The list of things I am not good at prominently features “change” and “uncertainty”
And these are times full of change and uncertainty.
We are all coping as best we can. My personal list of strategies includes yoga, walks, tea, naps, complaining, trying to count my blessings, meditating and not getting past 6 breaths without a worry, girl power pop anthems, and stress-eating too many cookies.
Which is to say, you do you, and no judgement about what gets you through.
And, because I am an over thinker, and curious about the human brain and performance, and because it’s better than alternative lines of thought, and — you know — it’s relevant: I’ve been thinking more than ever about self care.
Sometimes, often, self care is about taking a break. Taking the breath, the break, stepping away from the to do list to relax and rest and restore. This is important and helpful.
And, curiously, sometimes, often, for me, self care is about taking action. (Because, the opposite of a profound truth … )
Putting on work clothes (even though I’m working from home), and checking something, anything off the list, and reminding myself that while I can’t fix or control many things, I can do some small things. This is helping. A lot, actually.
So, as we’re all experimenting with walks and cookies and yoga vs. pandemic stress, reminders to myself…
- I desperately want clear, calm communication about what is happening. But, I feel better when I channel that anxiety into providing as much clear, calm communication to my students as I can.
- I am grieving some of what will not transfer, as we are told our classes will be digital. But I feel better when I take a small first step and find a way to ask my students what they want the new thing to be. (Here’s a quick survey I sent my students about distance learning goals, if you’d like to do the same)
- I am disoriented by this new schedule-less schedule. But, weeks ago, my student asked for practice on a particular kind of problem (order of operations with division bars) and I couldn’t find it and now I’ve made it (and two more variations, because I was on a roll, and because I had the time). And so I owe social distancing that.
Other, non-professional ways to take action.
- Donating to a good cause. $20 to a food pantry is the best cure I know for self-pity, not that I’ve been feeling any. (<- Don’t believe it )
- Ordering take out from the little neighborhood place
- Leaving a care package on someone’s front porch.
However you’re coping. Whatever self-care looks like for you. I hope it’s working and that you are both safe and cared for.
