CXIX: Social Distancing, I Know Y’all Are Suffering.
To those who are actually spending this time of quarantine, quarantined, I can hear your screams from here and I know you’re all suffering.
TO THOSE WORKING FROM HOME:
I see so many people talking about how much of a struggle it is to work from home and actually do work.
These times would be the best times to remember that you were [possibly] once a very motivated self-starter who was able to get through tasks simply because they needed to be done.
I know that’s difficult to remember given the fact that the whole world seems as though it’s on Rest Mode, but, you cannot be on Rest Mode with it! You may be stuck at home, but I suggest these tips to stay productive throughout the day:
Set up a home workspace.
Isolate that workspace from the electronics.
Make sure that your workspace has a comfortable chair for sitting long term (even though you won’t be). A bed is not preferred as it is much harder to find productivity over time while wrapped up in sheets and blankets.
Schedule a start and stop time for each day of work.
Take more breaks than you would during a normal workday. Yes, I said it! Because you’re at home, you’re inclined to find distractors, but they don’t have to derail your whole day! If you work for an hour, take a break, but make it reasonable and continue that process throughout the day.
If you struggle to stay awake while working from home and you have a home gym with either a treadmill or a stationary bike, then get some reading done while you exercise. I’ve found this to be very helpful for my productivity.
TO THOSE WHO ARE QUARANTINED ALONE:
There are so many people suffering because they do not have the face-to-face interactions that they’re used to.
For me, honestly, if I had the luxury of being completely alone during these times, I’d be over the moon with joy, but there are so many people who are the complete opposite and who are suffering.
The day-to-day interactions, the smiles, the looks, the conversation, etc. are forces that drive a lot of people to get up and actually do things each day so I want to say that I understand where the struggle comes in. BUT, I also want to encourage more people to take this time and engage in some actual introspection!
Look at your life.
Gloss over past goals to see if you’ve accomplished them or if you’ve even come close to accomplishing them.
If you’re creative, tap into that, but with purpose.
Truly look at your relationships and consider their purpose and that person’s purpose in your life.
Evaluate yourself.
Evaluate others.
Set new goals.
Do things for you.
If you’re a writer, find a quiet and comfy space and write freely!
If you’re a singer, share your voice with the world who probably needs it more than you know.
If you’re a parent, actually spend time with your kids and not with your phone. Don’t constantly send them away. Be with them!
If you’re in a relationship, try really getting to know that person and not just ‘loving’ based off of the idea of that person… Call them, talk to them, ask them real questions!
Workout.
Cook.
Clean.
Organize your home/space.
Imagine the world having to shut down just so that people can actually take a look at themselves and their surroundings. 🙄
TO THOSE WHO ARE USED TO REGULARLY WORKING OUT:
This time away from the gym is really no big deal for the real fitness kids out there because we can make a good workout with or without the equipment and selfies.
I see many of you already hitting the pavement, the asphalt, and the grass to get your workouts in and I’m right there with you (allergies permitting). I’m also super proud of everyone getting out of the house instead of bingeing food and movies!
TO THOSE WHO ARE ONLY ABLE TO WORKOUT WITH EQUIPMENT AND A SELFIE-STICK:
I see the struggles but I also see that you guys are quickly piggy-backing on each home-workout video that you come across on the Socials.
You are successfully, unsuccessfully botching the workouts per usual… Call the physical therapist ASAP!
#AllShade
FINALLY, TO THOSE WHO ARE QUARANTINED WITH JUST THE RIGHT PERSON/PEOPLE:
I hope that you are able to actually enjoy a bit of uninterrupted quality time with your loved ones without so many outside pressures. I also hope that you are able to look at the time as an opportunity without stressing so much about the economic impact that the world being on Rest Mode will eventually have (tough mission, I know).
Overall, I hope you all stay safe throughout these weird times. I hope that they are over soon and that this is just another hurdle that we can say that we’ve tackled when looking back on this year.
To those who have lost their lives to this virus, I have no words and only prayers. To those who are currently battling with this virus, I pray that a cure comes quickly and that you emerge victorious.
We honestly don’t know what safety looks like during these times. There are just a ton of answers that we do not have, but I pray that you all find a glimmer of hope and a bundle of peace and can hang onto it until this storm has passed.