What can you do to curb the COVID-19 panic in the coming weeks?

We are in a state of emergency and we need to prepare for it.

The world as we speak, is still struggling to fully understand the new virus, its symptoms, spread and sources. For some, it is just like a common cold but for others, a deadly infection.

What do you do when you walk into the kitchen and there’s a fire? You don’t gossip, call a friend or go buy toilet paper do you? No, you put the fire out; we unfortunately cannot put this virus out by ourselves, as this is a bigger problem for just one individual to solve. We need to pull together as a community to do this together. But what can you do?

Here are a few ideas to protect yourselves and your family during these times:

While we are in a state of pandemic and it is important to pay attention to the Coronavirus and economic chaos in which we are in, it is also important to know that this will all pass at some stage in the future. But for right now, for many people, they cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel and are starting to panic.

1. Don’t panic, but plan and prepare

The masses are scared; investors are pulling back and panic is in the air. Now more than ever you need to prepare and be of outmost value to your clients/customers. What can you do to help others around you? For some, it means removing yourself from the masses. For others, it’s figuring out how you can be of use to even more people. The market place demands more value now more than ever, what are you doing to grow and learn to be better prepared?

2. Good times will prevail

Do what you need to do to ride the storm; it’s important to stay safe and healthy but please remember this too shall pass and good times will return. Even during the darkest nights, the stars shine the brightest. Keep your eye on the light at the end of the tunnel.

3. Leaders are made during these times

Anyone can lead during good times and times of expansion, it’s easy to stay positive and show leadership capabilities then. Now is when you get to show the world who you really are. It’s in these difficult times that leaders are made and now is the time to show your value, bravery and humanity. Some of the greatest companies we know today were started during the harshest of times.

4. Rest is not a luxury

Now more than ever you need to take care of your body, mind and soul. Make sure you are getting the correct amount of sleep, that you are still exercising, getting outside in fresh air, taking your vitamins and eating well. You can make a difference to others by ensuring your health remains at an optimum level.

5. Persist regardless, others will quit

With the rise in technology we now have exposure to all news channels, social media and everyone’s thoughts, which unfortunately leads to mass hysteria. Fake news, real news, it doesn’t matter; it all adds to the chaos and stress and not everyone will be able to deal with the pressure in a calm and level-headed manner. Filter what you allow yourself to be exposed to, ensure you remove yourself from toxic people, articles, media or anything of the like and focus on your skills and abilities. Stay productive and remain inspired because even in these times, opportunities will present themselves for those who are positioned to take them.

6. Take advantage of opportunities

There are always opportunities around us at any stage, but right now clients/customers focus have shifted, demands for goods have changed and buying patterns are irregular. Many industries could be wiped out completely! Imagine the pain and uncertainty of your travel-agent friends right now, but with that, demand in other arears will rise. Do you have a steady mind to be in a position to be of value in what clients/customers need right now and in high demand? Follow the money.

7. Practice Gratitude

Appreciate all the good that is in your life right now, even with all the chaos happening, we still live in the most amazing time in history. We live in the only time that could actually handle this kind of pandemic; we have amazing individuals whose skills and talents will rise to the occasion and be used to fight the fight and protect this amazing planet and cure this virus.

Gratitude is the only way you can get over your fear because you cannot be grateful and fearful at the same time.

Remember the small things that bring joy to your life, they will keep you happy, confident and healthy during these times.

Stay safe, stay healthy and be a leader for others, we are all in this together.