WHAT IS GOING ON?!

Life is really chaotic right now. Businesses are shut down. We have to isolate ourselves from people. (This is especially bad if you’re an extrovert. As for me, I’m okay with it.) It’s a struggle, and sometimes really stressful, to own a business. You have to stay informed and try to make the right decisions so you can make sure your business survives but also keep everyone else around you safe as well.

My niece who lives in Hawaii is getting married at the end of this month and it has been difficult for everyone in my family to decide whether to risk traveling there or not. The limit of people that can gather together is quickly making the decision for us…rock, paper, scissors, anyone?

Then this morning, my alarm goes off and I get up and head to the bathroom when I can feel the entire house swaying back and forth like I’m on a small dinner cruise anchored out in the bay. (If you’ve never felt that before, it’s very choppy.) There’s an earthquake going on! While I’m in the bathroom. I thought to myself, “Well, this is it. THIS is how I go down! Figures.” But I don’t want people dig through the rubble and find me like this, so I try to hurry. While the house is still bobbing up and down I get up, and then proceed to WASH MY HANDS. For at least 20 seconds. I finally realize, “What does it matter?! You’re not going to be spreading any virus, you’re going to be buried in this bathroom! Get out! Get in a more respectable room!”

The fact of the matter is, life is very unpredictable.

We are all going through something. Even when there isn’t an epidemic and earthquakes going on, we all have chaos and stress in our lives. This got me thinking… What can I do to alleviate stress and fear when difficult times come? How can I keep my mind sharp to be able to take on uncharted situations? Last, but not least, how can I stay positive in times of crisis?

Even as I am writing this, there has been a few sea sicky moments of the building swaying from aftershocks. I’m writing this to ground me and keep my mind focused. Maybe as I process this, make a plan for myself, it could possibly help all of you as well.

First, BE PREPARED.

This became very evident to me as the earthquake was hitting. Um… I have no idea what to do! Do I stand in the doorway? Get in the bathtub? Run outside? (We all know that wasn’t going to happen, given my situation at the time.) Turns out, you take cover. Under a sturdy table or desk.

Know what your area is prone to. Is it flooding? Hurricanes? Tornados? What are the steps you’re supposed to take? During the earthquake, I realized it had been years since I had any earthquake training. There is no excuse for that. I live in an area known to be along a fault line.

Know your surroundings. Where are your gas lines, power shutoffs, water shutoffs? Learn how to shut them off and how to assess if there has been damage done. Have extra food, water, and I guess toilet paper! I was amazed at the fear-driven shopping that happened. No one had ANY extra food in their home already?! Crazy. Be aware. Be organized. Be prepared.

Second, HELP OTHERS.

Do other people need help? Are you aware of anyone around you? I have been truly amazed at the amount of people who are only concerned about themselves. I get it. It IS stressful. But, are there people around you that are in a worse situation than you? Most likely. Do you know who lives by you? Do you know the need of your friends and family members? I found that helping others can truly make you happy and help you stop thinking about yourself. Is there information that you have available that you know can help others? What about your profession? Are there things you can offer to the public via social media? What I have appreciated is some musicians and comedians are taking to social media to share their talents with others. Share, share, share! In more ways than one. Share your knowledge, share your talents, share your food, etc.

Finally, DEVELOP CREATIVITY

If you aren’t already creating, then start. I have been studying the power of developing creativity and how it can benefit you in all areas of your life. You become a better problem-solver; it trains your brain to come up with new ideas. You can discover alternative solutions to problems with your business, personnel, and personal relationships, and even find new ways of making money.

Studies show that you can develop your brain to think more creatively by spending only 15 minutes a day or less working on it. There are tons of exercises you can do that only take a few minutes. If you need some suggestions, look at the “Downloads” section on this website, or check out my Instagram Saved Stories @colorgeekchic. I have some easy exercises posted there to get you started.

Once you’re thinking more creatively, try making something — something new or something you haven’t made in a while. Finishing a project will give you a sense of accomplishment and keep your brain active. It can also calm and distract you from your worries.

These are the things I plan on focusing on during this chaos, and maybe you will want to try them too! Let me know if you do.