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During a pandemic, everyone is affected irrespective of gender or age. People of all walks of life are affected and kids are not spared. By their very nature, kids are hyperactive- they need to move, they need to interact and focus on specific activities. Not being able to go to school, play with other kids or just run outside can have a lasting impact in their lives. It is every parent’s and guardian’s responsibility to minimize the negative impact of the lock down on children. Doing this requires a certain level of creativity throughout the duration of the lockdown.

1. Play fun group games

 There are quite a number of board games that your kids can play to stay distracted during a pandemic. The most important thing to keep in mind is to stick to the kind of games that they love. You can also take part in some of the games to make things more interesting. You could pick the game once in a while but involve the kids in the selection of a game and stress to them that selecting a game is their responsibility.

• Play brain stimulating games

Brain games or games that challenge the intellect will not only keep your kids mentally sharp, but it will also keep them competitive and entertained. Compliment your children when they complete a level or stage to keep them motivated and feeling proud. Encourage them when they fail to complete a certain level the same way you would encourage them when they are doing their homework.

• Try online games

You can also try playing online games with your kids or let them play with their friends online. However, keep a close eye on the kind of games and activities they choose to play online.

• Let your kids help with the household chores

Household chores are yet another activity, aside of games, you can engage with your kids.  Teach them or ask them to give you a hand with the chores and make it interesting. They can help prepare their favorite meal, help set the table, and help clean the house by dusting the furniture. They can also help with washing or folding the laundry. Some kids love it when they do something that their parents encourage or ask them to do. So, give it a try!

• Start a family project

You can come up with certain family projects that your kids can participate in. It could be any type of project that your kids will love. It does not have to be a school project. It could be the kind of project that they can actively contribute to. For example, you can grow pot-based plants, repaint the bedrooms or build a 3D puzzle or create your genealogical tree. You could even learn a family dance on YouTube or form a band if you have instruments laying around.

• Give them books to read

Books are a great way of keeping your kids’ minds off the pandemic. So, try giving them books to read. You could give every child a different book according to their age and then ask for a 5-minute summary every day before they go to bed. This will not only keep them busy, but it will also perfect their intellect as well as feed their curiosity. Make sure there is a reward for each completed book.

• Help with their schoolwork

While kids are asked to stay at home while schools are closed, they may be given assignments and homework. You can keep your kids entertained by helping them out with their homework. If the school does not give them any work to do while at home, you can come up with your own assignments.  Focus on areas that your child is currently struggling with at school so as to help make the work comprehensible.

• Watch movies with them

Movies are without a doubt a great source of entertainment for both adults and kids. You could watch one or two movies a day with your kids as a form of entertainment.

• Have them come up with their own ideas of entertainment

Coming up with great ideas of entertainment for your kids is a good thing. Nonetheless, if you want them to truly enjoy you can let them come up with their own forms of entertainment. Doing so is also a great way to empower them when you have run out of ideas. All you have to do is approve of the kind of entertainment they choose and participate cheerfully when asked.

1. Help cultivate their talents

It is true that every dark cloud has a silver lining. Even during a pandemic your kids’ talent can be improved. You can take advantage of the situation and find ways of improving or even discovering your child’s talent. For example, if your child is an aspiring artist encourage the artist in him or her by buying color books, pencils, and crayons. You could also go the extra mile by visiting reputable art galleries online and explaining what each photo symbolizes, where and when the painting was made, and what inspired the artist to produce that particular painting.

This article may contain general medical information. The medical information is not advice and should not be treated as such. The medical information on our website is provided without any representations or warranties express or implied. You must not rely on the information on our website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter, you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice or discontinue medical treatment because of information on our website.

Being on lockdown during a pandemic should not be an excuse to let go of your body and engage in an unhealthy lifestyle. If you have to stay indoors longer than usual, it is even more essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle. In that way, you can avoid putting yourself at risk for certain conditions linked to unhealthy living. By staying on top of your behavior when you are stuck at home, you can prevent yourself from developing things like diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and muscle atrophy. Studies have shown that people who do not maintain a healthy lifestyle when stuck at home often find it difficult to resume normal activities after the home period is over. Going back to work may prove challenging. So if you are going to be held at home, for whatever reason, here are some tips to help you stay healthy:

1.      Eat healthily

You would think that this tip does not require mentioning, but you will be surprised at the things people eat when they are stuck at home. It’s fine to eat junk food once in a while, but going on a junk food bender during a lockdown can cause you many issues. So take some time and plan out your meals and snacks. For every 90% of whole, healthy foods, you can reward yourself with 10% of feel-good fare.

