Yes, we are in middle of a crisis. I’ve not faced something like this before and managing this from a strange country has been tough. But I think what’s been most difficult is the feeling of helplessness. The inability to take charge and do something to help tide it, except just letting it play its course. Being at home is the norm for me, I work out of home, but having the husband and the son meant a rise in my load by at least 40%. It’s not worrying about sharing the load here, it’s just being responsible for more than yourself, it’s ensuring that everything is done and met so that we can sail through this pandemic as easily as possible. And then there is the shift in routine, and my neat, boxed life has taken a good shaking. I am a creature of habit and the uncertainty is creating complete havoc with me. In my other role as a Life coach, I work with clients who are also dealing with the sudden low energy and fear. So, till things calm down and I can go back to my neat boxed life, these are the few things that I could come up with which could help manage the times. Take charge – Your routine has changed? Find a new one. Plan your day, work time, household chores time, recreation time and family time. Block time in your calendar to remind yourself. Find a task that lets you check in and check out from the activity. A simple task of opening your diary could be symbolic that your workday has begun. Stay away from the news – Unless you are in a decision-making position, otherwise restrict the channels to a limited time in a day. A research article claimed the people who saw the 2013 Boston marathon bombing and subsequent manhunt on TV showed more signs of PTSD than the people who were present on site. Talk and communicate – Take a moment to have a chat with your family, play with your kids. Do Video calls with people who are away, play online interactive games, my sis and her mum play online scrabble. Social distancing doesn't mean not interacting with people Doing something you always wanted - Bring out those tools, that easel, that guitar, read a book, play with your kids, binge-watch Netflix the list is endless Earn brownie points - Senior citizens are in self-isolation, offer to get their Newspapers /groceries, get their prescriptions. Often check in on them (Maintaining Social Distancing). Kindness goes a long way. Build your strength - Building up immunity is a good way to battle the virus, focus on healthy living and choices. Having a Workout buddy is the in thing! Few gyms/ dieticians are also offering online sessions. Take time out for yourself - Very important to keep aside some time in the day for yourself, doing nothing often leads to brilliant ideas. Newton reportedly discovered gravity when he was home in isolation during the 17th Century plague, Shakespeare wrote King Lear A client told me she was feeling under stress because she felt responsible for the world Maybe, this is a time for us to reflect and review, is the world in this place because of our choices? Where are we headed? Are we on the path of becoming who we wanted to be? What can we do differently if this responsibility is thrust upon us again?