COVID-19 has taken a toll on everyone, not just those who have experienced symptoms. From devastating financial losses to unshakable feelings of isolation, the virus has perhaps affected small business owners and freelance workers the most. If you are in this situation, now is not the time to give up on your business or yourself. Here are some tips to keep you going until the worst is behind you.
Practice self-care.
Self-care is not just a trending topic. It’s a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle. In essence, self-care is simply the practice of doing good things for yourself. During times of prosperity, this might be going on vacation or buying a new car. But this is not the only way to practice self-care. Elite Daily lists many free ideas, including nourishing your body and prioritizing sleep. Self-care can also come in the form of exercise, meditation, or snuggling up on the couch with your family for an unplanned movie marathon.
Open a new business.
If you are like most entrepreneurs, you have an active and confident mind that is always spinning and in search of the next opportunity. Consider laying the groundwork for a new home-based business while you wait for your current endeavor to pick back up. A great way to test the waters for a new venture, and generate passive income, can be easily accomplished online. Some easy ideas include affiliate marketing, starting a dropshipping business or print on demand. Getting a feel for a new opportunity could even be a great way to change your trajectory.
Become familiar with working from home.
If you have never worked from home, remember to treat it like a job just as you would any other. To ensure maximum productivity right now, set up a home office that’s conducive to progress, and that fits the work you’re doing. This includes having the necessary technology, supplies, and even a comfortable desk and chair. Now is also the time to familiarize yourself with project management apps, video chat apps, and even time tracking apps. Becoming adept with these resources can be incredibly valuable when starting a new business, and you ‘ll be more prepared when you bring in new employees.
Make connections with strangers.
As the world remains either in a state of lockdown or under social distancing restrictions, it’s going to become even more important to maintain your social connections. And if you don’t have a close circle, now is the perfect time to forge new friendships. Not only does stepping outside of your current comfort zone help you build confidence, but you never know who you’re going to come across. Interacting with the right person at the right time can have a positive impact on your personal and professional life. You can utilize sites like MeetUp.com or Facebook to reach out to people in your area (and beyond).
The losses you’ve experienced and the uncertainty that lies ahead do not define your business, and these things should not control you either. Remember, it’s more important than ever to take care of yourself. Whether that’s engaging in self-care, channeling your energies into new or existing endeavors, or just jumping out of your box to enjoy the company of others, the things you do for yourself now will impact you today and make for an even better tomorrow.
