COVID-19: 5 Tips to go from Chaos to Calm

By now I’m sure you’ve experienced the growing hysteria around COVID-19, which is now a global pandemic. I know this is scary…I’m with you.

It’s an unusual time for all of us. What we’re experiencing right now may become our “new normal” or we may have some difficult times ahead of us, but we cannot let fear, panic, anxiety and stress take over us. There’s a fine line between preparedness and panic. At this time our collective mental and emotional health is of the upmost importance.

It’s becoming increasingly vital for those of us who can, to step up, demonstrate strength, and lead with care and compassion.

We can either add to the panic and hysteria or we can choose to be stable. What I mean by “stable” is to calmly prepare, consciously set your own emotional tone and be responsible for the energy you’re putting out into the world.

Your family and loved ones NEED to see you centered, strong, calm, and assured in chaos even if you’re scared. Easier said than done but at this time, if you’re in a leadership role in any area of your life, this isn’t a choice, it’s mandatory!

As leaders, it’s our commitment to be thoughtful, patient, caring, calm and compassionate during this time.

Here’s my best tips for remaining calm and preparing for the next few months without sacrificing your health, happiness, and sanity.

1. Stay informed by reliable sources.

It’s important that you stay informed by trusted and reliable sources! For example, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), or trusted medical professionals. Also be sure to check out your local health agencies and authorities for updates in your area.

Please don’t trust what non-specialists are saying about this matter! What you read on Facebook, what your co-worker said or even what the administration has broadcasted may or may not be accurate. Fact check everything, there are false claims and misinformation everywhere! Educate yourself and stay informed because there’s still so much we don’t know. I recommend that you try to strike a balance here so you’re not trapped in the news cycle.

2. Use common sense and focus on what’s most important right now, stay home!

In times like this when people are freaking out, please use common sense! Why people are fist fighting over toilet paper is a mystery to me! Seriously, focus on what matters which is staying home right now to do your part in slowing down the spread.

Even if you’re young or healthy, you are still at risk of getting very sick and infecting others! You going out for non essential activities can increase the risk of you being exposed or you spreading the virus to others. It’s critical that we all do our part and stay home (if you can), stay away from large crowds and practice social distancing.

And now the common sense stuff that may not always be common practice (because I’ve caught myself touching my face in the grocery store even though I know better!)…practice good hygiene, wash your hands, don’t touch your face, sneeze or cough into a tissue, or inside your elbow. And of course, take care of yourself by meditating. eating well, exercising at home and drinking plenty of water. Ya know, the basics!

3. Support our loved ones who may be at a higher risk of death.

We must come together and support the people in our lives and in our community who are at a higher risk of death by the coronavirus, which is our elderly and those people with pre-existing conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. Let’s all be aware that our loved ones are most likely concerned and afraid. Check in with people in your life and community. If you haven’t already, reach out and see how they are doing and feeling about what’s going on. If we stay connected with a supportive mindset, we’ll all feel better. And of course, physically distance yourself from them whether you’re feeling sick or not. Social distancing doesn’t mean disconnecting! You can text, call or video chat to stay connected.

4. Be charitable.

It’s also a good time to give back and practice compassion. Figure out where you can be of service and help people were you can while still protecting yourself. If you know someone who’s in need, please do what you feasibly can to help. It could be your mother, friend or neighbor. If you’re in a good financial position, help someone in need by paying if forward. We don’t know exactly what the future holds but given the business landscape, some companies will be slowly laying people off and it may be someone you know, love, or care about.

5. Reflect on the life you’re creating and make changes.

Our economy is taking a big hit right now. This will affect many people, especially those who are living paycheck to paycheck, rely on the security of their 9-5 jobs or have a job that requires them to show up to get paid. If this is you, your financial situation can change quickly. This is a wake-up call–for all of us!

Given the current state of the world, I believe more than ever in the importance of creating freedom through entrepreneurship, diversifying your income, working from home, and building a business that will survive even the worst of times.

Especially in today’s world where the government can shut down at any time leaving millions of families vulnerable or where an infectious disease with no vaccine on the horizon can sweep the nation causing a global pandemic that can kill hundreds of millions of people.

Situations like this will change the world as we know it and creating a sense of financial security for you and your family has taken on a whole new meaning. How can you start making shifts to be more in control of your financial future?

In a couple of weeks, I’ll be releasing my 3-part masterclass series where I share the 4 must-haves to create a successful, purpose driven business doing work you love, one that gives you the freedom you’ve always dreamed of. It’s everything I’ve learned from interviewing 100+ successful entrepreneurs.

This isn’t in response to the pandemic, this is 3 years in the making and I’m so excited to finally share it with you! Now more than ever is the time to start thinking differently about what kind of life you’re creating.

In the face of what’s going on right now, if you have a dream of building a business, keep working towards it. If you’re in business, continue to show up, help people, and do the work you’re meant to do!

I’ve heard from people who feel guilty offering their products or services right now because of what’s happening. Maybe you’re in the same boat and feel like what you offer doesn’t really seem important given the state of things. Or maybe you don’t want to look like you’re profiting off of panic, which has crossed my mind as well. I’m with you. This is all understandable.

However, especially in a situation like this, I think it’s important that we find some sense of normalcy for our state of mind. Many people are going to be in their homes looking for ways to stay sane in all areas of their lives.

Whether you help people with their finances, parenting or sell beautiful art, people still need what you offer during this time. This isn’t the time to live in shame, it’s your time to step up, lead and be of service to the people who need you. We need an overdose on positivity and inspiration that keep our hopes high.

You can contribute to that.

There are things in life that we can’t control but we can always control how we react to them.

Together, let’s support each other, practice compassion, and choose peace over panic. Do what you need to prepare and protect yourself, but don’t let it consume you.

With Love,

Noelle

P.S. What are your thoughts on this? Would love to know how you’re doing over there in your corner of the world! Let me know in the comments.