What these HR Professionals said - After Recovering from an attack of Covid 19

NHRD, under their mind matters initiative organized a webinar in which HR professionals who were inflicted by  the Corona virus and recovered from it, shared their experiences and insights. The participants of the conversation were Ms Shraddanjali Rao, VP and Head (HR) SAP India, Ms Rashmi Nagori, CHRO Edelweiss Wealth Management and Mr Darpan Singh,HR Evangelist,NHRD. It was moderated by Dr Geeta Kumar, OD consultant. Of the three, it was Rashmi who faced the biggest challenge being hospitalized for many days, followed by Darpan and Shraddanjali whose experience was largely asymptomatic. 

I am giving below some of the insights gained from the experience and methods adopted to come out of a difficult situation.  

• It was quite a realization that this pandemic was a leveler- It could strike anyone, anytime irrespective of their age, economic or social backgrounds
•  Rashmi said that during the hospitalization, trusting and fully cooperating with the medical team helped (Helping them to help you instead of adding to their woes by becoming a difficult/demanding patient . As it is, the team is over stressed and overworked).  
• Frequent Zoom calls from family helped to be cheerful and motivated to overcome the illness 
• Not knowing 'How bad the situation was'  in a way a blessing in disguise as it kept at bay worrying too much and dipping of the spirits .
• For Darpan it was spirituality and 'positive mental engineering' that helped to overcome fear and maintain equilibrium. 
• Shraddanjali felt that HR people tend to feel guilty about taking care of themselves, particularly when their role is crucial in a pandemic situation. However, consciously you have to give due attention to your needs also as advised in case of emergency in a flight- First wear the oxygen mask yourself before attempting to help others. 
• When confronted by a deadly pandemic like Covid 19, one tends to over imagine things and react to situations rather than respond.
• For not going overboard or being overwhelmed, it helps to appreciate the small things and being grateful for the many things God has already given us thus far.   
• Good Samaritans from unexpected places tend to turn up to help in crisis situations. It is okay to reach out for help to neighbours  for support in terms of meals etc, when you are physically helpless and completely drained. 
• On the path of recovery, it helps to have a structured routine for getting back to regular activities.
• It is important to keep in mind that Post Covid, your body is not the same. Your energy levels are still low to the extent that it takes effort to even answer a question.
• It is a challenge to get body back to what it was prior to the attack . Here, one has to conserve energy, use it sparingly to limp back to normalcy.
• Although recovery is faster in teenagers, don't be in a hurry to get back to your old exercise routine. Do not stress yourself as different people are affected differently. 
• Do lot of breathing exercises- Lie flat on your stomach for a couple of hours.
• when coming back to work, take breaks when you feel the need.
• Practice flexibility based on whether you are a "Morning", "Afternoon"  or "Evening" person.  
• Avoid news feeds that can get your spirits down.
• As a parting shot the advice given by participants in the conversation were " Focus on what you can fix, instead of trying to do too much", "Have faith in yourself and those around" and "keep the smile going!" 

I am very happy to share the insights gained in this webinar from those who have been there, faced things and are working in a responsible role of HR. My purpose would be served even if a few readers are able to face in an effective manner, the tough situations thrown by the pandemic without panicking or being overwhelmed.