Over 21 days, the market has dropped more than 21%, and a lot of business has shut down. Lockdown and shelter in place also contribute to the slow down in the supply chain, thus reducing revenue for businesses. The lucky ones can work from home, while others who relied on manufacturing jobs, retail stores, small cafes, they all have to suffer from this pandemic COVID-19. Why? It is all for the greater good. We have to understand the one reason why we are staying at home; to prevent the virus from spreading around.
It’s a simple task. But why is it that we still see people outside hiking, hanging out at the beach, having coffee at the cafe?
To change your usual routine can be mentally challenging. You probably can do it for the first 1-2 days, but the question is, can you do that for the next 3-4 weeks? It is not easy, but there are tons of resources online that you can use as guidelines to navigate this challenging era. My thoughts are as below:
1) Control your consumption on the current news. Understand the facts and acknowledge that tough times are coming ahead.
2) Plan and prepare for the worse. Be it financial or mental, set new expectations. Throw away the non-realistic goals created in January 2020 and plan for new ones (for example, read books – refer post below on books that I am currently reading).
3) Learn to adapt to the new changes you are making to yourself. It is a process, and it will take time for you to improve yourself gradually.
4) Make a list of the positive things that are happening to you. If you have more time at home, make use of it wisely. Learn how to cook, play music, or even workout exercises you can do from home.
5) Connect and communicate with your family, colleagues, friends, or old acquaintances. We are facing this COVID-19 globally, and if you have questions or bored at home, I’m pretty sure your friends feel the same way. Know that you are not alone in this.
I feel this is the most challenging time for me as I am away from my family, but I will try my best to stay positive and make the best out of this situation. Stay safe.