COVID-19 will pass: Let's regain perspective and resilience

Right now, with the intensity of change that Covid-19 has brought to the social environment in Canada, many leaders are feeling a new kind of acute stress.

Our personalities are honed to thrive in a certain environment. When that shifts, it’s natural for everyone to feel stress. So let’s put some perspective into the situation and explore how to be in charge of your emotions and stay in your strengths.

Change your internal environment

In the face of many factors over which we have no control, there are still some things that we can do today:

• Choose to be mindful of your thoughts and your goals for the day. Stay in it one day at a time.
• You can be in control of the environment of your mind, so de-escalate acute stress by breathing and setting short-term goals. Be realistic about finances by creating a short-term budget.
• From a business perspective, focus on your customers and their needs – simply be available and present.
• Social distancing is better understood as physical distancing. Stay connected and focus on having meaningful conversations.

Pause, adjust and re-set

You may think this isn’t the time for introspection or honing your leadership skills, but it’s actually an excellent time to explore your emotional zones. If you wish to explore that topic further, I encourage you to pick up a copy of my book “Sweating From Your Eyes: Emotional Fitness for Men”. You can download a FREE copy here (it’s a good read for women too!)

Self-care is essential for leaders in intensely charged times. An acute stress response can show up as anxiety, anger, frustration and lack of focus. But you don’t have to react to these feelings.

That’s why it’s more important now, than ever, to know where you get your energy from. Once you know that, you can choose to use your energy wisely.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: EMOTIONAL LESSONS FOR SURVIVING COVID-19.
How to recognise acute stress and use your energy wisely.