How R You?
We are all learning to adjust to the new way of life, with worlds colliding – work, home, parenting, and educating our children. I’m sharing four R’s with you in an effort to provide you with some helpful information during this challenging time:
Routines
What new routines are you creating with your family? Whether you are sheltering solo, as a duo, or as a family, what are some things you can do on a regular basis? Having a regular schedule or cadence for when certain things happen can give you some feelings of normalcy and structure. Most of us are no longer operating according to our regular schedules, stopping to buy a cup of coffee on the way to work or driving carpool. In my home, a new routine is lighting more candles, which creates a calm space and a lovely, soothing scent. This could be the perfect time to try a new ritual or routine that might bring you some comfort.
Reflection
This is a great time for reflection. Many of us have recognized some positive aspects of this crisis: we are being forced to slow-down, we’re reconnecting with family and friends, and we are realizing what is important. Take the time to reflect on your and your family’s activities and lifestyle. So many of us usually rush from activity to event all weekend long, without allowing enough time to relax and rejuvenate before the week starts again. I’ve spoken with parents who are seeing their children be more creative and more relaxed without the harried schedules of soccer games and after-school activities. What do you want life to look like when we can get back to some semblance of normalcy?
Rest
Getting more rest than usual is important for our immune systems and for the additional mental energy we are expending at this time. Stress is tiring! The unknown, the uncertainty, and for some, grief as the virus impacts family, friends and community – it all wears on all of us. I’ve been allowing myself to sleep in or go to bed early when I can. Sometimes just closing my eyes for a few minutes can be rejuvenating. When I wake up not feeling rested, I’m trying to take it easy on myself the next day and manage my expectations about what I can really accomplish. Are you getting enough rest?
Resilience
This difficult time requires all of us to dig deep for patience and perseverance. We are social creatures who require and thrive on human connection. Without that, many of us are feeling a bit lost, sad, and lonely. Not knowing when the physical distancing requirements will be lifted and when we will resume regular activities makes it that much more challenging. However, we have all been through something difficult in our lives, and we somehow got through it. We will get through this, too. Connecting with my family and friends on Zoom and FaceTime calls has helped. I’ve done Happy Hours with girlfriends, visited with cousins and reconnected with old friends. As a reminder to myself, I have a paperweight on my desk that says “You Got This!”
During this time of ambiguity, be flexible with yourself and with others. We are in this together, which helps to have the collective mindset for overcoming and getting through this difficult time. I encourage you to take this time to focus on the four Rs and to learn something about yourself that you’ll adopt and take into the future.
