It has just been a few days since the idea of social distancing has become important here in the US. Are you already missing the routine and social environment of going in to work? It gets a little lonely being home. It might seem like you are just not the best version of you. After all, if you have been taking care of your daily schedule and your kids for years, this quiet is a shock to the system. I know I will be very relieved when I can run to the mall or a friend’s house again without thinking twice.
We will emerge better in many ways. No matter what your work situation is, we are all having to adapt. In the meantime, how are you staying productive and growing in this environment? When you know where you are going each day it’s easy to get started. If insecure thoughts take over, it’s a downward spiral. Like you, it is just part of my routine to get up and go to work!
It’s a stressful time for everyone, so much is unsure. It’s hard too, because we miss all the usual things we do. Lots of things that allow us to be productive and feel good about ourselves. So I am planning on using the time to work on some of my goals. Big and small! Maybe some of what I learned already can help you create a better version of you!
The first thing to remember is that you’re not alone. It’s funny because as much as social media can at times bring us down, this is a time when it can help us with connection and friendship. Easy to see that everyone else is running into the same hurdles. People are adjusting to working from home and trying to plan positive. Others are finding positive ways to spend the day if they are not working.
Emerge as the Best Version of You!
Things have really changed over the last two weeks. On Friday, my last client for the day came in a great mood considering the confusion we are all feeling in the US. She joked and said,” Hey if you guys go on lock down here (at the spa) you will all emerge in 14 days looking beautiful”. I teased back and said she was my last client for the day so if we went on lock down she would be with us! It’s funny, sort of a metaphor for this time. Will you emerge more beautiful?
Susan Krauss Whitbourne, Ph.D. and author writes about a new study done to show that we can focus on our future best self and benefit by feeling more hopeful! This study was done by Johannes Bodo Heekerens and Michael Eid of Freie Universitat in Berlin in 2020.
Dr. Whitbourne explains that visualizing and writing down the picture of your “best possible future” and a “hoped for possible self” helps create positive feelings.
Even just a week at a time of feeling better can help us at this point! There’s a printable set at the bottom of the post to help you plan your week. The last sheet is designed to write down what it would be like to be the best version of you!
It’s daring to put your goals on paper. Have you ever had success with written goals? After I was divorced I was cleaning out my top drawer and found a list of goals that I had written down. Even something so random as getting the garage door fixed. Everything on the list had been accomplished. Reading the list was kind of emotional because I realized that I had achieved the goals, even in the midst of difficult times. So try the sheet! You never know!
Here are a Few Positive Ideas to Feel Better in the Downtime!
Some of the Routines in the Blog are linked in the list
- Download Audible & catch up on books you have wanted to read!
- Use your Kindle and download a book.
- Check out Skillshare and try a course! (2 months free when you use this link)
- Make new recipes:)
- Organize meal lists complete with shopping lists for when you are back to work.
- Brainstorm healthy lunch ideas.
- Start a new fitness routine!
- Fill out a planner page for the week.
- Make a list of friends to reach out to.
- Find a way to help others
- Sort through paperwork.
- Shred old documents.
- Clean out your Closet:)
- Put aside things to take to the tailor.
- Sort out family pictures:)
- Make a simple morning routine!
- Organize your makeup, put away what you don’t use!
- Get into your essential oil stash and mix up a cleaner.
- Plan a virtual party!
- Walk your dog.
- Paint your nails:)
- Create a nighttime routine with hand cream to counteract all the hand sanitizer!
- Fill out the Best Version of You worksheet!
Be the Best Version of You and Boost Your Mood!
Get dressed each morning! I heard this advice when my kids were young and it rang so true for me! A friend who
had been home with her kids for a few years said to “Get up and put your shoes on”, it gives you a better attitude to face the day. I know what you are thinking… no shoes in the house! But, I get it. She was saying you will look and feel better and everyone will get a great impression of you if you put forth your best! Some days might feel like no makeup and sweats days, but this tip might be good if you need a pick me up:) It’s like anything, part of the destination is to enjoy the journey. I hope that during this time you can find some humor and enjoyment in your time spent in social distancing. Take a few minutes each day and invest in the future best version of you. Try the planner sheets to write down what you would like to do and goals that you want to achieve. Comment with ideas on how you are spending the time!
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