SEVEN WAYS TO BEAT THE PANDEMIC BLUES
Our indie fighting spirit at Seven A.D. gives us the will to stay hopeful and even have a lot of laughs in the midst of major challenges. So, we’ve been conducting webinars and activities for everyone at the agency to make sure we keep everyone in high spirits. Here are some great tips we’ve learned to make sure indie kami matitibag ng COVID-19.
1. Look Good, Feel Good.
A talk with renowned makeup artist, Jigs Mayuga, taught us that practicing good grooming at home will do wonders in making you feel good about yourself. Whether it’s a simple trim of the bangs, or putting on low-key makeup for your Zoom meetings, looking good is a definite mood booster. Plus, you’re always camera-ready.
2. Your Mental Health Is Wealth
A session with the head of the UP Clinical Psychology Program, Dr. Violeta Bautista, taught us that it’s normal to feel anxious during times like these. And while we should acknowledge our emotions, it’s good to keep them regulated. Breathing and meditation exercises are ways we can help manage strong emotions. But if they persist and get in the way of our happiness and productivity, it’s always good to seek professional help. There are many organizations offering free telepsychotherapy. If you need someone to talk to, here’s one of them: facebook.com/updpsycserv/.
3. Work It
These days, we have to make sure we boost our immunity. Exercise is one of the best ways to do that. We had weekly Zoom workout sessions for the office led by fitness coaches, as well as officemates who are passionate about yoga and boxing. Here’s a sample workout you can do at home to stay fit and healthy (do 3 sets of 12-15 reps each).
4. Dress Up
While we’re living in our jammies for most days, it’s good to give your “pang labas” and other clothes some air time. It’ll break the monotony of your weekdays, and add a tad of fun. Some things we do at the office is to have themed Zoom meetings, and we give the best costumes a prize. Here’s a view of our past winner, see if you can guess the theme. 😉
5. Mag-TikTok
Or follow/watch people who do. We have regular TikTok challenges where people share videos in our Viber groups to share LOLs all day. Well, the point of this tip isn’t really to download the app but to just be silly and share laughs with your friends and colleagues regularly. Laughter after all, they say, is the best medicine.
6. E-numans & E-games
Video conferencing apps are great for work, but we love using them even more for social get-togethers! At a time where physical distancing is the new normal, staying connected with friends, family and colleagues is of utmost importance. Having regular e-numans and virtual quiz/karaoke/game nights have been great in keeping us close despite social distancing.
7. Spread Good Vibes
When we perform acts of altruism, it doesn’t just help others but makes us feel good inside as well. Simple acts of kindness like sending food to our colleagues and loved ones, or sending donations to various online groups/charities are great ways to get through the challenges that this pandemic has brought to our communities.
