6 Months In…

We’ve survived spring and summer, and now we’re winding our way into fall.

At the beginning of each new season, I like to take stock of my surroundings and reflect on my life and my business. What’s working? What can be improved? What are my short-term and long-term goals?

After 6 months of lockdown, I encourage all of you to do the same.

We all hoped that the pandemic would be winding down by now (regardless of how realistic that hope actually was). However, we instead find ourselves on the verge of the predicted second-wave. New restrictions have been put in place where I live, and there may be more to come. So how do we deal with it?

We have spent 6 months on high alert, constantly on edge and stressed by something that impacts every aspect of our lives. Constant stress like that inevitably takes it toll, and with no end in sight it is crucial that we take this time to check in with ourselves.

Are you feeling burnt out? Take a real break. Make office hours, and stick to them. Shut down your computer, set an away message, do what you need to do in order to separate your work time from your play time.

Stressed out? I am very, very lucky that my work has returned to it’s ‘normal’ level, but I know that not every one has been so fortunate. Layoffs are still occurring, and all I can tell you is that you are not alone. So many people have lost work due to the pandemic, and it is nearly impossible to find work right now.

I get stressed out very easily, but what I have realized during this time is that there really is a lot that is out of my control. I knew this before lockdown, of course, but I truly understood it when my work was initially affected. Businesses were cutting their businesses, and one of the first ‘excesses’ to go was the budget for outsourcing - ie: people like me.

Upon reflection, I still get stressed out. I still worry about that which is out of my control. But I am learning how to handle it better. Unnecessary stress makes life more difficult, putting strain on relationships, and stealing peace. To make it through a tough time (putting it mildly) with an indeterminate end date, it is vital to manage your stress.

I find it helpful to write things down. It allows me to order my thoughts, and prioritize my to-do list. Journalling allows me to unload the jumble in my head, because I have a tendency to bottle things up. If journalling isn’t your thing, try something else! Monologue in the shower, speak to a friend or family member, or vent to your pet.

We will make it through this because we are adaptable. We are survivors. We are all struggling in some ways, and that struggle is valid. Remember you are not alone. Talk to each other. Be kind to each other. Small steps add up to large ones. The pandemic may not end soon, but it will end.