Stay positive and motivated during this uncertainty

Life is unpredictable and challenges us time to time by testing our patience, resilience and character. 

Remember the time during a conversation with a friend, family member or even a colleague when you wished you had their job and today that person is unemployed due to the pandemic. Several people lost their jobs, work hours been cut down, and roles are made redundant. 

Recently, a close friend of mine asked me a question on how to stay positive and motivated during the current climate of COVID-19?

After an awkward pause, he said: "I'll be just fine, don't worry about it."

I'll be honest I wasn't expecting that question to pop up during our conversation, which made me intrigued as I have known my friend for many years now, and we never had a discussion on a subject like this before?

I could see he was reluctant and hesitating to discuss it further. Well, one of the biggest mistakes is not to acknowledge the fact that a problem exists and instead of brushing it off we as a responsible member of society should at least discuss it.

So, I encouraged him to speak, and we further discussed the challenges he has been facing over the last couple of months. It turns out he was feeling stressed, anxious and overthinking wasn't helping him either.

One thing we all should remember is job titles come and go and businesses, which are forced to shut down due to pandemic will re-open soon. However, losing someone is irrevocable. Think about those families who lost their loved one due to mental health. I'm sure at times they do ask this question to themselves – I wish I knew; How I could have helped?

Below are a few points, which you could use, helping someone who is feeling stressed and anxious:

• Empathy - Understand their point of view, feelings and emotions.
• Active Listening - Pay attention and avoid any possible distractions.
• Workout - Invite them to join you for a workout session.
• Gratitude - Compliment them and remind them of their achievements.
• Authentic Conversation - Allow them to express themselves freely and honestly.
• Display Patience - Because being patient helps you in perseverance.

It is very critical to understand and have a clarity that those people should find themselves immensely lucky to whom friends and family members reach out to discuss their holistic well-being.

Because one conversation could save a life, it can change the mindset of an individual by merely enlightening them with some options or merely referring them to people who are qualified and have expertise in dealing and managing stress.

If someone has crossed your mind and you haven’t interacted in some way very recently, you should check in with them to let them know you are thinking of them.

So, it is my humble request to all my connections to share and spread the word that It is okay not to be okay.

Regards,
Yaali Bizappln Solutions