The power of ONE, and U can do it

Alright, let's be honest, I do not want this to be another article piece on COVID-19 as I am sure we are all very well-aware of the current global situation already. However, having been through self-quarantine and WFH for the past 7 weeks (coming onto week 8), I like to just share a few thoughts and tips that I truly believe as an Individual living on Planet Earth, we can all do our part to curb/slow the spread, stay safe, healthy and how Ur action can make a difference (while not going insane at the same time).

Understand that some of these you probably should know by now, but some of you out there are still so new to THE situation, but please read on.

(Disclaimer: I'm no doctor or medical practitioner so please seek proper medical advice on any issues that are health related.)

1. Stay home - The fundamental of all things right now, no matter where you are. This not only reduce your risk of being infected by it, but also slow down the general usage of masks and disinfectants that the world/medical world needing more of it right now. U can keep everybody safer and yes, SOCIAL DISTANCING.
2. WFH (Work from Home) - WFH if you and/or your profession allows you to do so. The less crowded and less gatherings there are, the better it will be for everybody. Of course I know not everyone can do that, but urge your boss to take on that initiative. Remember, U can make a difference and might save the headaches or getting infected and medical staff having to come spray your home and work place clean.
3. Appreciate WFH - Being a digital professional, WFH has never been an issue for me as I used to do that back in Cisco or Expedia during my regional role days. However for a lot of us it is still very new and we all have our own home setup and more likely or not, more than one of you are WFH right now. But treat this time as a way to up your digital skills, be more appreciative of your families (I won't say friends because you are NOT supposed to be out there partying right now, or in groups). U will allow your family see and appreciate the joy and pain that you go through when you are working! U can set a good example for the next generation.
4. Have Discipline - WFH also means you might have to learn to change/adopt new ways to work. Yes, people say there's distractions and the INTERNET, BUT also remember you are NOT supposed to head out so that's one less distraction you need not to worry about. During my first 2 weeks, I just stayed at home all week apart from one or two supermarket runs with wife on the weekend. U will get used to it by week 3 (or 4).
5. Support your team - Like I said before, many of us are not used to work from home, in fact, during the first few weeks, my team were in lockdown mode across various parts of China (they were back at their hometown due to Chinese New Year, not the best laptop, not the best wifi/internet coverage, you know the drift), so creative productions was slow and time spent in managing was tougher. I learnt to support the team NOT by calling or texting them every hour to see where they are at, but I helped them by problem solve together and providing them design and visual advises so that it also allowed them to think. More importantly, I ensured they are not overworked and have proper lunch breaks and clock-off time (which was mostly late til 8 or 9pm anyway). That was using the experience gained from working remotely between 2007 to 2010. U can become a better leader by giving them both moral and mental support while helping them think.
6. Save dat $$$ - Lil Dicky said it, but even more so for everybody right now. Understand the hardship going forward, and actually by not going out, it is ALREADY saving a bit from your pocket already. Again, everybody is in a different financial setting or scenario right now, but my advice is to be frugal. I have definitely been picking up more bargains and discounts, more importantly ONLY spend against essentials for now (you won't die if you aren't wearing the latest pair of AJ (love them by the way but NO way I'm buying any now), but every penny counts right now. U can save yourself and your family some dollars, and if you have kids, an excellent way to teach them how to save at a YOUNG age.
7. Learn to filter - I'm talking about the news and media outlets, the articles and magazines that are sharing and spreading what's going on now. The first 4 to 5 weeks were quite traumatic especially news coming out of mainland China, but over time so much news and articles were generated and it can be overwhelming. I literally stopped reading the death tolls and numbers after week 4 because what is more important is to ensure I was putting the right measures in place. Think, process, don't read too much into it, and weigh it at your own situations. U can save a lot of heartache by being sensible and mature.
8. Learn new things - I was kind of annoyed with some people complaining online about being bored at home and some of them really just started being in 'self-quarantine' mode. Of course I ain't judging because we are all different, however this is the best time to take up new skills, pick up some new courses at edx.org or some of these online platforms. Up-skill yourself by picking up something you never had the time to, or like I spent the time and created 7 short-videos for work related contents, watch it here if you like (and yes hip-hop is my thang). U can enhance your skills/career during this period.
9. Share knowledge, not hate - While the web is very connected these days (Hello 5G, soon!) , the amount of hate or rage against others have also gone up. There had been many moments where I really wanted to reply against some silly Twitter tweets, FB post, Wechat/Weibo responses etc..etc.. but I refrained myself from being part of the 'hate' circle and instead addressing concerns and issues by being more creative and help the society. I created about 9 or 10 memes using hip-hop rap tracks that slightly altered and helped raise awareness on masks, hoarding, stock-market and the current living status (due to copyright reason I'm not going to show it here). U have the power to be creative and help to ease the stress of everybody.
10. Be sane - Anyhow, I totally understand the whole ordeal is surreal and insane but keeping a good mental mind is critical during this period. I basically tune-out from news and became very selective to what I see/view. Key is, don't panic, don't keep checking the stock-market, don't keep watching the news (they show repeated news after a while FFS), don't let negative news get to you but be WELL AWARE of what is going on out there. Check what your government is (or isn't in some cases) doing to help curb the situation. U and your mental state is critical in order to get through this.

OK that's it, I'm not going to talk about 'loving your families, love ones' etc.. because you should be doing that EVERY SINGLE DAY regardless of the current situation.

Stay healthy, safe and alive. More than happy to share and connect to talk through some of the strange experiences during the last 8 weeks. Make sure you get a haircut, else you'll all bringing the Bon Jovi perm back like before It's My Life. Just remember, your INDIVIDUAL efforts will do a whole lot of goods for the world.

The power of ONE can help eased the situation, and that ONE starts with U.

Peace.