Finding Ways to Keep Calm and Carry On During Covid-19
It is October 2020 and it has been seven months since national lockdown. The R number is rising. Parts of the country are in local lockdown. The government recognises that people are experiencing mental and physical fatigue from coronavirus as there is a widespread feeling there is no end in sight.
In not knowing how long this will go on for and the disruption that it has or can bring, small business owners and the self-employed are living with heightened levels of stress and anxiety which can take a toll on one’s mental health and wellbeing. To get a sense of control during these unpredictable times, what can small business owners do?
- Create a plan for your working day and a business continuity plan. By having structure for your day to day; and a way to adapt your business if you experience COVID-19 disruption, it can go someway to giving you a sense of control and stability.
- Connect with others. Now more than ever it is important to network with the business community for information, resources and ideas. As well as Zoom, Skype and Teams utilise the digital tools of WhatsApp and Social Media to socialise and stay connected with family and friends, as well as business colleagues.
- Curve out fun time and me time. If you are working from home, it is important to implement a defined line between work and play. Without the daily commute to switch off from work mode to leisure mode, working to a set time, having a ritual that signifies the end of the working day, going out for a walk, run or exercise to put some physical distance between you and the ‘home office’ can help to reduce the feeling that your work and home life are blending into one. Also, by having something to look forward to, it helps to keep you motivated and develop interests and hobbies that you may not have had time for pre-COVID.
Want to know more?
Read the Mental Health at Work toolkit ‘Small businesses and the self-employed: taking care during the pandemic.’ Listen to the Federation of Small Business’s #SmallBizTalks Mental Health podcast here
Are you a woman in business?
Have a start-up or business advice story to share to ‘inspire and aspire’ our community in the 'new normal?'
Email me @: info@3csdigital.co.uk
Want to start or grow your business income?
3Cs Digital is a web marketing service dedicated to helping women in business set up and develop their online presence. Through coaching or consultancy services in web design, copywriting and social media marketing 3Cs Digital equips women in business with the digital knowledge and skills to: create and design websites, find their brand voice and curate social media posts to attract their ideal customers to their small business website.