2.      Get physical

Most people mistake physical exercise for body looks. It’s much more than that, exercise helps the body release stress, clear the mind, and it is good for the heart as it gets the blood flowing. When you are stuck at home, exercising can boost your sense of wellbeing and prevent you from suffering from dangerous health conditions like depression and anxiety.

3.      Read books

With online streaming sites being so popular, it is easy to get stuck on the couch and binge-watch tv shows. However, people tend to forget the negative impact of long hours watching tv on the eyes, back, and intellect. In order to stay healthy when you are stuck indoors try and incorporate some books in between your tv shows. Taking time off the screen and moving images can do you a lot of good in as far as your eyes are concerned. Audiobooks can also help with the advantage of doing another activity while listening to the book.

4.      Feed the mind

Maintaining some level of intellect is another way of staying healthy when stuck at home. There are many ways of keeping your brain active during a lockdown. You could play strategy and logic games that require you to think. You could also enroll in an online course or join forums that discuss highly intellectual topics.

5.      Take care of your mental health

When one is stuck indoors, they risk developing mental health issues, especially if they are alone. Taking care of your mental health is an absolute priority when you are locked down. You need to maintain contact with friends and family if you are going to be stuck indoors for a long time. You do not necessarily need it to be physical contact, video chats, texting, and phone calls can do just fine.

6.      Find a project

Having a sense of purpose can play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy attitude when stuck at home. It does not even have to be a big project. Just a simple project with results can work wonders. You can embark on a simple project like redecorating your room or something a bit more challenging, like DIY (Do-It-Yourself) projects.

7.      Improve yourself

When you are stuck at home, you could use that time to improve yourself. Learn a new skill that will help you get ahead when you eventually return to the world. Educating yourself will remove the unhealthy feeling of being “stuck” and replace it with feelings of finding a new purpose.

8.      Help others

Being helpful to other people while you are stuck at home can do wonders for your mental health. There are many ways of helping other people that you can try. One example would be to help older people do online shopping.  Another example would be to take some time to listen to other people’s problems (although not too much to avoid being depressed yourself). You can dispense services directly linked to your profession, which can also help you stay fresh and sharp for when you eventually return to your work.

9.      Explore and expand your horizons

It is always healthy to explore and expand one’s horizons. The world has so much more to offer than what you already know or think. So when stuck at home, take  time to explore other cultures, try new foods, and above all, make sure you come out on the other side a better and stronger person.

10.  Do not miss your medical consultations

Lastly, if you have medical conditions or scheduled checkups, do not pass upon them. Instead, use technology to turn up for your medical appointments and consultations. If you have prescriptions to renew, you can also do that using telemedicine platforms and other technology.

This article may contain general medical information. The medical information is not advice and should not be treated as such. The medical information on our website is provided without any representations or warranties express or implied. You must not rely on the information on our website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter, you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice or discontinue medical treatment because of information on our website.

Older people face a higher risk of getting infected during a pandemic because they may have weaker immune systems, making them more susceptible to illnesses. Elderlies with chronic illnesses are exposed to a higher risk.

It is crucial to be aware of the best ways of looking out for them.

Here are other means of protecting you during a pandemic, if you form part of this more vulnerable group:

1. Continue taking vitamin supplements

You must continue to take vitamin supplements to support a healthy immune system. Hence, it is wise to keep up with your supplements to help your body fight infections more effectively. If you are not taking any supplements, you can get in touch with your health advisor to find out if you can start, especially if you have any chronic illnesses. Some of the supplements recommended are vitamin B12, calcium, and vitamin D. it is essential to bear in mind that not all supplements aid in supporting a healthy immune system.

• Continue taking your medications

You must continue your medication while quarantined. Therefore, make sure you have your regular medication readily available or well-stocked. You can talk to a health professional about having access to 2 months of medicines during isolation. If you are living with other people, you can speak to them about your need to stock up on medical supplies as well.

• Thoroughly wash your hands

Washing your hands thoroughly or staying sanitized while you stay at home can never be overemphasized. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and, ideally, warm water using the 20 seconds rule. Use antibacterial hand sanitizers and avoid touching your face, nose, and mouth. Keep your home and frequently touched surfaces disinfected.

