Date:  May 4, 2020

Start the MDC Week Right: How to Practice Empathy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has led to sweeping changes and disruptions in nearly every
aspect of daily life

Here are some ways on how to cultivate empathy within yourself:

1. Stay Connected – Showing empathy and engaging in helpful actions, whether it’s donating to a charity
or writing a supportive note to a friend, can increase your feelings of social connectedness.

2. Be Aware – Empathy and understanding are a critical part of compassion and, more importantly,
action. Think of others and look for ways that you can help.

3. Be Kind - Take it easy on yourself and others. It’s ok if you aren’t managing to do it all.

4. Be Considerate - Sometimes we may be quick to criticize others without making the effort to
understand how their situation and experiences are impacting their choices. 

5. Help Others – In the midst of something that seems overwhelming, helping others can provide a sense
of control and empowerment. When the world feels unpredictable and chaotic, finding tangible ways to
do good and make things better for someone else can be a source of comfort.

Empathy is always important, but it is particularly vital during a public health crisis. Practicing empathy
during the COVID-19 pandemic not only opens your mind to what others are experiencing, but it can
also provide social connectedness that can help combat feelings of isolation

https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-practice-empathy-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-4800924
Date:  May 11, 2020
Start the MDC Week Right: Minding your Mental Health during a crisis

As events, challenges, and responses continue to develop around the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is
transfixed on news and articles

Here’s some ways to check your mental health during crisis:

1. Breathe and Stay Calm - Control your body. Practice some conscious breathing exercises. Take time
for meditation. And engage yourself in distractions or activities.

2. Engage more in healthy activities - Healthy activities can include your personal rituals of hygiene,
fixing and managing your surroundings, establishing daily routines – all within the bounds of ‘social
distancing’, of course.

3. Stay Connected - Even if in self-isolation, it is important to stay connected. Checking in on family,

friends, colleagues, and neighbors, especially those who are in need of extra assistance, via phone or
social media.

4. Take breaks from breaking news - Manage your anxiety by catching up on news at specific times of
the day. 

5. Take online consultations (if needed) - Here are some online consultations/psychotherapy and
workshops available in the Philippines:

 National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline (NCMH-USAP)

Service: It provides mental health support for all affected by COVID-19
Contact: 0917-899-USAP(8727) or 7-989-USAP (8727)
 Philippine Mental Health Association, Inc. (PMHA) Online Support
Service: Provides mental health support for all affected by COVID-19
Contact: 0917-565-2036 or pmhaacds@gmail.com / pmha.eard@gmail.com
 UP Diliman Psychological Services (UPD PsychServ)
Service: Provides telepsychotherapy services for healthcare frontliners 
Contact: 0906-374-3466
 Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services
Service: Provides online counseling and Psychological First Aid with priority
given to frontliners
Contact: bulataocenter.Is@ateneo.edu
 PsychConsult, Inc.
Service: Provides online counseling for all affected by COVID-19
Contact: 0917-709-6961 or 0997-561-8778
 Circle of Hope Community Services, Inc.
Service: Provides TeleMental Health Services to promote effective coping and
resiliences for healthcare workers
Contact: 0917-822-2325 or 0925-557-0888

Don’t forget: Mental Health is as important as Physical Health

https://asiasociety.org/philippines/mental-health-time-covid-19
Date:  May 11, 2020
Start the MDC Week Right: Retooling Your Budget for Covid-19? 5 Smart Steps To Take Now

As the coronavirus continues to spread around the world, staying physically healthy is a top priority. At
the same time, you likely are juggling new challenges where your finances are concerned. 

Here are five steps you can take right now to manage your budget wisely while awaiting a return to
something like normalcy:

1. Start With Your Income and Assets – Look and evaluate on what you spend and what you earn.

2. Categorize Your Budget Expenses – You need to understand where and how you’re spending.

3. Eliminate or Reduce Nice-to-Haves - If you’re in disaster or emergency budgeting mode, prioritizing

your expenses matters. 

4. Revisit Your Essential Spending - Once you’ve cut the fluff out of your budget, you can take a second
look at your essential spending. 

5. Spend Strategically to Save Money - While cutting back on spending can help make budgeting easier
during a financial crisis, it’s likely that you won’t be able to stop spending completely.

Whether or not that makes sense now depends on how quickly you and your family’s finances are being
affected by the disruption of the COVID-19 crisis. If your existing budget is fundamentally changed, it
makes sense to take a deep breath, consider what options are available now and revise as needed.

Source: forbes.com/sites/advisor/2020/03/27/retooling-your-budget-for-covid-19-5-smart-steps-to-
take-now/#ca8fc20580e1
4 Behaviors That Help Leaders Manage a Crisis

The roles and responsibilities of business leaders have dramatically changed in the past few weeks. Today,
many of those same leaders must make rapid decisions about controlling costs and maintaining liquidity.

The 4 behaviors below can guide leaders how to manage during crisis.

Behavior 1: Decide with speed over precision.

The situation is changing by the day — even by the hour. The best leaders quickly process available
information, rapidly determine what matters most, and make decisions with conviction.

Behavior 2: Adapt boldly.

Strong leaders get ahead of changing circumstances. They seek input and information from diverse
sources, are not afraid to admit what they don’t know, and bring in outside expertise when needed.

Behavior 3: Reliably deliver.

The best leaders take personal ownership in a crisis, even though many challenges and factors lie outside
their control. They align team focus, establish new metrics to monitor performance, and create a culture of
accountability.

Behavior 4: Engage for impact.

Effective leaders are understanding of their team’s circumstances and distractions, but they find ways to
engage and motivate, clearly and thoroughly communicating important new goals and information.

Moments of crisis reveal a great deal about the leaders below you. Once the immediate fire is under
control and you have a moment to catch your breath, think about who rose to the occasion, who
struggled, and why.

https://hbr.org/2020/04/4-behaviors-that-help-leaders-manage-a-crisis