The month of January signals the commencement of a new year and for many people, a new phase in different aspects of their lives. However, coming with the newness is the rising case of the COVID 19 pandemic in the country and the world at large. There is therefore a need to not just plan for the year but to plan wisely on how to operate in the new normal.
One of the phrases that have been trending during this period is “embracing the new normal”. A good way to look at it might be to visualize the coronavirus crisis as a dress rehearsal for a new normal: a world of accelerated digital disruption, innovation and radical shifts.
In embracing the new normal, you must ask yourself these salient questions:
- What are the shifts that have happened as a result of the pandemic and what do they imply for you as an individual and for your business? For instance, many businesses have realized that they can run their operations fully remotely and are giving up office spaces as a result.
- How does this impact your products and service offerings?
- How do you intend to adapt to or respond to the changing needs of your customers?
- What new skills should you acquire this year to fully evolve?
- What bold or aggressive moves should you make to continue to stay relevant in your career or business?
We may not be able to change the circumstances around us but we sure can determine what we do to get the best out of those circumstances.
Now, in planning for the year, it is important that you take all precautionary steps to ensure your safety and those of your loved ones. You must remain calm, your priority at this point must be to support those around you and to ensure that you all successfully navigate this crisis. One of the ways to achieve this is to constantly reach out to your friends and families to check on their wellbeing as this sensitive situation may sometimes impact people’s mental state.
Here are a few other suggestions that may guide your actions:
- Do not make irrational decisions.
- Validate every information you receive before you share them, if at all you must share.
- Engage on social media with caution if you must.
- Stay at home as much as you can and stay safe.
- Read all security awareness communication on verified sources such as the Government portal and website.
Lastly, as we embrace “the new normal” we mustn’t lose our guards. Now more than ever, we must ensure we observe all the health rules to protect ourselves and those around us. As a reminder, we must ensure to observe the following:
- Wash our hands regularly
- Avoid touching our faces
- Always cough into a bent elbow
- Maintain safe distance always
- Always have a face masks on in public places
Please take note that you can avail yourself of the free mental health support available via 0700 AXAMANSARD or 09062547772. Feel free to reach out to this line for support if you would like to talk to a licensed practitioner.
AXA Mansard provides you with great financial solutions including protection, asset management and health insurance. For more information, call us on 0700 AXA MANSARD (0700 292 6267273) or send an email to ccare@axamansardhealth.com
