The level of uncertainty and pace of change as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has been dizzying. I am hearing from friends, colleagues and clients about heightened levels of anxiety, not just about the impact of the virus itself, but also the consequences of the measures taken to contain it. We are living in a state of high alert, and one thing we know about the human brain is that it doesn’t function very well in a constant state of high alert.

You may find yourself reacting with some variation of fight, flight or freeze. During a crisis this is a useful, sometimes necessary response. But it’s not sustainable. And it’s hard to think clearly and rationally if we continue in high alert mode.

It is more important than ever to find ways to ease the pressure we are under and shift our focus to what is within our control.

We are grappling with big questions about how to work from home (for those who are able to do so) while juggling caregiving responsibilities; how to teach and engage our kids; how to look after our elders; how to stay healthy; and how to find a meaningful way to be productive. These are big questions with no easy answers.

Personally, I am finding it helpful to reach out by phone to people in my network. I am joining online classess and workshops; and I am initiating new virtual projects that I had been putting off. I am grateful for how many services providers are being creative about working virtually. Perhaps most importantly, I am keeping up with a newly discovered love of running…a complete surprise to this former anti-runner!

As a coach, I will continue to be available virtually and to focus each conversation on what is most important to you right now. I recognize priorities are shifting daily and what we  focused on last week may seem less important than what we need today.

In the meantime, I invite you to consider one thing you might do in your new reality that will keep you connected and meaningfully productive. We could be in this for a while and we will need to find inner AND external resources get us through.

Please reach out if…

  • You are personally struggling with stress and want help to develop coping strategies
  • You are a team leader and want to brainstorm ways to keep your team engaged and productive
  • Your business/employment is at risk and you want discuss a contingency plan

While I do not have easy solutions and I readily admit they may be hard to find, I do believe that we can all benefit from sharing our fears, finding hope, and developing new ways to stay healthy and productive.

If you want to learn more about how I can help you or your team please contact me for a complimentary consultation.

Wishing you and your loved ones good health and peace,

Lianne