I was laying in bed, thinking about this crazy world we are living in now. I was thinking about my goals. I was thinking about what I want to look back on over the next year and see what I accomplished. I know that sounds deep, but I think I was just grasping for a sense of feeling “normal” again.
This pandemic has affected each of us in so many ways. This is a struggle for everyone around the world as we adjust to what has now become our new “normal.” For my family, things look different because my husband is working from home full time and I am home 3 days a week working. Our children are staying home and no longer attending daycare. We have to find some sense of balance while holding down two full time jobs and then also caring for our children full time. I know that is a blessing to have jobs and I am so thankful for these particular challenges, but each day I go to bed exhausted and wishing I could have been more productive. This feeling … of not being able to do enough … is something that all of us need to let go of. We are in the midst of a pandemic! That means that we all have so much on our plates - trying to balance our job, e-learning for older children, entertaining little ones, cooking all our meals at home, keeping our houses clean and navigating other challenges. We aren’t going to be able to fulfill all of those responsibilities at 110%. We need to adjust our expectations and give ourselves some grace. A kind and wise friend, shared with me that we need to respect the fact that we are living through a traumatic experience. We are having a lot asked of us and that is stressful.
With that being said, I have been trying to think of ways that I can feel productive and also not get burned out. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Things aren’t going to be back to “normal” for a long time and we need to be able to stay sane as the weeks and months go by.
What does this look like for you? What are some things that you can do each day to help you feel happy, productive and proud of the tasks you accomplished?
Make a List
I know that seems cliché, but making a list of what you want to do that day, then check it off when you accomplish those tasks can be extremely rewarding. Now, don’t go crazy and make the list crazy long, but pick 3 things you want to do today. Write those goals down and then start to think through when you can accomplish those things. For example, each day I have been writing down the 3 work related items I NEED to get down and then 3 household things that NEED to happen. That way I feel like I am balancing work and home responsibilities.
Maintain a Schedule
I have small children so I constantly reminded of the importance of a routine! If you have children or not, you can always benefit from a schedule. Take a moment and write out how you want your day to look. Schedule the things into your day that you put on your list. Figure out how you are going accomplish those tasks and then remember to fit in some fun things as well. For my family, I am hanging up a chalk board in our kitchen where we can write down what we are doing that day. I want to pick a different activity each day that we can do together. This will give us all something to look forward to each day. For example, one evening our activity was disc golfing in the back yard. The boys loved it and it was wonderful to just take a break and enjoy the fresh air. I made myself be present in the moment and try to not worry about the dishes. Guess what? I have nowhere else to go. I have plenty of time to get that cleaning done.
Time to Have Fun
Taking time for fun is often overlooked in the midst of our crazy scheduled. Now that issue of a busy calendar has been eliminated, what is standing in the way of you having fun? It can be so easy to just give into being impatient, grouchy or just feeling exhausted and you overlook taking time for yourself. I know for so many working parents, that “me time” you get is when the children are sleeping. For example, I’m staying up later than I should, writing this blog post. I enjoy writing and I miss it. I knew that I needed to take a little time to do something that makes me happy. So here I am typing this blog post, late at night, but I am smiling and I regret nothing!
Find Your Gratitude
Figure out and focus on those things you are thankful for every day. There is so much stress we are under at the moment and you listen to the news and it makes it worse. Try to maintain that positive outlook through focusing on things each day you are grateful for … I am so glad we have jobs. Despite the challenges that come from balancing work and home life, we are earning our paychecks and that is amazing. I am also thankful for Easter candy and enjoying a few treats while stuffing Easter baskets.
Believe me, I am not claiming that I am pro at navigating a pandemic and the stress that brings with it, but I am 100% positive that life is tough right now for everyone. Hopefully you are reminded that you are doing a great job! We are all going through a traumatic and extremely challenging time and that is ok if we aren’t able to give all the things 110%.
