Many people are feeling anxious about the loss and uncertainty they are going through as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jodii Maguire’s message is that this feeling is natural, and that people should forgive themselves and not feel guilty or embarrassed about it. And they should also be patient about working through these feelings.

In the latest instalment of Creating Communities’ Stronger Together series of video conversations, she offers insights into coping mechanisms and ways to stay strong as we navigate this strange new normal.

Jodii, a psychologist who runs Think! Performance, says humans are creatures of habit and many of us struggle when our routines are disrupted. But it is important to remember that everyone reacts in different ways to a crisis and we should not spend time comparing our responses to those of people around us.

One of the most important things is to not lose sight of the need for human connection, and to schedule times to stay in contact with friends and family even if we can’t physically meet with them.

Jodii Maguire is a respected practitioner with more than 20 years’ experience in psychology and human resources in organisational and sporting contexts across Australia. As director of Think! Performance, Jodii assists clients develop and implement practical strategies to improve performance, wellbeing, and leadership capability.

This interview is part of Creating Communities’ series of video conversations with prominent Australians offering insights and wisdom on coping with the challenges this pandemic presents for all of us. It is a key part of our “Stronger Together” approach to the COVID-19 crisis as we work to bring people and communities together to help each other through this testing time.