Pandemic on a global level was a challenge of such proportions which modern society has never experienced. It has changed the way of life and altered the way we think. The emotional response in people is a mixture of complex emotions driven mostly by fear. Most of the world was in lockdown state for months, and people were living in quarantine and self-isolation. Being surrounded by morbid data and alarming news regarding the number of infected, while spending more time online has reflected on the psychological state and the way we perceive our regular routines, as well as contact with other people. To combat this quite unfortunate situation, we will need to use several methods which can help us stay positive.
Working from home
Since direct contact with other people implied the possibility of getting the COVID-19 virus, an obligatory first step was for everyone to start working from home. This has caused additional stress and anxiety levels because many people were feeling trapped. And not everyone has the appropriate conditions to work, especially people with large families. Our drive to be productive is often based on the rewards that will accompany the results, and while knowing we can’t go out for drinks with our friends later, or to see a movie was at least annoying. The impact on the workflow is also directly related to our ability to focus, which was sometimes intimidatingly hard.
Working as a freelancer and all the related benefits of this freedom were especially challenged during the crisis. It had always implied not having to go to the office, but many freelancers have several places they feel most productive in. Usually, it is a combination of favourite local cafes and coworking spaces, in combination with not leaving home, but only when the environment is free of distractions. So if you live with your family or roommates, suddenly you’ve found yourself feeling kind of trapped. It is a perfectly appropriate response to an unknown situation, so the first thing to acknowledge is that it is okay to feel all those negative emotions. We will deal with several strategies to help you create a new structure in this brave, new world.
Virtual networking
Remember that you are not alone in this, and most of the world feel as overwhelmed as you do. And by sharing your thoughts, problems and potential solutions with other people, you will be able to avoid feeling bad about yourself. Virtual networking with other freelancers on a daily basis can help you get in the right mindset to stay positive and productive. Having a community of people dealing with the same or similar issues can take a load of your chest (and mind, in terms of overthinking). Find a time in a day for a virtual meeting, join some groups or forums and find out how other people are dealing with the situation. Hearing other perspectives and experiences can only broaden your horizons, as well as strengthen your relationship.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to your peers, and accept any help from their side. The technology we have nowadays allows us to be present for each other on virtual platforms, even when the option for real-life meetings does not exist. If motivated enough, you could even expand your network and use this period to attract new clients. By using services such as Redback Connect offers, you can organize webinars and webcasts which will show your colleagues and clients your strength and perseverance even in the most difficult times. They will appreciate your efforts! Be creative and think of ideas to avoid complete isolation, as when exclusively in one’s head, the possibilities of getting anxious and even depressed are much higher. The most important aspect of accommodation is to develop a new routine and stick to it.
Stay healthy for increased morale
This may seem obvious, but it is crucial to stick to your dietary routines and exercise on a daily basis. If you are eating healthy and consuming enough minerals and vitamins, the overall feeling in your own body is better. Spending time in a lockdown means more “I’m bored, so I’m going to eat” moments, but don’t let that influence your dietary habits. Consequences of developing unhealthy habits can reflect on both your physical and mental health. Find a YouTube channel with new exercises and dedicate time in a day to stay active. It will increase your energy levels and improve your brain function by increasing blood flow and levels of oxygen.
Embrace more free time
More free time for yourself and your thoughts only doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Use this period to listen to new music, and turn off the screens full of bad news. Bring to mind some of your favourite albums you haven’t listened to for a while, and try to remember the most positive and fun periods of your life through music. Surely there is a pile of books somewhere in your home, which you’ve been delaying to start reading. The time is now as art can set you free of worries! Try out some new recipes and try to find a new inside hobby. If you have pets, devote more time to them, and perhaps you can learn them a few new tricks!
Conclusion
Staying positive during the period of a global pandemic might even sound a bit inappropriate, but your mental health should come first. You don’t have a reason to blame yourself for feeling bad, but you can’t allow yourself to feel so all the time. There are many hidden opportunities, but without searching for them, you surely won’t be able to find them. This is a situation which has the potential to develop into some serious mental issues for later, the worst-case scenario being depression. Adapting our every habit to surrounding circumstances has never seemed so important. Try to focus on the period when the pandemic is over, and what can you do now to make the future better!