April 13th, 2020
We’re pretty sure that most of you are working remotely during the coronavirus pandemic and thought we could offer some helpful recommendations to help bolster your mental health, happiness factor, or to take your mind off the temporary new normal.
Social media: Many of us in the non-profit industry include social media in our fundraising and awareness campaigns and find it a convenient way of keeping us connected. Try to find a way to focus on the positive and bring people together.
Keep moving: According to the CDC only 23% of the adult population exercises on a regular basis, so we’re not recommending you start now. Instead dance, go hiking, or skip down your hallway. These activities don’t feel like exercise, but it will increase your heart rate. We guarantee you cannot keep from smiling if you skip or dance!
Play music: I grew up in the 70’s when rock n roll was the most popular genre and still believe that music played loudly is the only way to listen to it. Whatever genre you like, turn it up and sing along, play air guitar or air piano, or be the conductor.
Go outside: In many parts of the US, it’s springtime! Trees are budding, birds are hatching or migrating, and flowers are blooming – enjoy nature. It’s free and amazing to observe.
What you do with what you have is more important than what you have.
Manual labor: Most of us sit at our computers the majority of the day and spend our time thinking of solutions, the next clever campaign that will generate revenue, or how to create a formula in a spreadsheet. I’m a big fan of manual labor to get my mind off things. Plant some flowers or shrubs, mow the lawn, handwash your car, paint a room in the house, or rearrange your furniture.
Throw things out: Since you’re confined to your home, now’s the time to clean out that closet, garage, or storage area. I find this one of the most therapeutic activities to do. You lose some of the clutter you’ve accumulated over the years and have a sense of power when you rid yourself of unwanted items. Create three (P.S. Garbage companies are not happy with the increased amount of stuff they’re seeing with people home now.) piles, one for recycling, one for trash and one for donating. This is also a good time to clean up your email inbox. In addition to higher open rates, the industry is seeing higher opt-out rates with people staying at home.
Pray or meditate: Clearing your mind, even for a few minutes, will make you feel better.
Focus on others: Our calling in the fundraising industry is to focus on others, so do the same in your off time. Call or FaceTime a friend or family member and let them know you are thinking of them, cook or bake a special dish for your partner or neighbor to brighten their day, or make a donation to a favorite non-profit. What you do with what you have is more important than what you have.
Please join us on our Facebook page and share some of your recommendations. Share with us what is making you happy and what you’re doing to avoid going stir crazy.
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Blog written by Barbara Johnson | Vice President of Client Services
