Apr 5

Apr 5 Top Life + Mindset + Business Tips During COVID-19

I’m a business owner, leader, wife, consumer, family member, friend, optimist, introvert, and many more. There are many roles that we play in our daily lives, which means that there are also many roles that we are responding/reacting to during this time.

It’s important to me to be honest and vulnerable with you that we each are processes and dealing with our own unique, yet collective, experiences, which you can read more about in this blog post.

It’s also important to me that I show up to support you, now more than ever.

Top 3 Life Tips

Stay connected but not consumed

This is probably the number one thing coming up for so many of you right now. While it’s important to be-in-the-know so you can do your part and stay updated, it’s easy to get sucked in… It’s all over the media, social media, conversations with your neighbors, friends, family, making it difficult to get away from.

For some, you feel like you can’t get enough -- like a train-wreck that you can’t look away from.

For others, you feel like you want to hide away and avoid it all.

I so get it. I have found myself in parts of both -- I’ve even noticed that I get a bit snippy, as my brain reacts in fight-or-flight mode, wanting to take flight to avoid. Give yourself grace as we have our moments.

Work to maintain balance. If you find yourself getting sucked in, feeling drained, or energetically and emotionally sensitive, set boundaries with yourself. Set a social media timer on your phone or give yourself 15 minutes per day to update yourself. Then redirect your energy to more positive and productive tasks.

Consistent morning routine

Whether you have a morning routine you love or your schedule has changed and you’d like to adopt one to start your day out on the right foot, being consistent with your morning routine will be one of your most important focuses.

Piedmont Healthcare explains Why routines are good for your health, including benefits such as reducing stress, sleeping better, making better decisions, and improving overall health. During this uncertain time, we are dealing with various changes and emotions interrupting many of our regular routines.

Establish a morning routine to create stability and productivity in your every day. An effective morning routine should include activities that help you wake up, fuel your body, raise your energy, and help you feel ready to start your day.

Exercise

It’s well-known that exercise offers a variety of benefits. What’s most relevant to now, however, is that exercise has been proven to boost your mood and decrease levels of stress and anxiety.

You may not be able to go to the gym, go hiking, or stay accountable with workout classes right now, but you can find ways to keep your body moving!

Many trainers are sharing live workouts, free apps, or online programs. Pull up a YouTube video. Or just have a dance party in your living room!

Top 3 Mindset Tips

Give your mind focus

It’s easy for your mindset to spin out of control with what-ifs and fears when it doesn’t have a job to do.

Being mostly stuck inside and in isolation can have a huge impact on your mental health. You might find it difficult to stay motivated, productive, and positive while your emotions are on a constant rollercoaster.

Instead, redirect your mind and energy to have something to focus on each day.

Work on new ideas for your business
Learn a new skill, language or hobby
Read a book or listen to podcasts
Set up a challenge with your friends and check-in each day

Become your best self

Not only do we need to process everything going on during this time, but taking the time and space to dive within to do the inner work can help to move through this time with deep understanding to step into the person you want to be.

Personal development is something I highly value and invest in because it directly affects every area of our life.

Think about the different roles you play in your life. Do you feel that you are the best you can be in each area?

Instead, you might approach it from another angle -- what pisses you off about your career/business, marriage/family, finances, health, etc.?

Then, take this time to dive in and make real changes.

Allow more time for Self-Care

As I’ve mentioned above, we are dealing with various changes, routine interruption, emotions, and uncertainty.

It’s normal to feel drained and out of sorts, and need extra sleep, flexibility, and grace.

Set aside time each day to make sure you are taking care of you. Especially if you have kiddos you are trying to keep entertained. Your mind, body, and energy are processing and handling a lot right now. Take extra time to make sure you are refueling yourself, just like you charge your phone every night.

Top 3 Business Tips

Show up for your Mission

There is a bigger why, a deeper purpose you started and pursue your business. I know things are extremely difficult right now for some businesses, but don’t let that stop you from continuing what you started.

As an owner of three businesses, I understand how some businesses are feeling the impact more than others. My photography business is very much on-hold, while my coaching business continues to serve clients. As a middle ground, my virtual assistance business is still running while some of my clients have placed all projects on hold and others’ hours have remained unwavered.

It’s a strange and difficult time for businesses, especially small businesses.

But, your mission is bigger than this.

How can you continue to show up for your clients in a way that supports the bigger mission you serve? How do you want your business to be remembered during this time?

Create Service with Alignment

One of the biggest questions for business owners right now is how do I sell during this time?

Should you discount or continue selling?
Pivot or stay the course?

While there’s no right answer here, here is my take. Consider first as I mentioned above, how you want to show up for your mission. Regardless of the situation, your business has a mission to be of service to your audience/clients.

How can you be of best service to your people right now -- for all stakeholders involved? What makes the most sense to sell and be of service that supports your people? How can you approach it from a place of understanding, support, and sensitivity, while taking a leadership role for your business?

Work on the Backend of your Business

Think of all the tasks and projects that have been sitting on your to-do list FOREVER that continually got pushed aside. We all have them.

Now is your time to dive in and get them done!

Here are some ideas:

Updating your website,
Rebranding your business
Updating your social channels,
Pitching to new media sources to get the word out,
Finally creating a strategic marketing plan
Reworking your offers
Aligning your business growth with your personal goals
Moving your business online -- learn how here
Setting up additional income streams -- learn how here

Especially if business is slow or is on-hold, reframe this time as a way to allow you to get all the things done that you’ve wanted to work on but never got to.