We’re all struggling to get used to a new normal right now – social distancing, working from home, homeschooling our kids, not to mention dealing with fear and uncertainty. With so many changes in our lives, it’s tempting to stay in our pjs, crawl under the covers and spend the day bingeing shows on Netflix. The world may seem like it’s come to a standstill, but our need to live a productive life has not. So many of us were overcommitted, overworked and quite frankly, overtaxed before all of this started. As challenging as it may be, perhaps now is a good time to hit the “reset” button, step back and really take a look at our lives and routines.
Here are a couple of suggestions to keep in mind in order to keep your productivity – and spirits – uplifted:
Use extra time to start something new. Have you always wanted to start learning a new language? Take up a yoga practice? Or how about that idea for a new business that you keep putting on the backburner? Now is an ideal time to think about what YOU really want and the direction you want your life to take. Right now, you’re told all the things you can’t do. Change your mindset and start thinking about all the things you can start doing.
Be aware of how you’re structuring your day. Take some time and write down a schedule and prioritize your tasks. If you do your best work in the afternoon, tackle the most important items on your to-do list during that time. Try not to work on the couch, but rather from a clutter-free, quiet workspace where you can concentrate. And don’t forget to take breaks. It’s important to take a short break every 30-40 minutes and clear your head. Walk around the house, do some light exercise, anything that gives you a chance to decompress.
Be kind to yourself. Life right now is stressful. There are going to be days when you sleep in or stay up too late watching movies. It’s important to treat yourself with grace and not focus on the stumbles, which are inevitably going to happen during this uncertain period.
If you’ve thought about working with a coach, but have been setting the idea aside for a more convenient time, now is the perfect time to start! At Leah M Joppy and Associates, we’re here to help you find a newfound focus during these challenging times. We can work with you to set a routine and keep it on track, assess your life and career direction and help you take steps to make meaningful change. Call us at 301-670-0051 or email leah@lmja.com.