Adapting well to this turbulent new world

As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads around the world, we are all making huge adjustments to our daily lives. Changes we don’t design for ourselves can be particularly challenging, so I hope this brief guide will provide ideas for adapting well, even as government rules and social norms update every day.

 This isn’t an exhaustive list by any means, but I hope there will be at least one idea that you can take away and make your own.

And perhaps this is the secret – as we are all learning to live with greater physical, social and geographical limitations, ask how you can stretch your imagination, express what matters most, and adapt positively to the swirling world around us.

If you prefer, you can download a pdf version here.

Adapting Well to Your New Reality 

·      Take one day at a time – your emotions and energy will fluctuate and allowing that to be the case and adapting your expectations will help

·      Pay attention to the emotions you’re experiencing and see them for what they are. Don’t fight against them, but know that they will pass

·      Notice which of your values is being triggered by this crisis and exercise it more consciously. You will feel your sense of control grow

·      When your energy is low, rest; when you are bubbling with energy, get productive

·      Yesterday > Today> Tomorrow  - focus on the present

·      Laughter is a great anxiety-buster, so watch your favourite comedy shows, share funny stories on social media, and tell each other jokes

·      Activity – get out in the fresh air (at a safe distance and according to local restrictions); create a regular dance break to boost your mood and flex your muscles; use an online exercise class

·      Choose music to soothe, to lift your energy, or to raise your mood

·      Stay connected in virtual ways that work for you – join online groups (especially in your neighbourhood); use video platforms like Skype or FaceTime for catching up with family and friends; phone someone who’s alone; email or message someone who needs to hear from you

·      Have fun with a craft or art – you can use your hands and give your thinking brain a rest. Knitting, doodling, painting, jigsaws or vision boarding are great

·      Escape and immerse yourself in other worlds – read books, watch films, listen to the radio or a new podcast 

·      Limit Coronavirus and 24-7 news– choose one update per day to stay informed about changing guidance, but don’t overdo the reporting

·      Practise Mindfulness as a way of focusing on the here and now; listen to your favourite meditations; practise stillness

·      Create a personal daily schedule and include what you need to thrive while physically distanced – choose your own segments like:

*energy-boosters *interests   *purposeful activity *spiritual *social connection *fresh air 

 *escape *movement

Mix these up each day to bring variety and accommodate changing energy and mood

·      Make a daily list of everything you are grateful for and every little thing that brought you joy in your day

·      Share the good stuff with your family and friends, your clients and colleagues – it’s up-lifting to see how other people are making the best of the situation

This is just a starting point!

As we work our way through the next few weeks and months, we’ll all be drawing on our creative resources, our resilience and our connectedness. Together is so much better!

And remember that adapting is a verb and a work in progress. We all need to make allowances for ourselves and each other, and remember to be kind.

I’d love to hear your ideas and how you’re adapting to this new world in the comments.

Take care – and keep adapting!

You can download a free pdf of this article here.

Related reading:

How you can use your values to give you strength

If you’re able to use this period to consider your options for a new career, contact me below to arrange a free 30-minute Career Discovery Call.