• Maintain a healthy diet

Being in isolation does not mean you have to worry about not eating healthy. Making eating a healthy diet one of your priorities is advisable. Focus on foods that aid in boosting your immune system and foods that can protect you from infections and harmful viruses. Limit or avoid sugary foods, fatty foods, and alcohol. Focus on diets rich in lean meats as well as fruits and vegetables etc. Increase your intake of food rich in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage. 

• Avoid sharing personal items

Avoid sharing personal or hygiene items such as utensils, water bottles, food, and bathing soap with others. This small reflex can play a significant role in protecting you and your loved ones from getting infected or spreading the infection.

• Get enough sleep

Getting plenty of rest is a compelling way of staying healthy and reducing your stress levels. Make sure you not only get enough sleep every night but that you get enough rest throughout the day. One of the significant reasons you may be more vulnerable to illnesses during a pandemic is due to too much stress and not getting enough rest. So make sure you reduce your stress levels by getting enough sleep, proper rest, and remaining active.

• Remain active

Staying healthy and remaining active does not necessarily require you to go out. You can continue improving your health even if you have to stay at home by being active every day. Moving around and getting active plays a significant role in helping your body fight off infections and inflammation. You can stay active by doing non-strenuous exercises such as doing household chores.  You can also try meditation as well as stretching exercises if this is possible. However, you must avoid exercising for more than an hour a day to prevent fatigue.

• Keep in touch with your caregiver

A lot of older people have caregivers, and some are caregivers. If you have a caregiver and he or she cannot afford to come over to your house, you can keep in touch via calls or messaging. Talk to your caregiver about who can provide you with care if he or she falls ill. If you are a caregiver, you need to make sure that you and the person you are caring for take the necessary precautions to avoid getting infected.

• Stay at home

Understand that the advice to stay at home during a pandemic is good advice that is for your benefit. If you are not infected, stay at home as you are more vulnerable to getting infected. If you are concerned about groceries, you can do online shopping or ask a family member to do your groceries. Contact a health professional if you have a persistent dry cough and a high fever.

1. Avoid large groups

If you are at a residential care home, make sure you avoid large groups. If you have a large family, make sure you keep a safe distance from others and avoid shaking hands or close physical contact.

Staying positive when the world is going crazy is one of the best ways of surviving the tide and making it out of the storm. However, this task can be challenging but may possibly be the only thing which can get you out of the woods. It requires a strong mindset. If you are struggling to bring yourself to remain positive in times of calamity, here are some tips to help you:

1. Plan ahead

As goes the scout’s motto- “Be Prepared”! Planning ahead can help control your stress levels and anxiety in a world where people are going crazy. That is one way of knowing you can face anything. One way of making sure you and your loved ones remain positive when faced with negativity is by being well prepared for whatever comes. That is why it is advisable to be prepared for emergencies before they occur. You can prepare for a pandemic before it strikes. You can achieve this by taking the necessary measures needed before it begins-Adequate food, reinforced shelter, warm clothing etc., relevant equipment etc.

• Filter information

Avoid bad news whenever you can. Do not focus on the kind of information that will not help rectify the situation. Pay attention to material that gives advice on how you can overcome or guard against being affected by the worsening of the pandemic. Filtering information can also mean changing the subject when it is brought up countless times.

• Keep exercising

As you know, exercising is a great way of staying positive, staying healthy, and improving your overall physical and mental well-being. Exercising can also help keep your mind in check. Concentrating on improving your health is another method of staying positive when everyone else is going insane. One mistake you can make when faced with difficulties is changing or cancelling your workout routine. Therefore, keep exercising and enjoy the process.

• Dwell on happy thoughts

Thinking happy thoughts does not come easy when it seems as if your world is falling apart. That is why you have to try and force your mind to focus on happy thoughts or what is happening internally and not externally. If you cannot think of anything that shifts your mind from the bad news that is being broadcasted everywhere, create happy thoughts. You can achieve this by envisioning where you will be when all the madness is over. Think about the number of people who have overcome or who are overcoming the same situation you are in, look at your photo album and rekindle the happy memories.

