How to Make Lemonade When Impacted by Coronavirus

Over the last week, the spread of coronavirus around the globe has created a lot of panic and triggered additional stress with turbulent economic conditions. Employees are adapting to working remotely. Schools are shutting down sending parents scrambling to coordinate childcare. Colleges are directing students off campus and transitioning to online courses only leaving many vulnerable students struggling to adjust. Small businesses, restaurants and cultural attractions are concerned with less customer traffic or closed operations. Grocery stores and pharmacies are working around the clock to keep shelves stocked. And social distancing is sparking deeper levels of loneliness and isolation.

I believe strongly in looking for love. I see it everyday in the way public safety and healthcare providers are working selflessly to minimize the spread and care for those impacted. I see it in the way airlines are helping travelers modify their plans without fees. I see it in employers providing paid sick time, offering their services and expertise as part of the solution, and collaborating with competitors to administer testing. I see it in teachers caring for children despite not having the appropriate cleaning and classroom supplies. I see it in stories of neighbors getting groceries for each other. I see it in YouTube videos of people from around the globe sharing their stories to assist in piecing together solutions.

Love is all around us. Look for love.

I also believe that the universe is always teaching. We must be open to studying and exploring its lessons. My optimism helps me realize that beyond following the guidelines shared by trusted medical professionals, we have an opportunity to make lemonade out of this situation. Here are a few of my lemonade ingredients to get through the next few days, weeks or months...

Rediscover the art of conversation. Whether we have put down our phones and reconnected with those we live with, are focused on deepening relationships virtually with co-workers, family and friends and/or checking in on neighbors and those living alone, now is the time to practice and rediscover the art of conversation. My best advice for you -- replace judgment with curiosity! Focus on asking great questions and actively listening to others. If you need some help jump starting conversations, check out the variety of Table Topics cards available on Amazon or these FREE suggestions.

Practice building / maintaining healthy habits. Kick start your day, take a midday break or wrap up at night with exercise guided by energizing instructors in the comfort of your home. My favorite apps include Peloton (30-day free trial; $12.99/month) and ClassPass Go ($7.99/month) with lots of options where equipment is not needed. Saute, bake and chop your way through the kitchen by experimenting with new recipes, flavors and ingredients - you'll be saying "Nailed it!" in no time. Seek out inspiration on Pinterest, tune into the Food Network or try out meal delivery plans like Blue Apron or HomeFresh. And when stress eating surfaces, replace potato chips, candy and ice cream with TeaSquares (great social impact org), fresh fruit, veggies and almonds.

Create a learning agenda. Reflect on topics that you are curious about and skills that you want to develop. Check out podcasts, online courses (my favorites are MasterClass and CreativeLive), book clubs (I subscribe to Next Big Idea Club) and YouTube videos. Share what you are learning with others -- we remember the most of what we teach!

Help close the network gap through virtual mentoring opportunities. According to LinkedIn, our networks are impacted by where we live, where we go to school and where we work. And networks are not evenly distributed. Take some time to connect with and support students on their path to achieving their academic, career and life goals. A few of my favorite virtual mentoring opportunities include iCouldBe, Strive for College, Ascend and iMentor.

Take time to PLAY! Check out Kevin Carroll's inspiration in Rules of the Red Rubber Ball and channel your inner child. Play can relieve stress, spark motivation and bring people together. Whether you are playing board games, video games or games that you create, focus on having fun, building problem solving skills and deepening connections with playmates.

Deepen your mindfulness. Whether you are taking a walk around the neighborhood or practicing yoga or meditation, writing in a gratitude journal or setting daily intentions, your mindfulness practice can help you focus, live more in the present and reduce stress in your life. Deepening your mindfulness practice can positively impact your physical, mental and emotional health.

What ingredients would you add to this lemonade recipe?