success of any business heavily relies on customer satisfaction. In order to stay motivated to do their jobs, employees must first feel safe. Is their work environment safe enough?

For Individuals: Protecting your family and those who are dear to you should be one of your main concerns. It is hard to adjust to the new normal but it is the only way to stay healthy and safe during this crisis. Always remember that first and foremost, this is a health crisis.

4. Abandon the Old and Create A New Plan

Change is a necessary part of life. It is crucial for growth and success. However, it is also one of the hardest things in life. There is always that fear of the unknown. That’s why many people choose to stay in their comfort zone simply because it is familiar and comfortable.

Unfortunately, Covid-19 is here to stay. The world will not go back to 2019. Unless your industry benefited from the pandemic, it will be difficult to stay afloat and survive this economic crisis without some changes. Yes, it is ok to abandon the old plan and change to a completely different one.

For businesses: Assess your business model. Is it still applicable? If not, you need to abandon the old business model and create a new business plan for your company that will adhere to the new normal.

For individuals: Was your work greatly affected? Were your future plans and goals disrupted? Instead of merely just waiting for things to go back to normal, it is now time to reassess your goals and make some adjustments or changes. Redesign your life through a bucket list.

5. Come Up with a Transformation Recovery Plan

A total recovery will not happen overnight. Recovery would be done in stages. Without a plan, it will take longer to recover. This is also the time to have tough goals in order to make it through. Remember, your main concern now is SURVIVAL.

For Businesses: The business transformation recovery plan should include strategies and timeline. It should also include procedures and responsibilities. Tough goals include reduction in workforce, following strict schedules and time frames and coming up with new goals that are totally different from the past. Once in place, regular testing and validation should be done to make sure that the plan is working.

For Individuals: The transformation recovery plan for individuals should start by the creation of SMART goals based on the bucket list that you just made. To ensure success, your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-based. Tough goals may include doing work that you have never done before.

6. Transform Corporate Culture

Corporate culture pertains to the shared values, beliefs and behaviors of a particular organization. The transformation recovery plan will only be successful if there is cooperation of all members of the organization. It is impossible to do it alone.

For Businesses: There will be a need to retrain people.You need to work hand-in-hand with your staffs. Make sure they understand. Make sure you are on the same page. You need the complete support of the organization to make it through the crisis.

For Individuals: Just like in businesses, the whole family should be in the same page. Each member of the family should understand what is going on. Everyone should do their share for the common goal.

7. Embrace Digital Transformation

Digital transformation is basically using technology to reach customers, transform processes and implement business solutions. The new normal would be heavily dependent online. That’s why, an online presence is essential for survival. Digitize what you can.

For Businesses: Do you already have on online presence? Can you reach your customers online? What part of your business processes can you digitize? Integrate digital technology in several areas in your businesses.

For individuals: Whether you are selling products or offering your services, you need to take advantage of the digital world. If you are looking into changing careers, there are lots of courses available online. The possibilities are all in your finger tips.

Good luck and let us all emerge from this economic crisis successfully!

Feature Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay Images.

May

2020

Etiquette Rules for the New Normal

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Nations around the world are beginning to ease down restrictions. More and more people can now go out. As you take your first step into the world, bear in mind that it is no longer the same world before the lockdown. There are certain rules that need to be followed for what is considered the new normal. Here are etiquette rules that you must abide to as part of the new normal post lockdown:

Hygiene

The practice of good hygiene is essential for your health and other people’s health. It will lower your risk and help prevents the spread of the disease.

The following are the basic etiquette for proper hygiene practices:

Always wash your hands regularly. If soap and water is not available, you can use alcohol-based sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol.
Practice social distancing.
Turn away from other people when you cough or sneeze.
Avoid touching communal surfaces.
Dispose used tissues properly.
Do not share cups, glasses and utensils.
Always keep your home and work area clean.
Stay at home if you are sick.

Greetings

It is time to temporary forego customs and traditions for everyone’s safety. The new normal is all about touchless greetings.

If you meet someone, do the following:

Avoid physical contact. No hugging, kissing or giving handshakes.
Use other non-verbal cues when greeting like a tiny wave, a wink or a gentle nod.
Learn how other cultures greet each other. You can bow with hands by our side like the Koreans and the Japanese. You can do the Wai like the Thais by pressing your hands together like a prayer and slightly bowing.
Make it a habit to put your hands behind your back or firmly in your pocket.

