First of all, we are not merely working from home, we are working through a pandemic.
This is a mindset shift that has pushed (thankfully) over the internet lately. It’s a much-needed shift as we all try to manage our way through this ‘new normal’. To be honest, it took a couple of weeks to truly hit me. Perhaps I was naive or was in denial. I was in the “this is your chance to grind and develop your ‘best self’ mode of thinking. I was writing lists of side hustles I had ignored, new skills I can take on and perhaps languages to learn. I was going to do all the things, while also working from home.
Acknowledge Your Privilege
Personally, I am blessed to work at a school full-time so I can do much of my job (albeit in a new way) from the comfort of my home. I don’t have children of my own to teach and it’s just me and my husband in our nice little apartment. I have access to devices and high-speed internet and ALL THE SNACKS. Finances aren’t perfect but compared to those who were already housing or food insecure, we are better equipped to take on this new challenge.
As in any type of crisis comparison can be harmful, but it can also put small blessings in perspective. We should be focused on surviving rather than being sucked into the pressure of being superhuman in this new reality.
The ‘grind mode’ mantra and hyper-productivity being pushed upon many online can be a slap in the face to many just trying to make it through.
Identify what you can control.
If you can control your schedule, amazing. Working from home doesn’t mean set work hours. If you wouldn’t answer an email at 9 pm then don’t. If it means you have to finish projects in the evening because you are helping your kids e-learn in the afternoons, make that known. I like order so creating a backbone of a schedule, which includes breaks, is key. As a former crisis counselor, I would tell clients to focus on what is right in front of them. Imagine walking outside and its raining hard and windy. You can’t see through the rain so you take it slow and focus on the couple steps ahead at a time. We cannot see when the effects of this pandemic will end but we can focus on each morning, afternoon, and evening at a time.
Next Tip, GET MOVING
As a powerlifter and personal trainer fitness and workouts are what keep me mentally and physically aligned. Perhaps you prioritize 15-20 minutes a day to do a quick workout
Finally, Be Kind to Yourself
You will experience a range of emotions. Acknowledge them and give yourself grace in the hills and valleys. Embrace the moments of joy and lean into the valleys of frustration or sadness.
