How to Stay Grounded in Times of Uncertainty
The Coronavirus pandemic is creating a moment of uncertainty. It affects us all differently depending on how vulnerable we are, which can be based on a number of different factors including age, socio-economic status, access to healthcare, job security and more.
However, it is just a moment. I will pass and the vast majority of us will not succumb to the virus, though only time will tell what the long term impact will be.
What is equally true is that there will be many more moments like this that will cause us to feel uncertain: a shaky economy, frightening political landscapes and unrest, illness, job loss, death and other events that are all a part of life.
I spent last Friday and Saturday goofing off, connecting with friends and trying to process all that is happening. However, I decided that I needed to refocus so that I could be prepared for the work on Monday that my clients are depending on me for. In fact, they need me now more than ever to support them leading through these times.
This post came to me as I was doing my regular Sunday routine of laundry, dusting, vacuuming and planning for the week. I realized that if Monday was going to be more “normal” I needed to start with my Sunday rountine. I found the entire exercise more grounding than usual.
Here are some tips for staying grounded now and whenever you are feeling uncertain.
Maintain routines: Do this as much as makes sense given necessary adjustments for the circumstances. Keep regular bed and wake times, maintain meeting schedules at work, keep your space clean, whatever this means to you. Not only will this help keep you oriented now, but it will make returning to “normal” times less jarring.
Use “extra” time creatively: If you no longer have to commute, have fewer clients or have a lighter workload, this could be a great time to work on your passion project, write, read, work on your passion project, garden, whatever it is that you sometimes find it hard to create space for. Creative endeavors can be rejuvenating and stress relieving. You also may find that you just need more rest.
Stay connected to people: It is wise for us all to avoid large gatherings to “flatten the curve” of the spread. However, we can still talk on the phone, use other apps to connect face to face like Facetime, Whatsapp and Google Hangouts. Some people in my circle have created new Facebook groups to check in and are offering opportunities to connect virtually in new and creative ways.
Limit news exposure: For the latest updates, you can always go straight to the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, and local health department websites. You do not need to be exposed to coronavirus news 24/7. This will keep you sane and receiving reliable information.
Exercise: This goes on almost any list I create about ways to stay well physically, emotionally and mentally. I like to Netflix and chill and read for hours as much as the next person, but laying around too much is bound to make you feel lethargic and maybe even blue. This is a good time to be in the great outdoors! Also, if you’re used to going to the gym, which is probably not the best place to be right now, there are tons of ways to find free workout content online including yoga and other routines for which you need no equipment. You might be surprised and find something new that you love.
Whenever something like this happens, while we may feel uncertain, there also an opportunity to learn something new about ourselves and find ways to connect more deeply to each other. Let’s stay grounded and make the best of it.
This is a time in which leaders have to make a lot of difficult decisions to help maintain calm in the workplace and the home. If you think that coaching can support you, reach out for a free call.