Building Resilience during COVID-19

Resilience

Our industry is going through tough times.  Building your resilience is one magical thing you can do to reduce your stress.

Sometimes using my computer password becomes one more thing that can stress me out.  While surfing the web for tips on how to avoid password fatigue, I came across this great Microsoft article on how to strengthen your resilience in uncertain times.

The article suggests some techniques we can use when so much feels out of our control.  I am glad to report that I already use some of these and I want to share with you some that are so right on and so easy to do on your own.  Do these 3 things to take back some control:

1.    Give yourself credit  Create a daily to-do list of small, achievable goals and check them off one by one.

a. Avoid multitasking.  Research suggests a 40% decrease in productivity when we multitask.

b. If something takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. Finishing a quick task is often simpler than reviewing it, putting it in your calendar, and returning to it later.

2.   Recharge and reset throughout the day

a.  Practice conscious breathing. If you catch yourself in a negative thought pattern or feeling particularly stressed, turn your focus to the rising and falling of your breath.

b.  Practice gratitude.   When washing your hands, think of three things you're grateful for, ie., I feel good when I do this, and I lower my risk of infection.

3.  Schedule daily moments of joy and connection

a.  Include some self-care. Every day I do something to make sure I take care of myself.  I try to eat right, exercise regularly, and take a time-out when I need it so I can stay physically, mentally, and emotionally well.

b.  Prioritize connecting with the people and passions that fulfill you.  Schedule some “break” time with family and friends.  Their perspective, experience, humor, and guidance can be especially rewarding, and help build ongoing resilience.

c.  Do one small thing each morning that brings you joy. It might be meditating, walking, or making a breakfast you love.  I go for a 45-minute walk around my neighborhood.  It clears my mind and boosts my creativity for managing my client’s work, designing W.I.T.H. program enhancements, and sorting out my personal daily agenda.

We're all facing challenges right now, but by taking small steps, we can improve our well-being and build resilience.  And when we emerge from the current situation, the habits we build will still be with us. 

Be Resilient WITHus!