• Manage your finances

Mishandling your finances is quite easy when you are dealing with a pandemic or a problem that affects a lot of people at the same time. Hence, you need to start managing your finances wisely to avoid having regrets when the problem has passed. You can avoid bankruptcy by just staying calm, avoiding compulsive debts and keeping accurate records and information.

• Try caring for someone else

Sometimes caring for someone else is all it takes to maintain your sanity. Shift your focus to doing something worthwhile for someone else or putting a smile on someone else’s face.  Achieve this by helping the person you choose to help or care for stay safe or recover from what they are going through.  

• Meditate

Meditation is an excellent way of relaxing your mind and having a much clearer perspective on things. Meditation is a relaxation method that you can begin practicing right away. If it is something that you are practicing already, continuing with it is worthwhile. Try clearing your mind from negative thoughts and focus on one thing that is positive. Do this every single day for at least 30 minutes without any interruptions.

• Continue with your work or studies

You may start panicking if you think that your professional life is on hold during a pandemic. However, realize that not being able to go to the office does not necessarily mean the end of progress- this will help you remain calm. Continue with your work or study even if you cannot go to the office or on campus. Remember that working or studying from home has its fair share of benefits as well. You are able to work peacefully without the worries of dressing up, with zero or a few distractions. You are able to control your environment and work at your own pace.

• Enjoy whatever you do

Make it a priority to enjoy whatever you do during the pandemic. If you are working on something that you have to do but not necessarily enjoy, try coming up with fun or alternative ways of doing things. Instead of doing your work or completing your projects the way your supervisor suggests, you can do it your own creative way, as long as the job done impeccably and impressively.

1. Avoid negative people

No matter what happens in the world, negative people will always look for ways to blow things out of proportion. That is why avoiding negative people in supposedly perilous times is the best thing to do. If you are told to stay at home and cannot avoid those sharing the house, you can encourage the people around you to remain positive. While it may be impossible to make sure everyone stays positive, you can always bring up something positive to talk about. This will change the atmosphere.

This article may contain general medical information. The medical information is not advice and should not be treated as such. The medical information on our website is provided without any representations or warranties express or implied. You must not rely on the information on our website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter, you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice or discontinue medical treatment because of information on our website.

A quarantine for a majority of us, an unprecedented experience. In such situation, there are a lot of unknown and often unanswered questions.  It is essential, however, to know what you can do and what you cannot. This article will address the 10 main things you need to avoid when quarantined. Here are some critical things to be aware of:

1. Avoid contact with other people

If you need to self-quarantine, you have to isolate yourself from others. Protect others from getting infected by keeping your distance and avoid being in the same room with them, as far as possible. Depending on how the infection in question is transmitted, do not share dishes, towels, eating utensils, bedding items, and other personal items with other people.

Adopting these habits will help control and prevent further infections. Clean all surfaces and frequently manipulated devices such as computers and mobile phones using a disinfectant. Always remain alert to symptoms related to that particular infection.

• Do not entertain visitors

Avoid the risk of spreading the infection if you have been quarantined by stopping social visits and other close contacts. You can order takeaways, but make sure you avoid physical contact with the person delivering the order. Protect people who help out with house chores by requesting them not to come to work, at least during the quarantine period. Such people may include child-minders, housekeepers and dog walkers.

• Avoid contact with your pet

Your pet can unknowingly become a transmitter of viruses. Limiting contact with your pets when quarantined is a way of protecting yourself as well as your pet. Avoid getting licked by your pet, petting your pet, as well as sharing food with your pet. If possible, ask someone else to be responsible for with your pet while in quarantine.

• Avoid traveling

It is safer to refrain from moving outside for whatsoever reason while in quarantine. Make sure you stay at home and avoid spreading the infection to others. If your symptoms start worsening, make sure you call your doctor first and avoid showing up without any warning. Alternatively, head to the medical facility where they have set up a specialized zone for such pandemic-related symptoms. 

• Avoid coughing or sneezing without covering your mouth or nose

If transmission of the virus is via droplets, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing to help contain and prevent the spread of infections. Throw away used tissues and wash your hands thoroughly after sneezing or coughing, applying the 20 seconds rule. Wash your hands thoroughly using soap and warm water after going to the bathroom and avoid touching your face, mouth, or nose.

• Avoid handling food without washing

Always wash your hands before preparing or eating food. Avoid preparing food for others while quarantined to prevent the spread of the infection if you show some symptoms of infection. 

