The world is currently dealing with challenges on a scale most of us have never seen. With the outbreak of COVID-19 and the subsequent global quarantine, many are suffering. Our hearts and prayers are with all who are sick with the coronavirus. The COVID-19 pandemic is also having an impact on the businesses we rely upon, the health of the global economy, and the way we live our daily lives.

First of all, and most importantly, this virus is very contagious and it is serious! Take every precaution you can: stay home, wash hands, wear masks, and observe social distancing. If you or a loved one experiences any of the symptoms, seek medical attention. The CDC advises you to call your doctor’s office or medical facility immediately.

In a matter of days, the majority of us had our daily routines completely turned upside down. All business and pleasure trips are cancelled. If you’ve never worked from home, suddenly you are. If you do work from home, you may now have a full household due to school closures or a partner adjusting to working from home too. We are all participating in virtual: meetings, collaborations, and briefings. Social media has a number of postings, some humorous and other not so much, of the faux pas of working virtually. To feel more confident working virtually, read and share the EBP Business Consulting article Virtual Meeting Etiquette.

In my conversations with family, friends and colleagues, I am hearing different emotions. For some the isolation is a challenge. A few reported they were having trouble focusing. There were concerns about the first responders they know and love, and for others they are very anxious about their financial situations. We all agreed - constantly checking headline news and social media during times like this can be addicting and stressful. Stress and fear negatively impact our immune system and worse: our mental health.

Yes, this is an unprecedented time in our history. It is jarring, but if we are healthy it is also a chance to refocus and invest in ourselves.

Your primary focus is for you and yours to stay healthy. This includes following the guidelines, plus taking walks and preparing nutritious meals. For many of us this can be a gift of time with our children and a time to create new traditions. We can also repair and rekindle relationships. It is heart-warming to read about how people are contributing to their communities, checking on neighbors, sewing face masks for all who need them, or, like my friend Anthony, taking home cooked meals to a family of four that have all been diagnosed with coronavirus.

The pandemic will eventually end and going forward our lives will be broken into two-time frames: BQ (Before Quarantine) and AQ (After Quarantine). During the past 20+ years, we’ve weathered the dot com bust, 9/11, the 2008 financial crisis, and the recession that followed. Out of these difficult times we saw a new normal evolve; innovation and ingenuity resulted in new companies, products and ways to do things. Two business examples are Airbnb and Uber.

Whether you are working virtually or temporarily not working—you need to use this gift of time to invest in yourself and your future. This is a positive step to help you cope and an opportunity to innovate, reinvent, and enhance your skills. John Dijulius, author and speaker says, “You should be spending a minimum of 2 hours per day consuming valuable information.” While that may not be possible for everyone, I hope you will invest in yourself so you are prepared for AQ. Here are a few resources to get you started:

Having a challenge going virtual? Not sure how to finish your ABPM curriculum? EBP Business Consulting is here to support you. Contact us online or at 214-789-3571.

The pandemic will no doubt become a chapter in the history books. What will be your story? I believe it is a time for each of us to reframe and refocus. It is during times like these that courage, generosity and resilience make a difference.

Be safe and be healthy,

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Ellen Barnes Pfiffner
EBP Business Consulting