Coronavirus isn’t the main challenge anymore, there’s something more – and no this isn’t a conspiracy theory.

As per the experts’ instructions, we’ve done what we can do to hopefully keep us out of the virus’s reach. 

We wear masks, we exercise when we can, we keep social distancing, and we continuously wash our hands. There isn’t much more we can do except wait for further instructions or medication to combat this creature. But still,  it weighs heavily on our minds. 

The other challenge that we’re now facing is dealing with this new and uncertain reality. 

For most of us, any semblance of normality has been tossed out the window and we’re not only having to deal with a virus but we’re also having to deal with changes to our routines and the way we live our lives. We do prefer routine and very little change, and now we’re not only faced with a  massive change to our routines but also to the mountainous uncertainty of what the future holds. 

Currently, people are experiencing various anxieties – whether it’s related to home – life, work, relationships, mental, physical, or spiritual. 

• The shift to now having to work or study from home.
• The physical disconnect from others, – friends, family, partners, etc.
• The constant, un-explainable erratic, mood swings.
• The lack of private space that living and working/studying from home as a whole family brings,
• The distractions of trying to keep up with the news or in contact with friends, bosses, and teachers- phones and social media.
• The feeling of being imprisoned-with limited freedom.
• Access to more or less time – time management, and how to utilise it.
• The fear of not knowing whether we’ll complete or pass the year at school or college.
• The fear of diminishing financial resources and income.
• Too much screen time.
• A shift in sleep patterns – affecting energy levels and levels of anxiety.
• Procrastination due to lack of focus and direction.
• The fear of not knowing what is happening due to no news, too much news, and fake news..!

The list goes on and we might be experiencing 1, 2, 3… or more points in the list, but no matter how many, the shift in our reality has been so dramatic and intense, that it has swept us far outside our comfort zones.

But… we are adaptable, and in this case, we have to adapt because even though none of us know how it will all turn out, life will be different from when it all began…that’s a certainty.

The 1st thing we need to do is to calm the storm that we can control, and regain some calm and some common ground.

Even though we are home (a lot) more – we need to try and create a similar routine to what we were used to. We are probably traveling to and from work/college a lot less but we can utilise that time for something else. If we are now working/studying from home try and work/study similar hours to what we were doing. If we’re not working or studying then possibly pick up a course or learn a new skill or hobby during these hours? 

The reason for this is that if we keep a routine to what we were normally used to, then the dramatic change and shift doesn’t seem that extreme. Changes to the routine can be slowly implemented to fit in with our new daily structure without it being too traumatic. Slowly slowly we shift the routine into the new reality.

The one comfort for me is that I feel and understand that I’m not alone in this –  we are all experiencing it. But we are all unique and deal with situations differently. Some need to read up and research, some go inwards with mediation, breathing techniques or prayer, some need to blow off steam by running, walking, or any cardio exercise and some need to speak to people whether family, friends, a spiritual leader,  a therapist or a coach. Whatever works need to implemented so that we can keep the levels of anxiousness and stress to the minimum – because if we don’t not only will it (negatively) affect our health, but rational decisions are best made with a calm mind.

For access to a FREE online working from home course which includes a  few extra tips and downloads click on FREE.

Until then

Stay Safe…

Gary