• Do not leave your health to chance

Avoid relying on other people for knowledge of how you can best take care of yourself as well as your loved ones while quarantined. Make sure you are well aware of what you must do once you or a loved one are self-isolating. Have proper knowledge of the steps that need to be taken and know what to buy. Make sure you have access to all the necessary items needed while quarantined. Do not hesitate to contact health professionals when the symptoms start worsening.

• Avoid assuming your kids understand what is happening

Being quarantined or being in self-isolation can cause a lot of discomfort to your loved ones. Make sure you educate your kids about pandemics and quarantines. Make sure they understand that being quarantined does not mean the presence of an infection. Calmly explain to them the situation and the reason for staying at home. Educate them on the precautions to take during that time.

• Avoid disconnecting with your loved ones completely

Avoiding physical contact with your loved ones does not mean to be emotionally or socially disconnected. You are also encouraged to keep in touch using emails, calls, or social media. Maintaining this virtual contact will significantly reduce stress levels.

1. Avoid self-medicating

One mistake people make when quarantined is trying to control or get rid of the first symptoms by self-medicating. Do not self-medicate or increase dosages if you are already under specific medication. Self-medication or the risk of overdosing will not help you fight or prevent suspected infections.

When authorities declare a Pandemic situation, you, like the rest of the world, are home-bound to mitigate the propagation of the disease. Staying at home is enjoyable for the first few days, but staying on lockdown for many days can drive anyone crazy. The best way to avoid getting out of your mind during a pandemic is to have things to do.

Here is a lot of some exciting activities you can try out if you have to stay at home:

1. Clean up or revamp your house

Staying at home is an opportunity to declutter, clean up, and reorganize your house. You have all the time you have always needed, why not use it to improve your home? A clean and tidy house will also make it enjoyable to stay indoors during quarantine and also to do some work from home. You can take a step further and redecorate the living room and maybe even repaint the bedrooms if you have that kind of resources. To enjoy revamping your house, even more, look for original inspiration online, watch home deco videos on YouTube, and read some blogs.

2. Make a list of things you have always wanted to do

Many people have something they have always wanted to do but never found the time. If you are stuck at home during a pandemic, you can use the time to get some of those things done. Make a list of everything you have always wanted to do and the time it would take to get each one of them done. Focusing on trying to achieve some of your long-standing objectives can prevent you from going crazy.

3. Take a new course to learn new skills or to improve existing skills

During the pandemic lockdown, you can use some of the extra time to educate yourself by learning new skills or by enhancing some of your current skills. Improving yourself can be very useful in getting ahead after the pandemic when things go back to normal. It is also a perfect way to block out crazy thoughts and feelings of doom that invade the mind during a time of isolation.

4. Get into vlogging and blogging

If you are into YouTube videos and reading blogs, you can start your own YouTube channel or create a blog. The contents of your blogging can be anything that you want; The goal is to have fun with it and use it as an outlet to let out steam and keep yourself from going crazy.

5. Do not be afraid to pamper yourself

It is ok to indulge yourself in hard times. Researches show that doing something pleasant for yourself can be very therapeutic. So if you are stuck at home, take some time every other day to pamper yourself. It does not even have to be anything fancy; simple things like taking a bubble bath, surrounding yourself with scented candles can be quiet relaxing and therapeutic.

6. Make plans for future holidays

When you are stuck at home during a pandemic, you do not have to sit around and worry about the crazy events. Instead, you should do things that give you joy and hope. Start planning for your future holidays; Research on possible destinations and activities which you could do at that destination. The positive feeling that comes from planning the next event can be beneficial in avoiding the feelings of doom, which often accompany a pandemic lockdown.

7. Learn a new language

Another exciting activity you could engage in to stop yourself from going crazy during a pandemic is to learn a new language. If you are going to plan a future holiday or trip, why not just go a step further and also learn the local language of the place you intend to visit?

8. Think of new goals

A pandemic will pass, and life will return to normal. Take some time to reflect on your goals, what you have achieved, and what you can do better. Come up with new goals and hit the ground running when things go back to normal.

9. Start a new personal project

Having an ongoing project gives people something to look forward. If you are stuck at home, try to start a new project to provide yourself with some purpose, and stop yourself from going crazy. Craft projects, genealogical tree, pot planting are just a few ideas. Be original in your imagination; you may surprise yourself!

