It is safe to say that your priorities have probably changed quite a bit since the start of the year. You may be working from home – or in an almost unrecognizable work environment – and your family schedule has almost certainly been affected. For many of us, there is still no saying when things will “go back to normal.” In fact, there is a chance that they never will. 

With so much up in the air at this point, it is important to find things that can ground us and at least help us feel a bit more normal or sane.  

Give Yourself a Mental Break

At the beginning of the pandemic, I was becoming entirely overwhelmed by the news. It would be the first thing I would read in the morning, and then I would be updated throughout the day with notifications on my phone. I was anxious all the time, and would just read article after article covering the same scary and depressing topics. 

As much as you are able to, limit your consumption. It might be helpful to dedicate 15 minutes at some point during the day to getting a news update – I promise that this is all you will need. Turn off or limit your notifications and try to cut back on the amount of time you spend on news and social sites. 

Be Kind to Yourself and Others Emotionally 

To expect things to be normal might now is a recipe for disappointment. Give yourself and others a bit of a break. Cut yourself some slack and recognize that you are doing the best that you can. Everyone is dealing with a lot right now, and sometimes it is impossible to know the health or financial struggles and concerns that a friend or colleague has. Focus on having empathy and compassion for others, and talk to them about realistic expectations. By lifting someone else’s burden, we often feel as though we are lifting our own as well. 

Find Some Time for Physical Activity 

It is important to incorporate normalcy in your life. Maybe you typically go to the gym during your lunch break but are having a tough time trying to do so when working from home. Look into home workouts that you can do, or encourage family members to get active with you. As much as you are able to, you should also try to get outside at least for 20 minutes or so during the day. By activating your body, you will give your mind some much-needed rest. 

Taking care of yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically is always important – but it is particularly important during trying times like these. For some, a spiritual outlet will also go a long way in finding balance in your work-life. What works for each of us will be different, so do not be afraid to try out a few new things to see what has the greatest impact on you. 

Photo by manny PANTOJA on Unsplash