This article is part of a new HerMoney Healthline series where we ask pros in a wide range of fields for their top tips on making it through the social and economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Browse past HerMoney Healthlines here.
Apparently, self-quarantine comes with one free ticket to the emotional roller coaster. But don’t worry, you’re not riding alone. We’ll be sitting right next to you to squeeze your hand during the biggest drops. We are living through uncharted territory, which means our emotions are trying something new, too. For the first time, you might be crying over what to make for dinner, or laughing at a joke you would have never thought was funny before being cooped up for weeks on end. Either way, allow those emotions to flow. Doing so will help you stay strong during this pandemic.
All this emotional turmoil we’re facing is one reason we decided to reach out to “Coach Keren,” business coach Keren Eldad, to ask for her best tips for coping with our feelings during this time of uncertainty. For years, Eldad has been working with company execs all over the world to educate them about the correlation between emotion and business. She serves as an advisor to entrepreneurs and executives at companies including Christian Dior, J.P. Morgan, Van Cleef & Arpels and many more.
But even if you’re not a member of the C-suite, chances are you may be running a new kind of office — your home. Balancing elementary school lessons, grumbly college students, and the need to work 9-to-5 can be daunting to say the least. Eldad’s tips are sure to guide you through any at-home business setting, all while helping you breathe through those myriad emotions.
Decide that you are going to get through this.
“The truth is that anyone can get through this to the other side, and even make it an opportunity. This is not to say that everyone will, but that everyone can. The point here is just to believe that it is possible. If you believe it is possible, you will be able to expand your vision of ways you can get through this, rather than collapse under the weight of the limitations you perceive,” Eldad says. This is where mind over matter really comes into play. If you tell yourself you can make it through, it will absolutely make the day-to-day slog easier.
Only seek to control what you can actually control.
“We are mere mortals, and a pandemic is a pandemic. We cannot work with force against it; our best bet is to accept that this is happening and ask ourselves how can we grow here, how can we bloom here, what can we give and what can we learn? By focusing on what you are able to control, you will be able to manage your stress levels better and even transcend into service and making an impact,” Eldad says. Maybe that thing is keeping your nails painted, or giving your self an hour of solo Netflix time every night, or making the dinner you’re craving (not what your kids are craving) a few times a week. Those little nuggets of control are what can help us feel more like we’re in a state of normalcy, even when we’re not.
For what it’s worth, appreciate what this time has brought.
“It’s easy to get bogged down by the dire market fluctuations and the terrorizing onslaught of bad news, but you can just as easily focus on using this time to reassess where you are in your life professional and personally — including relationships and health. For many, the shock of a pandemic can also mean a chance to really face the truth: that you can and must do better. This is not a bad thing, it’s a chance to raise your standards. You will do better next time, and yes — even if there is never another pandemic (amen), there will be another emergency,” Eldad suggests. Take stock of all the things you’ve wanted to do for so long and use the extra hours in your day to get them done. Tackle that project at work you’ve been promising yourself you’d start on. Take a run every day and get yourself ready for the 5k you’ve been putting off. Whatever it is, focusing on it will help you to power forward.
Bloom where you are planted.
“If you ask me, the best thing to do with the extra time and work from home situation for those fortunate enough not to be in dire straits and faced with job loss, is grow. This is the time to take that online course, hire a coach, read books and travel in your mind via podcasts and documentaries,” says Eldad. You must have a to-do list that is taking up pages in your Notes app. Take this time to knock off a few things and feel that sense of accomplishment. You will be far, far richer at the end of all this.
If you are suffering, allow your feelings.
“Let yourself feel your feelings. It is normal and understandable to feel this way, we are all feeling the pain. Be easy on yourself: For many, this is a moment of real terror and even grief. If this is you, be still, take care of yourself and let yourself rest in this until you are ready and willing to give motivation a go,” Eldad recommends. Everyone is extra-understanding these days, so take advantage of the vast flexibility you have to really focus on yourself when you need to.
Serve.
“Last week, I was supposed to get married. Instead, I had to reschedule the wedding. I see this as an incredible opportunity — a chance to serve so many people out there some peace, some faith and hope that they desperately need in such trying times. You can do this for people, too. Do your part and spread faith. Come to serve others your best — anything you have to give,” says Eldad. We are all in this together.
To hear Eldad’s original HerMoney podcast about positively changing your approach to your finances, listen in here.
More From HerMoney Healthline:
- Financial Therapist Amanda Clayma on staying mentally and financially healthy
- Organization expert Julie Morganstern on how to stay productive and organized while working from home
- Charles Duhigg, author of “The Power of Habit” and “Smarter Faster Better,” on how we can all rock the whole “working from home” thing
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