It’s a tough and uncertain time, particularly in certain industries (hospitality, meetings especially). As you and your team work from home or on a limited basis in the office, how can you help each other as well as yourselves? Here are some things that others are doing:

1. Stay connected with Skype or Zoom meetings. One great idea is to add some levity. One firm is even having a goat be on the call as well. Come dressed in something unusual. One group even had a “theme” meeting. Another team leader dressed in formal wear. Use your imagination. I see the talk show hosts at night are getting their kids to make signs. If you’re at home with your children, you could ask for some artistic help too.
2. Share what is working with others. This includes what you might be doing to relieve stress or contend with childcare. Maybe even where to get toilet paper! We are all in this together and have a lot of the same challenges.
3. Call those you care about. There is nothing like a telephone call. We have gotten away from voice calls as technology has advanced. Nothing like the present to practice those verbal skills! Check up on your family who you haven’t seen in months. Encourage your team members to do the same. We don’t need to feel disconnected in isolation.
4. Get outside. Even if you just walk around the block. Fresh air clears your head and reenergizes you. If your watch is telling you to stand—do more than just get out of your chair.
5. Set new goals and stay focused. It’s easy to get distracted with news and a new way of living and working. If we get too scattered, we’ll get nothing done. Additionally, focusing on and working toward goals helps take your mind off of worrying—which there is plenty of.
6. IF you are out of work, there are many programs that will help, including unemployment, SBA loans, special credit deals and mortgage extensions from banks. Find out what is available and get on it. The hold times can be long if you are calling, and the internet can be really slow—so you will need some patience.
7. Do all you can to stay positive and convey a “can do” philosophy to those around you. Be the bearer or good news and compliments whenever possible. We can get through this if we follow the health guidelines provided by the CDC and stay home as much as possible. It’s interaction with others that spread the virus. Stay at a distance from anyone who is not in your immediate family (living with you).
8. CELEBRATE the Holidays. Even if you cannot have the extended family, you can still have small and festive gatherings at home. Stay within your “social bubble”– but do get together. You can have a huge Zoom meeting with the rest of your family before or after dinner. You can even do a “White Elephant Gift Exchange” event with all your relatives – all on Zoom. You don’t have to be physically together in order to share the spirit and the love.