How to keep sane in the dark shadow of disease.

Covid-19. It's been a real game-changer. First, many people -- in unaffected countries -- mocked the panic it was inspiring. Then they too realised why there was panic in the first place.

A highly contagious disease which only critically effects about 20% of the population is enough to cripple economies as it wrecks havoc on health systems in even the most developed countries.

Depressing, right? That's because we're basically at the beginning of another Depression. The world will never be the same again, in my opinion.

Meanwhile, small businesses are closing. Employees are being shed. And they have little prospect of finding work. It's all rather bleak. Let's make something absolutely clear: I believe we are in a new era of human history.

Massive upheavals happened during the Black Plague of the 1400s. Everything changed. But it did help lead to the Renaissance. That's an important thing to consider. However, right now, you're more worried about surviving. Whether it's surviving possible infection or surviving the social and economic upheaval of the coming days.

This isn't the Apocalypse, though. I don't think it is -- more like a time of transformation. We each have to look deep within ourselves. And figure out what we need to do to get through this as unscathed as possible.

1) Have Hope.

Without hope, you spiral into darkness. It affects your ability to deal effectively with the current situation and think of ways to survive. Hope can sometimes just be a candle in the dark. But that's when a candle shines brightest. The point is: we need something to hold onto. Faith. The belief medical science will find a vaccine in short order. That the markets will strengthen as good news, such as the flattening of the curve in some countries, hits.

Whatever you grasp onto, don't let go. Be strong. If not for yourself, then for those who depend on you. We can get through this.

2) Invest wisely.

It's a time when people's pensions and their investments have taken serious bodyblows. Easy to get down about, right? Well, now is the time -- while we're under lockdown and likely to be in some form of social distancing for a good while longer -- to carefully consider how to use what you have left.

Look for online courses, like Udemy (we don't get paid by them for mentions nor are they clients of ours), which often offer specials. Find a subject that interests you; more importantly, one you believe will strategically position you as more valuable to potential employers once this is over.

Or if you're self-employed, then something that adds value to your own enterprise.

It will keep you busy, learning new things gives a boost to one's sense of worth, and it'll aid in fulfilling your potential.

3) Chill.

We're currently in a stage of social distancing that will last even when the current lockdown is finished. So it's important to find ways to fill the hole left by lack of social interaction. Cabin fever can have serious consequences on both physical and mental health. Therefore, in-between strategising a way forward and self-improvement, allow yourself time to indulge in your favourite game, TV series, or book.

It will, at least, take your mind off of things. Escapism in appropriate doses is a healthy response to extreme stress.

4) Write a journal.

It can be very beneficial to record your thoughts, emotions, and experiences every day. Even if it's just ten minutes of your time. Do it on a regular basis. This will help give you some perspective and dissociate yourself from your negative feelings about the current situation.

5) Laugh.

Comedy is good. It'll make you feel better. There are plenty of memes on the net about the funny side of this pandemic. As serious as it is, don't feel bad about laughing at it. Humour, it's believed, evolved as a coping mechanism to help deal with high-stress situations. It releases endorphins, a feel-good chemical -- and that might be just what the doctor ordered.

There's a reason they have clowns (at least in the States) visit children's wards. "Laughter is the best medicine".

Especially for depression and anxiety.

6) Try to limit your social media activity.

It's tempting to want social contact and the most efficient way of that tends to be social media. But social media also spreads stories, including fake news, about what's happening out there. We're hungry to know how people are doing, what's going on, how the world is doing.

But panic is contagious and so are bad vibes. We're not saying totally avoid it -- but what would be more helpful is starting a WhatsApp support group. If you haven't already.

7) Keep things in perspective.

The world is going through a major reset now. No one knows how it will look in the end. But remember, you're not in this alone. Never before has there been such a strong community of people globally trying their best to support each other. And do your part.

Comforting someone going through a tough time (over the net or phone, of course) will make you feel better, too.

8) If you've lost your job, it's not the end of the world.

Not literally anyway. But figuratively, it is the end of one world. And yet, the beginning of another. Many employees get tired of being treated like children by their bosses or the internal, infernal politics of the office. Too many megalomaniacs tend to seize power they're not, structurally anyway, supposed to have.

Most of us have had to deal with backstabbers and snakes. And the tread marks left from being thrown under the bus so often.

While small businesses are suffering, soon there'll be a need for enterprising individuals to fulfil roles that companies suddenly find need for.

It might even be that you find yourself in the pound seat.

This could also be the time to start your own passion project. Who knows? With enough can-do attitude, you could pull it off!

9) We are a resilient species.

We've been through much worse than this. Entire cities in ancient times were pillaged and burnt to the ground. Before that, we were hunted by big cats almost to extinction. And the many, many times plagues have spread across the world is uncountable.

Yet, we have always gotten through it.

Remember, Nietzsche once said, "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger."

So be strong. For you. For your family. For the world.

Oh, and exercise! Even if that's just finding a room in the house and dancing!