10. Rediscover old forgotten games and TV shows

Being stuck at home is also an excellent opportunity to catch up on some TV shows and rediscover some old and forgotten games that you were once watching or playing. If you are at home with your family you could revisit some classic board games.

The impact that a pandemic has on individuals psychologically, socially, and financially can be devastating. Understanding past pandemics and their adverse effects on people’s lives, as well as the economy, can help us learn from these past events.

You can survive the pandemic by avoiding making the same mistakes made in the past. You can also come out sane by adopting some of the preventative measures taken in the past and adopting the right attitudes and reflexes.

One example of a global pandemic that had devastating impacts on the economy and people’s lives, in general, is the 1918 Spanish flu. Many lessons can be drawn from the global pandemic that had severe economic and psychological consequences on businesses and individuals.  

SOME OF THE LESSONS YOU CAN LEARN FROM PAST PANDEMICS

The importance of containment

During a pandemic, the number one priority for health professionals should be controlling the spread of an epidemic. Everyone in the health sector understands this, and that is why there are containment rules in place.

Rules or instructions given should be obeyed to prevent panicking as well as further complications. Staying at home, refraining from certain activities, using certain products, and self-isolating are some of the most important instructions that must be observed.

The main reason why most people died from the 1918 Spanish flu is the same reason that is likely to cause more deaths in any other global pandemic. Many deaths were caused by the virus spreading from people to people in confined spaces or in large gatherings.  

This mainly happens because people refuse to avoid large gatherings, and they also refuse to self-quarantine properly.

The need for businesses to prepare for the impact of the pandemic

The consequences that the Spanish flu had included labor shortages and increased rates of physical disability, among other things. Most effects rose from the panic surrounding the virus. The panicking also worsened as businesses were temporarily closed, public gatherings banned, and sporting events canceled. Luckily, we can avoid going down the same route and facing similar consequences. Knowing and preparing for the economic consequences of a pandemic can help minimize the impact that the virus has. It can also aid in helping you remain sane during the pandemic.

Closing businesses during the period of self-isolation, which normally lasts for 14 days or more, will doubtlessly have a toll on the economy. Nonetheless, preparing in advance for the negative economic and psychological impact will help in recovering more rapidly.

TAKING AND IMPLEMENTING BUSINESS ADVICE FROM EXPERTS HELPS KEEP YOUR BUSINESS AFLOAT

One major concern that most businesses and freelancers have during a pandemic is how to keep business processes flowing. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to continue operating your business or even venture into new business ideas. Expert advice can help you retain your sanity and keep your business going in a pandemic. Expert billionaire entrepreneurs are offering their expert advice on social media.

Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban for example has given valuable business advice on LinkedIn. You can go ahead and check it out. Mark Cuban provides some of the tips for keeping your professional life going. These include:

• Reaching out to potential clients as well as trying new business ideas.
• If you cannot carry out some of the work you do at the office while at home you can always try getting a new job by finding potential clients or opportunities.
• You can also start perfecting work or working on neglected work as well as unfinished work.

The billionaire entrepreneur also advises that you try out new ideas, for example, begin offering other services apart from the leading service you provide if you can.

PREPARE FOR A BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLAN

It is of utmost importance that a business puts in place a risk management committee consisting of experts in various fields (IT, security, Human resource, Finance etc..) which will identify key personnel and allocate specific tasks during a pandemic. A pandemic planning and coordination must be thoroughly prepared. It must identify the various risk elements which the pandemic will pose against the business. This could include human resource risks, supply chain risks, IT risks, process risks, economic risks etc.

Once a plan is set up, it must be tested and rehearsed regularly. Staff training and educational workshop must be conducted to ensure that everyone in the business knows his duty and responsibility when such event happens. The heart of the business in such instance would be the IT infrastructure which should be robust enough to allow for staff to work from home, while maintaining a secure environment to prevent data breaches or communication down time.

During a pandemic, some people have no option but to self-isolate and others are put into quarantine to get better control of the disease and stop its spread.  These extreme measures can put a strain on some relationships, especially closely-knit families who see each other often and do things together. In some cases, a parent has to be isolated from their kids, and that can profoundly affect parent-child relationships.

