It’s been an eventful couple of weeks, and like many of you, I am carefully monitoring the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID19) both locally and globally, and trying to stay well informed on how to take precautions during this time to stay healthy, and do the right thing to protect loved ones and the broader community.

For many of us, even those without immediate health concerns, the uncertainty of what we are facing and the constant news is taking an emotional toll. For those who are self-isolating, or experiencing work and income disruption, or having difficulty looking after their kids, elders and families, this is an extremely difficult time.

I fear not just for the risk of physical illness but the impact on our mental, emotional, economic and social well being. Now is the time to find ways to stay healthy, physically and mentally, and to do what we can to be safely connected to each other.

Like many of you, I’ve been receiving loads of emails from individual and corporate clients, non-profits, community based organizations, yoga studios and cultural organizations, and the common theme is the care and concern that people are showing for their clients, colleagues and communities.

If you are healthy and have the capacity, I want you to join me in considering how you can support your friends, family members, neighbours, employees, clients and colleagues.

At a minimum, we can all show up with care and compassion. I won’t repeat the hygiene guidelines but encourage you to get familiar with them and keep yourself informed – Health Canada and Public Health Ontario are good starting places. Here are some suggestions for what else you can do:

  • Ask how people are doing and really listen.Take the time to understand the impact on their lives and find out how you can provide support.
  • Check in with neighbours, colleagues and friends to see how they are coping.
  • Set up regular phone calls and virtual coffee dates.
  • If you are a manager, encourage people to work virtually and to stay home if they are unwell.
  • Use the technology that is readily available to continue to meet with your team, colleagues and clients. Now more than ever we need to stay connected!
  • Develop a daily routine with a fitness break and a break from social media – take a walk, meditate, stretch, jog, weight train – whatever works in your space and will keep you moving. There are lots of online resources if you want guidance on how to do it.

Join our virtual group
Lastly, if you want to join a virtual group on how to stay healthy and manage stress during these uncertain times, I will be hosting a weekly zoom meeting for up to 8 participants every Monday at 10:00 a.m EST. Contact us to reserve a spot.

Wishing you and your loved ones good health and peace,
Lianne