Over the past weeks, I have leveraged my blog and the community as a way to survive through these times. The tips that I have been sharing have helped shift my perspective and provide a positive outlook. I’m looking forward to another week of amazingness.
 
In this blog post, we will discuss three great things we can all do to make this week great. Check out part 1,  part 2, part 3, part 4 and part 5 of the survival guide for more tips and ideas.
 
#1: Focus on what matters
There are a lot of things going on that are competing for our attention these days. We have to prioritize things in our lives to stay sane and survive. I have found myself prioritizing family time more. Spending time with my family and having great conversations has been one of my favorite survival tools. It is crucial to prioritize things that make you feel good.
 
Questions to consider

• What are the top 3 priorities for you these days?
• What are you going to stop doing to make time for your priorities?

 
#2: Break free from the load of responsibility or external pressures
Especially when you follow other people’s feeds or updates, you might think that you are the only one who is not doing amazing things during this time. The truth is, we all only show the parts of our lives that look good. Life would be much better if you do what you want and what brings you joy. If needed, reduce the amount of external input you let into your life via channels like social media.
 
Questions to consider

• What makes you happy?
• What is one thing you will not be pressured to do this week?

 
#3: Celebrate yourself and your superpowers
You may not feel like you are living your life to the fullest or crushing those goals. However, what you are doing is surviving through a time that no one could have prepared you for. We take it for granted that we are able to maintain some sense of structure at times like this. To all of you out there who are working, caring for your families, helping others out, staying sane and taking a shower - you are all heroes.
 
Questions to consider

• How are you going to celebrate yourself this week?
• How are you going to focus on your superpowers over the next week?

 
Final Thoughts
Let's end this post with one lesson that I learned this past week:
For someone like me who loves to plan and gets frustrated when there are no good plans to achieve major goals, it has been difficult to watch everything going on in the world and the uncertainty everyone is facing. This past week, I started accepting the fact that we will not have a plan for a while and that is fine. This is a significant change in perspective for me.
 
Call to Action
What have you learned about yourself lately?

As the weeks go by, I am encouraged to see all the amazing people around me make the best of the current situation. I am convinced that great things happen when we support each other.
 
In this blog post, we will discuss three great things we can all do to make this week great. Check out part 1,  part 2, part 3 and part 4 of the survival guide for more tips and ideas.
 
#1: Enjoy some rest
We are trained and conditioned to always be on and doing things. Making time to rest is something we have to do intentionally. There will always be people and tasks that demand our time and attention. I have learned that I am at my best when I feel fresh and rested.
 
Questions to consider

• How can you make an hour each day for yourself?
• What does getting some rest look like for you?

 
#2: Treat yourself to something you enjoy at home
When we all left the house every day, we seemed to look forward to coming home. It's time to revisit those things that you looked forward to. Enjoy a good meal, book, movie, gardening or conversation with someone amazing. Sometimes doing small fun things make a huge difference in our mood and outlook on life.
 
Questions to consider

• What would be a refreshing and fun thing that you can do this week?
• How can you make this time special for yourself?

 
#3: Stop expecting things to go back to normal quickly
As part of the mental count down, we are silently waiting for the time when things go back to “normal”. One thing I am beginning to accept is that things will be different for a while. Of course, we are hopeful and all. But we will have to make some changes in our lives when this is over. Accepting that fact is helping me set the right expectation and not put too much pressure on getting back to normal.
 
Questions to consider

• How can you prepare yourself to adapt to the new normal?
• How will you stay positive through the transition period?

 
Final Thoughts

• Even though you may not feel like it, you are doing a fantastic job dealing with everything happening around you
• Be kind to yourself everyday

 
Call to Action
How are you going to give yourself a small break this week?

We are definitely living in memorable times. I wonder what stories we will tell when all this is over. I hope you are all doing well.
 
In this blog post, we will discuss three great things we can all do to make this week great. Check out part 1,  part 2 and part 3 of the survival guide for more tips and ideas.
 
#1: Count your blessings
At challenging times like these, it is very easy to be consumed with thoughts about what we don't have and the freedoms we have lost. This makes us lose sight of all the amazing things that we have. For me lately, I have been more vocal about the comfort that I have and the small things that make me happy. On my almost daily chats with my sister, we celebrate the small wins and good things in our lives.
 
Questions to consider

• What are you grateful for today?
• How can you integrate gratitude into your daily routine?

 
#2: Learn something new
A great way to distract yourself and gain long-term benefits is to learn something new. It could be acquiring life skills, professional development or new hobbies. This tip is inspired by my mum, who is taking an online class to grow her professional skills. In my previous newsletter, I shared some online learning platforms that I enjoy. There are many other life skills we can learn during times like this. I have been learning patience.
 
Questions to consider

• What skill have you been planning to learn?
• What learning platforms are available to you?

 
#3: Appreciate your special someone
If you have a partner that is good to you, its time to show them that you appreciate them. I have come to appreciate my spouse a lot more over the past weeks. In almost every conversation I have had recently, I have shared how happy I am that we have a healthy relationship. Being able to be at home all day with another person for almost six weeks and still enjoy their company is not to be taken for granted.
 
Questions to consider

• What do you really appreciate about your partner?
• How can you show them that you appreciate them?

 
Final Thoughts

• We will all get through this experience stronger and wiser
• Do everything in your power to make the best of the time you have

 
Call to Action
How are you going to conserve your energy and not burn out?

We are starting another week in these special times. I hope you are doing well and making the best of our current situation.
 
In this blog post, we will discuss three great things we can all do to make this week great. Check out part 1 and part 2 of the survival guide for more tips and ideas.
 
#1: Listen to some music
One of the things I have been doing more of is listening to music. Music has a special function and effect on me. It provides comfort, reminds me of good memories and makes me hopeful for the future. I noticed that as I get busy, I stop doing things that I really enjoy. This is the perfect time for us to rediscover the things that make us happy.
 
Questions to consider

• What type of music do you enjoy?
• When was the last time you danced and had a nice time?

 
#2: Share your story and memories
With the world slowing down a little, you might be able to remember more things. There is something special about sharing your past experiences with your family and friends. In the spirit of building deeper relationships, we have the opportunity to have conversations that matter.
 
Questions to consider

• What have been some highlights in your life?
• What are you proud of?

 
#3: Encourage someone around you
There are people around you who may benefit from some kind words and encouragement. We are all dealing with these uncertain times in different ways. I strongly believe that we can help each other get through these times.
 
Questions to consider

• Who is one person you want to encourage this week?
• What do you like about them?

 
Final Thoughts

• Do things that make you happy
• Stay optimistic and positive

 
Call to Action
How are you guarding your mind and your thoughts?