Staying connected during a pandemic is very important for families. By just practicing a few habits, you and your family can come out of a pandemic even stronger than before. Here are some practical ways to encourage you stay connected with your family when self-isolating:

Talk about the situation

Talking is the healthiest way of dealing with any issues related to emotions. If you want your relationships to survive a pandemic lockdown or to repair fractured relations, you have to take some time to talk to your loved ones. Talk about the disease and why it is essential to maintain a period of isolation. Go on to discuss in detail how the separation will go and what methods of communication you will adopt to stay in touch. Make it a must to give each other regular updates until the period of isolation is over.

Check-in with texts and video calls

Check on your loved ones through regular texts and video calls. We live in the technology era, which makes it possible to remain connected with people regardless of the distance. It is even possible to have group calls where the whole family can participate in different locations.

Play online games together

Staying connected with family does not mean talking and chatting alone. You have to incorporate other activities that you can do together. Playing games online, together as a family, can maintain the connection needed to get through a lockdown with minimum damage. There are different kinds of games online to suit various family interests. Depending on the sort of things you like as a family, you can play board games, sports games, role play, strategy, adventure, etc.

Work on a family project from a distance

Another way to reconnect with family members is to start a family project. A family project will ensure that you frequently communicate as a family. It will also bring about some challenges that you will have to work together to overcome, thereby uniting the family. The family project does not have to be complicated; it could be starting a family YouTube channel, blogging, or business. You could also start preparing the family’s genealogical tree. 

Plan a future family get-together or vacation

While you are in self-isolation or lockdown, try to work together as a family to plan the next gathering or family vacation. You can give each other tasks to do and make decisions together until the whole plan comes along. Planning together gives family members the feeling of being loved and being relevant, which plays a significant role in building connections and reconnecting for those who had lost touch.

Help each other with goals and resolutions

Encourage each other in coming up with goals and resolutions. Discuss and establish each other’s vision board and come up with a mutual vision board as a family. Help each other evaluate past achievements and failures and map up new objectives for when the pandemic is over. By being involved in each other’s lives, you build a stronger bond, guaranteed to withstand any crisis that may threaten to shake your walls.

Time to forgive and reunite A time of crisis is an excellent opportunity to tackle past hurts. Talk about these issues openly with the relevant family member and forgive or ask forgiveness where necessary. Paradoxical, though it may seem, a pandemic is an opportune moment to mend and start over any broken or wounded relationship with other family members. It may hurt at first, when dealing with these issues, especially if there were deeply buried emotions, but the intense feeling of relief and restoration will be liberating once relationships are mended.

This article may contain general medical information. The medical information is not advice and should not be treated as such. The medical information on our website is provided without any representations or warranties express or implied. You must not rely on the information on our website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter, you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice or discontinue medical treatment because of information on our website.

An infection outbreak is a stressful time that often requires the adoption of stringent but necessary measures. During a pandemic, people are forced to self-isolate to curb the spread of the disease and prevent new infections. It is a critical aspect of mitigating the disease, and as such, everyone should play their role adequately.

Self-isolation has two objectives: To protect yourself and to protect others. Knowing how to behave and act when one is alone or when they are amongst other people is essential. Therefore, you need to develop the right attitude and reflexes when self-isolating.

To protect yourself and the people around you, here are some behavioral do’s and don’ts that should be on the tip of your fingers:

Always act to limit contact

Self-isolation limits contact with other people, save for those with whom you are in self-isolation. Whatever you do, it should be on the top of your mind to avoid contact or physical meetings with other people, infected or not. Avoid having visitors in your house. Do not visit other people. Do not go out unless necessary, and even then, make sure you take precautions to protect yourself and to protect other people.

Self-monitoring is key

Always monitor yourself for the signs and symptoms of the disease. These signs can be early symptoms of the disease or symptoms of the infection worsening. Use a reliable source to educate yourself on the signs and symptoms to consider.

Hygiene, sanitation, and more Hygiene

Being in self-isolation does not mean that you do not have to follow the hygiene recommendations issued by the health authorities. Continue to practice personal hygiene and surface sanitation when you are in self-isolation. Make it a point to disinfect all surfaces and points of frequent contact after each use, especially if you are living with other people.

Think of vulnerable individuals

Whatever you do during self-isolation, always think of vulnerable individuals around you. Susceptible groups include people at the extreme ends of age and people suffering from chronic and pre-existing conditions like diabetes, asthma, etc. Think of these people and try to put them first in everything you do during self-isolation, whether diagnosed with the infection or not.

