The Pandemic Lifestyle
This global pandemic has been tough on all of us. For lots of us, the pandemic has made career mobility difficult, especially for parents with children. The transition from working in the office to working at home with children at home because daycares and schools are closed was a big shift. Trying to balance having a full-time job and also being an active parent is not an easy feat. Making that transition and finding the balance is still something that many parents that are working from home are struggling to manage.
One struggle that parents listed was working from home with younger kids and trying to avoid interruptions. Younger kids need more attention and need help taking care of themselves unlike older kids, and that interrupts the parents in the workday. Another struggle was remote learning. Kids began remote learning and this meant that the parent had to supervise and assist their kids in their schoolwork.
Even with this pandemic and with these big life transitions, I am here to write that it is not impossible to gain a good grip on life and reign it in so that we can go back to doing our best during this stressful time. Here are some tips to help us function during a pandemic.
Manage Your Expectations
It’s important to recognize what you can and cannot get done within a day and to recognize that it is okay not take on more than you can handle. We all want to be productive and do our best, but it is important that we do not overwork ourselves to the point of destruction. Especially given that you have multiple responsibilities outside of your work life. Do not bite off more than you can chew.
Create a Dedicated Workspace
During this hectic period, having a space for yourself is important in helping you get into the right headspace to get work done. It doesn’t have to be completely isolated from the rest of your family, which would be difficult that live in smaller living spaces, but a space that is for you to get your work done. Some examples would be claiming a part of the dining table, or the coffee table, or entire room. Anything that works for you and creates a healthy boundary.
Take Regular Breaks
Just because you’re working doesn’t mean you cannot get up and take breaks. Remember to get yourself a cup of coffee, drink water and refill your bottle, or get up and get yourself a balanced lunch. It’s also okay to step aside for a bit and check in with your family and how they’re doing before you get back to your own work. For some, staring at their computer or laptop strains their eyes so making sure to rest your eyes for 10 – 15 minutes during breaks is also helpful. Just because you aren’t working non-stop doesn’t mean you aren’t being productive. Taking breaks is also productive.
Be Kind to Yourself
The most important tip is to be kind to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up because this is a tough situation to be in. Make sure you take care of yourself and your mental health. Make time for yourself when you notice that you have had a rough time and work, whether it looks like spending time with family or with yourself. You have permission to be kind to yourself.
How We Can Help
Here at Finding Tranquility Psychotherapy Services, we have a registered psychotherapist, Tala, who is specialized in helping individuals with this very struggle. She helps out people going through life transitions, navigating stress, and finding that work-life balance. We are here to lend that helping hand you might be seeking.