Queuing

Queuing is something that we experience on a regular basis. We fall in line when we go to the bank, grocery, elevators, gasoline station, cafeteria, movie house and even to the public toilets. It is something that we are used to doing. However, expect additional queues longer lines post lockdown.

If you find yourself in a queue, do practice the following good behaviour:

Follow social distancing. Don’t stand so close to others. Be mindful of the gap. Respect their personal space. By doing so, you are protecting yourself and others.
Do not cut in line. Get rid of your sense of entitlement. What you need to do is equally important as the others. If you are in a hurry, you should have been there earlier than the rest. It is rude to skip lines even if you know somebody who is already waiting in the queue.
Keep your negative emotions to yourself. It is understandable that you are frustrated with the hassle and the long wait but you need to maintain your composure. Be patient.
Choose your line. Don’t stand in the middle of two separate lines. Just choose one. Stick to it and wait for your turn.
Offer your place to somebody else who needs it more like a pregnant woman or elderly. Another example is if you are in a grocery and your cart is full while the one behind you is just holding an item or two. A simple act of kindness especially in these difficult times can go a long way.

Wearing Face Mask

Wearing face masks is now going to be the new norm. A face mask serves a physical barrier and it helps slow the spread of the disease. It is not so much for the protection of the wearer from getting the virus but rather it is to prevent carriers from spreading the disease. After all, a great majority of people who are infected are asymptomatic.

Here is the etiquette for wearing face mask:

Be a good citizen and always wear a face mask when going out especially if you have any respiratory symptoms.
Wear the face mask properly.
Look people in the eyes when you are talking to them. It is a sign of respect.
Learn to smile with your eyes.
Do not remove your face mask when talking to others.

Stay safe everyone!

Feature Image by Posted by A.L. Jonas in Environmental, 0 comments

Apr

2020

Lockdown and Mental Health: How to Cope with Stress, Fear and Anxiety

Reading Time: 2 minutes

We are in the midst of global pandemic with billions of people under some form of lockdown, with no end in sight as cases around the world continue to grow. Experts are saying that we are going to be in it for the long haul unless they find a vaccine soon. As people around the world are forced to stay indoors, there is now a growing concern about the people’s mental health. During this lockdown, it is important to know how to cope with stress, fear and anxiety to prevent mental health deterioration.

The Lancet, one of the world’s oldest general medical journal published a study on the negative psychological impact of the quarantine such as anger, confusion, fear, anxiety, loneliness and stress. Hans Kluge, the director of the European branch of the World Health Organization (WHO) urged countries to prepare medical services for mental health.

During this time, it is important for your general well-being that you be able to handle the stress. Here are ways address your mental health issues and cope up with the fear, stress and anxiety that this lockdown has caused:

1. Keep Yourself Healthy

The COVID-19 has no cure yet. Scientists all over the world are searching for possible treatments. What hospitals are doing right now are just providing comfort and alleviating symptoms by trying some western and traditional remedies. What you can do aside from proper hand-washing and social distancing is to take care of your body by boosting your immune system. Boosting your immune system is the best way to combat diseases. Doing things like exercise, getting enough sleep, eating the right kind of foods and drinking enough water can keep your body healthy. This will make a big difference on how you feel and will help lessen your fears.

2. Maintain a Regular Routine

A daily routine can help you cope up with stress because you know exactly what to do and what to expect in your day. It reduces stress because everything becomes automatic. Your body will remember what you need to do because it becomes a habit.

3. Stay Connected

Humans are social beings. A strong positive social support can help you go through this storm. Don’t just watch TV or play video games the whole day. You need to also connect with others. Spend quality time and have meaningful conversations with people living with you. Take advantage of technology. Stay in touch with your friends, make a video call.

4. Restrict Media Exposure

It is totally understandable that you want to stay updated with what is happening around you during these troubled times. However, too much of anything can be quite overwhelming especially if it is negative news. Restrict media exposure. Listen and read credible sources only. Don’t just read and believe everything.

5. Do something productive

Make use of your idle time by doing something productive. Is there anything that you have been wanting to do but cannot because you just didn’t have the time? Now is the perfect time to do it. You can play with your children, organize your wardrobe or you can declutter your home. You can read a book, learn a new skill or improve your expertise. The possibilities are endless.

6. Practice Gratitude

The practice of gratitude during difficult times is the best way to cope with fear and anxiety. Gratitude has the power to heal. It gives you hope and diverts your focus from the negative to the positive things in your life. It makes you feel blessed. Looking at things differently can affect the direction of your life. So, start a gratitude journal now.

Feature Image by Wokandapix from Pixabay Images