When Funeral Homes Innovate
I never think of the Funeral Home business as being particularly dynamic. After all, death is an inescapable part of life. A Funeral Home will always have a market, especially in the West where most countries have an ageing population. So, it always takes me aback a little when I see an advertisement for a Funeral Home (especially on Black Friday - talk about a macabre sense of humor). But, let’s face it, competition is everywhere, even in the business of dealing with the dead. I suppose it’s always good to have an edge. So, I was delighted to hear (on the BBC Radio 4 Today show this morning) that in the UK, Funeral Homes are preparing the technology to be able to live stream funerals in this era of the Coronavirus. This way, people will be able to stay at home to avoid contagion and enjoy their loved one’s funeral in a private and germ-free setting. This my friends, is what they call innovation in the face of a crisis. Or, maybe it’s just kind of sad. Discuss.
Now that I’ve depressed you with the thought of Funeral Live Streams, I’d like to share my top ten tips for keeping your sanity in this strange and anxiety riddled moment.
1. LAUGH: I put this first because for me it might be the most challenging. Sometimes I fall into a dark hole of negativity. An ex-boss and mentor once declared I had a dark side, so yes, I have to stay clear of my intense Kylo Ren moments. Laugh people, because there is always a humor to be found in situations like these.
2. BE GRATEFUL. We all have things to be grateful for. List them every morning.
3. GO OUTSIDE. Unless you are in a lock down zone and in actual quarantine (I am not talking about those of you who are working from home, that is NOT quarantine, chose your words wisely!) you can still go outside. Don’t sit there cooped up in your home.
4. MEDITATE. I can’t sit still, you tell me. I am bad ad meditating, you declare. It doesn’t matter, no one is giving you a grade for your meditation practice. No one can see into your mind. Sit still, close your eyes, observe your breath. Start with 5 minutes a day. Why? Mediation reduces stress and anxiety. It has a myriad of benefits. Google it.
5. BREATHE. When you feel that little niggle of angst starting to bubble up inside you, take three deep breaths. Voilà, you will instantly feel better.
6. EXERCISE. So, gyms might be closed. Who cares? Find a small patch of space in your home or outside and move. Jump. Dance. If you want something more structured, you can find just about any workout on YouTube. Take a yoga class. Start that ab challenge. Endorphins, people! Get them going.
7. SEE YOUR FRIENDS. There is no need to isolate yourself unless you are ill. Apparently, it’s better if you don’t touch each other, but I think you can use your best judgement to decide about that.
8. TREAT YOURSELF. Eat or drink something delicious. Read a book, listen to a great piece of music. If you have money and are not worried about job security: GO SHOPPING. The stores need you.
9. DO NOT OBSESS ABOUT THE NEWS. Googling coronavirus 100 times a day is NOT constructive (Note to self.)
10. REMEMBER: THIS TOO SHALL PASS.