A year ago Dr. Jonathan Ortmans, the founder and president of the Global Entrepreneurship Network, noted that the economy of Bangladesh was rising and that entrepreneurs undoubtedly played a huge role in the process of economic development. Today, Bangladesh — together with the rest of the world — has become a very uncertain space for budding entrepreneurs.
If the nature of your business allows you to continue working throughout the lockdown period, you are very fortunate. If not, you may as well make the most of the downtime by turning the period of isolation into a staycation. One of the easiest ways to achieve this is to spend time outdoors, whether it is in your garden or on a balcony.
Increase your Vitamin D intake
As an entrepreneur, you might find yourself spending excessive amounts of time seated at a desk. Making a point to spend time outside every day during lockdown can benefit you in numerous ways. Not only will it keep you physically healthy, but it will also improve your quality of sleep, help you focus better, and boost your entrepreneurial creativity. Self-isolation and social distancing entail being cut off from family, friends and ‘normal’ life which, in turn, can lead to depression. Being outdoors also boosts mental health considerably, reducing stress and anxiety levels and leaving you feeling more positive about the current situation.
Remember to protect yourself (and the environment)
When you go outside, remember to put on sunscreen and fill your water bottle, as you do not want to be left dehydrated and sunburnt during your staycation. You can even put an eco-friendly spin on your time outside by using chemical-free sun protection that is not only good for your skin, but for the planet. In a similar vein, using a reusable water bottle is a better choice than a disposable, plastic one.
In January this year, the Bangladesh High Court ordered the government to ban single-use plastics in certain areas to combat pollution, and the general public has been urged to implement these changes at home. By using a refillable, eco-friendly water bottle and saying ‘no’ to single-use plastics, you play an important role in eradicating the pollution in the country.
Don’t forget to have fun
While the coronavirus is undoubtedly affecting the Bangladesh economy in countless ways, it is of vital importance to minimize negative thinking as much as possible. Give yourself enough space to mull over the current events and the future of your business, but also remember to have some fun.
It does not matter whether you choose to play a round of cricket with your children or read a good back, as long as you do something that you enjoy. Even if you are able to conduct business, it should still be a priority to enjoy a fair amount of down-time. Laptops and smartphones are portable for a reason and make it possible to venture away from your desk and work outside.
The options are limitless
Apart from spending time outside, there is a range of other activities to take part in that will make lockdown seem more like a staycation than a punishment. As an entrepreneur, you will always be looking to up your skillset and this may be the perfect time to do it. While that may seem more like work than play, doing an online course or reading an informative book can prove to be very enjoyable. You may also want to consider learning a new hobby, such as cooking, drawing or even playing a musical instrument while also making time to watch all the movies and TV shows you simply did not have time for before.
At present, no one is certain how long the lockdown in Bangladesh will last. Regardless of the timeframe, however, it is essential that entrepreneurs do whatever is necessary to make these challenging times more bearable.
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