10 Ways to Stay Sane in a Crisis - The Coronavirus Edition

I am going to share some tips on how to stay sane during this crisis, while at the same time, you will rarely leave your home. In most cases, these apply to any freelancer's as well. I will also be bringing some of my own examples to the table.

1 - Make a List

The whole thing starts the night before. It is highly recommended to write down your schedule or list of goals for the following day. So when you are dizzy in the morning and don’t want to get out of bed, you can look at your list, and feel some pressure, or hopefully, excitement.

2 - Follow Your Routine

Get up, take a shower, make your bed, eat breakfast, and put on the kinds of clothes you would when going to work normally. This attitude gets your day started.

I usually don’t put makeup on when I stay at home, but you can if it helps you. The point is, to get your day started, and make yourself feel serious about what you’re going to do.

I’d like to repeat breakfast here. When you work from home, one of the biggest advantages is time, that you save with commuting, you can invest it in making your first meal of the day. Your breakfast should provide healthy energy all the way to lunchtime.

photo by Priszcilla Varga @priszci, model Zsófia Dani @zsofiadani

3 - Set up a Work Station

Again, this is necessary in order to take your work seriously. When you sit there, you should not get caught in other distracting activities.

Yes, sometimes, working from bed is super nice, but that’s on the days when you choose not to do the above mentioned either. :D

4 - Turn Off the News

Of course, you should know what’s going on, but don’t invest too much time looking at charts and things that will only serve to scare you. Life and the economy will go on, even if it’s different than before.

Stay up to date but don’t scare yourself. Concentrate on your talent, and on what you can give to the world these days.

5 - Grow and Balance your Business

Try to focus on your online presence if possible. Here are a few examples to help get you started.

  • WIX tutorial on offering virtual courses or consultations through video or live stream.

  • Meetings and classes can be moved online using tools like Google Hangouts, Skype and more.

  • Encourage online ordering: this works for most industries, including restaurants.

  • Encourage one by one appointments and pay special attention to hygiene. You can book your appointment to see the recent Nimfa collection here: https://www.nimfa.co/book-online

6 - Use Your Time Wisely

You’re already saving time without the daily commute. But how are you using it?

Make a list of things that you have always wanted to do at home, but have never had the time.

Be specific and don’t put too many things on your list. If necessary, make deadlines for yourself (see more about this below).

Reading is on my list. I’m going to read some books I’ve been wanting to for a while, but I’ve just been passing them every day with a sad guilty feeling in my stomach. I chose three.

Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis

Psychology in Practice edited by Ferenc Lénárd

Chagall - Face to Face by S. Nagy Katalina, a Hungarian art historian whom I was lucky to learn from at the university.

Find activities that you can do with family and friends. Now that you are under the same roof more often than usual, it’s time to get that quality time in.

Instead of crying about the upcoming economic crisis or the number of people suffering from the virus, try something different: play board games, read out loud from a book you choose together, or learn a new activity together from YouTube.

Coursera and Skillshare also provides excellent learning from home options.

Meanwhile, keep the proper social distance from everyone. They can have their privacy and alone time.

Remember, ‘social distance’ doesn’t mean socially distant.

Facetime, Messenger, Viber, etc. are also options to talk to your friends and family. Set an appointment for these meetings, just like you would when meeting in person.

7 - Make a Schedule

I personally use Google Calendar. I put everything there from little things to ongoing projects. You can add showering, breakfast or reading time there too. Don’t be embarrassed, it’s your calendar. Find more options here.

8 - Boost your immune system

Staying home offers you the benefits of being able to cook, eat, or drink at basically any time you wish. You don't have to feel negligent towards your work.

Eat and drink when your body needs to. If you tend to forget these at the workflow, you can set a timer for lunchtime and prepare a vitamin-C boost mixed with water and keep it close to your desk or work station. I use Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C and dissolve it in water.

This is also a great time to work on your diet. Choose to eat all-natural and organic foods when possible. High fiber and protein are essential for your health during this time.

9 - Boost your beauty and mental health

You can always put on a healthy hydrating face mask when you feel like you need a 15-minute break. You can even combine this with online meditation.

I use the Headspace app. It has a very up to date and friendly design. Plus it provides professional help with relaxation, meditation, anxiety, depression and more.

10 - Go Outside

If you have a garden, a terrace or even a window, sit there or walk outside for at least 5 minutes with no phones or other devices. This will refresh your soul and your body.

If you are used to doing sports, try to find a way to do them in the garden, in your room or garage, or whatever you have available. This is also important for releasing stress and keeping you sane. Here are some ideas for small at home gym.

Taking good care of your physical and mental health will boost your immune system and your mood. Try to follow these steps and make the necessary adjustments based on your needs.

I send hope and health to the sick and strength to everyone.

Good luck guys, and don’t forget we are all in this together!


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