Seek help when needed

You should not hesitate to ask your healthcare provider for help if you have any problem or you are not sure about something. Self-isolation does not mean you should figure things out on your own. If you develop a symptom, before you decide to self-medicate, ask someone else with authority and knowledge for advice and confirmation.

Stay informed

Make it a habit to always stay informed. Follow news updates on the outbreak and go beyond by reading scientific articles related to the outbreak. The more you know about the disease, the better you will be equipped to help fight it. One thing though, always ensure that your sources are reliable as lousy information is worse than no information.

Think Positive

While it is essential to stay informed about the progress of the pandemic, you should not let the news of growing number of cases or even deaths impact you negatively. Remember that bad news always sells very well. Do not get in their game. Be informed but do not be influenced by what you hear. Always keep a positive outlook on things and find ways to distract yourself.

Get fit When self-isolating, it is always tempting to laze yourself on the couch in front of the TV. While this may be fine for the first days, remember that self-isolation could last for a few weeks. So, keeping fit physically will not only help your body but also your state of mind. Do some stretching exercise or some light exercise. There are ample of fitness programs available online with varying degrees of difficulty.  

This article may contain general medical information. The medical information is not advice and should not be treated as such. The medical information on our website is provided without any representations or warranties express or implied. You must not rely on the information on our website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter, you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice or discontinue medical treatment because of information on our website.

The key to surviving a pandemic with the minimum effect is to be prepared. It is even more relevant if there is going to be a lockdown.

To prepare for a pandemic and a possible lockdown, you have to put together an emergency kit and store essential supplies.

An emergency kit you should have before an outbreak

Before there is even a worldwide outbreak, you should have the following items in your emergency kit:

• Purchase and keep some prescription medication and over the counter medicines. Prescription medication includes any form of medication that you would typically take for your existing condition. Over the counter medicines include analgesics, antiemetic, stomach relievers, antihistamines, vitamins, etc.  Take good note of the expiry dates for your medication and make sure to renew it at least 30 days before it expires.
• Ask for copies of your medical records from your physician. These can be very useful to first responders in the event of an emergency during a pandemic.
• Keep a list of emergency numbers for the different government departments.
• Store reasonable quantities of tinned or dry food and bottled water.
• Store sanitary and hygiene products.
• Have a First-Aid kit readily available- usual antiseptic, bandage, gloves, scissors and plaster bands are essential to attend to any bumps or bruises while confined at home.
• Household spares and DIY kits can also become handy if you need to replace light bulbs or conduct minor repairs. So, it is always advisable to buy in advance the right type of spare bulbs which you use at home as well as the standard batteries for household equipment. A general DIY toolkit can also be of essential help since hardware stores would most likely be closed during a lockdown.

Refill and update your emergency kit during an outbreak

Once a situation is declared a pandemic, refill and update your emergency kit according to the type of situation. The following items must be checked and be available if possible:

• A thermometer to control body temperature. If you live with other people, it is best to get a digital non-contact thermometer. Don’t forget to also buy spare batteries for your digital thermometer!
• Hand sanitizers and liquid soap are a must.
• A backup glucometer to measure blood sugar if you or any member of your family has diabetes.
• One-time use only surgical gloves.
• Sanitary masks, if agents of the outbreak are transmissible by air or droplets. Pay attention to the health authorities and get the right sanitary masks they recommend.
• Food to last you for a week or two. When storing food for a pandemic, always make sure you think of other people as well. Do not overbuy to the extent that you create shortages for other people.
• Update and refill your medication. Add other medication that is related to the outbreak as instructed by the authorities.
• Ingredients from alternative medication can also be useful during a pandemic. Get lemons, honey, ginger, cinnamon, mint leaves, essential oils, and other natural agents known to have healing or antiseptic properties.
• Entertainment material. Depending on your interests and the number of family members, books and magazines are always a good option. Board games and group games, as well as other entertainment activities for multiple people, is also an excellent choice to keep.
• If you have pets, do not forget to buy pet food.
• You should also get some stationery and other office-related supplies just in case you have to self-isolate and work from home.
• If you can afford it, an Air-Purifying respirator can be a good and useful investment.

When preparing or refilling your emergency pandemic kit, remember always to check expiration dates for perishable items. Do not also forget to think about other people, meaning DO NOT OVER-BUY.