A Working Mama's Guide To Coping With The Pandemic

The pandemic has been hard on everyone. As we went about our lives before March 2020, we never thought a day would come when we'd have to be locked inside our homes, not be able to send our kids to schools or go to work. The routine and life we had practised and mastered over the years hit a reset button and we had to start from scratch. House help stopped and the forever Dame in shining armour had to take it all in her stride - the mother of the house, of course.

More often than not, mothers miraculously manage to get it all done; Image Credit: Pexels

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Mothers are used to multitasking. More often than not, they miraculously manage to get it all done. Their office work, homeschooling, house work, cooking, cleaning, taking care of the elderly at home- the list goes on and on. But what happens when a family member or the mom herself, falls victim to COVID-19? How does the overburdened mama find some respite and rest without worrying about everyone else? Here are some tips for the superwoman to stay calm and cope with the virus during these unusual and stressful times:

1. Positive Visualisation: Visualise and truly believe that this is only going to be a 14-day quarantine. It will blow over and life will return to normal. Fear and panic can aggravate the situation so just stay calm.

2. Keep your kids at home: One of the biggest mistakes we make is sending them to their grandparents and then they end up contracting the infection from them, too.

3. Bend the rules: Unusual circumstances need you to be flexible with your house rules. If COVID-19 has hit your household and you are unable to entertain your child, it is just fine to rely on phones and TV for those 14 days.

If you are unable to entertain your child, it is alright to rely on phones and TV for those 14 days; Image Credit: Pexels

4. Don't blame: Do not guilt yourself or anyone for being a carrier. No one is bringing COVID-19 home intentionally so do not blame yourself or anyone for bringing it home. Believe that everyone is doing the best that they can in this new normal world and be sensitive to each other.

5. Be sensitive to others: Remember, it's 14 days, not 14 years so make peace with the fact that the house may not be handled as well as it normally is. Your kids may land up getting fed food that you normally don't allow or outside food may be getting used too frequently. Stay calm and don't stress yourself about it. Do not strive for perfection but harmony in these times.

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6. Put systems in place: Be practical about putting systems in place with respect to laundry, cooking and washing of utensils if someone at home has COVID-19. If your child is positive and has brought it into the house, you and your husband need to figure roles and responsibilities with one being an attendee to the child and the other the organizer of the house.

Be practical about putting systems in place with respect to other chores with others in the family; Image Credit: Pexels

7. Rest: Don't be restless. Accept and decide that this is my "me time." Think about how you can make the best use of it. If your energy levels allow you, it's a great time to connect with people through video calls or messages. Being in touch, can serve as a great support system for you as well as others who are in the same boat.

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8. Protect yourself: Women are born givers and nurturers. Be wise and informed and keep your distance from loved ones if they or you have COVID-19. Love, in this case needs to be expressed along with clear boundaries.

9. Respect the paranoia: I have come across several couples who have a mismatched level of fear against coronavirus. If your family member or spouse is more paranoid about COVID-19, respect that and follow suit in this case. There is nothing like being too careful during this time.

Remember, mamas, this too shall pass. Get all the rest you can and don't feel afraid to ask for help if you are struggling with any aspect in these tough times.

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About the author: Puja Puneet is an acclaimed Life Coach, TedX Speaker and Author of the book, ‘Unlocking the Golden Cage'. Puja is on a mission to transform the lives of women and help them become the best version of themselves. With her organization, Life by Design, she helps women find their identity, become financially free and earn the respect they deserve.

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