"We so rarely get the chance to refresh who we are": Advice for Mentally Surviving the Coronavirus Pandemic
By Peter Penny, an expert on psychology in the workspace, and mentoring people to greater success in their lives and career.
How do I cope? How do I survive?
In my life I have had to cope and survive through many things. Coping with a team on one of the world’s highest mountains during an overwhelming thunderstorm when already three people had been killed due to the adverse conditions. I have landed a light aircraft with a failed engine. Recovered a broken business. But surviving the loss of a spouse was the toughest.
My subject is Team and Individual Resilience in times of angst and pressure.
I have presented this to arctic explorers themed to being alone with tasks to achieve in some of the most remote places on the planet.
I have listed various advice points and thought Indicators.
How to cope with stress and mental strain.
Improvise - Adapt - Overcome
Begin to consider a more meaningful life.
We so rarely get the chance to refresh who we are.
Be the BEST you can be - tap into who you really are.
Exploit your very best and admire skills.
I have a chameleon analogy on being who we really are not a camouflaged version of oneself.
Everyone is going to suffer financial issues. However, each of us need to get the concerns out of our heads and into an action document. Freelancers and small team businesses especially. The big word is RESEARCH. The main opening words are: How do I cope …. ? Type them into Google.
I got this from 5 minutes research online. It’s from the METRO
How do I cope as a freelancer with no income?
If you work for a company you might be getting used to working from home but for the 4.9 million self-employed people across the country, it’s a little more difficult. The government has said that those who are not eligible for statutory sick pay, like self-employed people, will be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) from day one instead of day eight. But this only works if you are actually sick or have been advised to self-isolate. Many self-employed people are struggling because work is being cancelled during the outbreak. There are things you can do if you are struggling.
The first step might be to reduce costs – speak to your energy provider, bank and anyone else you pay regularly about what is happening. You can even ask HMRC if you can reduce payments on account. Company offers free pairs of trainers for NHS workers Lee Chambers is a small business advisor who says you need to work through a plan during this time.
Secondly, take a close look at your budget and see if there is any current spend that can be mitigated to fit the current circumstances.
Thirdly, look to prioritise your fixed costs and if needed prioritise those individually. You also need to assess your cash flow to have a top down view of how you will manage your finances.
I advised a client recently to talk with their landlord. The answer from the landlord was very helpful. He said he would rather have part income that no income and solicitor fees.
We are ALL in the TOGETHER. That’s your bargaining tool.
Now it this time for every freelancer to take themselves to a quiet place and research everything that was said by the Chancellor this evening. It is a time for those who are good with figures and things financial to seek out colleagues who are less financially astute and assist. What is being offered by the government is very generous but we must understand it is in support of the country as a whole.
From everything that’s was said and implied freelancers will be expected to be more accountable. What is implied is to get your tax returns in on time. Basically play by the rules.
I can advise on the first hit being the angst and panic that surges up in one’s mind and body.
We need to help people focus on the fact that this will not last. We must learn to manage oneself through all these eventualities. We need to focus on things we can act upon and manage and file away those we can’t until a time presents itself when we can do something. There will be a second wave of improvement and even success.
Continuously consider: “What am I here to do?”
“What is required of me to achieve?”
But equally don’t try and do it alone. Ask a friend or colleague or even one of the financial team where you work on a freelance basis to help you understand what is required of you. I am a consultant and business psychology coach. But forget the fancy title I am a freelancer too. But I will be asking my accountant to check it through to ensued I get what is due to me and so should you.
By taking these actions properly. With strength of character. We will get through.
But there will be fellow freelancers who will find it stressful. They too will need some help in de-stressing. To help their mental state. Seek them out. Go (virtually) to be a friend not just to find a friend and help them thorough. Help them manage. It can all happen online.
In Business Management terms:
Understand the REALITY of the Problem
Communicate your solutions
You (and your team) need to feel you are on top of this. “I’ve Got This”
Face up to the question Why Us?, the apply Cold Logic
Create and Communicate Collaborative Intelligence. (The Big Picture)
Ditch emotional ties Bring in Applied Solutions
Great minds don’t think alike but they can learn to think together.
Let me leave you with this final thought or two.
Be courageous.
Plan everything even those things you need to discard.
Look to improve your situation continuously.
Ask yourself what you are doing and the actions you need to take.
Admit to your Hidden Fears.
But search for your Hidden Hero. Those who can, help and advise.
Add structure to your day
5 a Day not fruit and veg – I mean do 5 constructive, fulfilling things such as:
Social contact – arrange a virtual coffee or dinner.
I always have a virtual Anniversary supper with my late wife on 21st March, with her favourite dish and favourite wine.
Read a book or better still research or study.
Language
Meditate – (Learn how to do it properly)
Dreams and desires:
Plan where to travel but to be eco-friendly. Travel for a reason.
Plan your dream home. Plan the décor. Plan the garden
Plan your next wardrobe.
Restyle a friend.
Restyle a friend’s home and lifestyle.
Better still. Plan the very new you when we at last get beyond these awful days.