Thrive, not just survive (COVID-19)

How can you not just survive, but thrive in the time of COVID-19?

I must thank two separate sources for the ideas for this week’s blog, although I have added to them and pulled them together into one thought.  First, my friend’s co-worker, Pastor Brenda Loreman, and second is from a post on Facebook (a MEME) from Beth Christensen Hoobler, but I don’t know if it’s hers, originally.

So, here’s the list (adapted from Pastor Brenda):

·      Set goals

·      Make a plan

·      Create a work-space

·      Take care of yourself

·      Reflect at the end of the day (Adapted from Beth’s meme)

Set Goals

We all need goals to reach them, and first and foremost for the time being, they really need to be SMART (google this if you don’t know about it)- especially, they need to be very realistic.  Now is the time to do something different, and, for example, I am watching more webinars and taking a few courses.  I know I have till the end of April to reach these goals.  Write them down.

·      So, what goals do you have for the day? For this week? For the end of your home-stay (right now in Switzerland, that means April 20th, but we shall see)?

Remember to set breaks in your work-time.  Research says you should stop and do something different for your brain every 45 minutes or so.

Create a work-space

Your space should be friendly and inviting, and if possible, free from other distractions.  My son and husband now have home office, and one is set up in his sister’s room (where he doesn’t sleep) so he can “go to work”.  His sister has recently moved out, btw. My husband has an extra table in our solarium (in German it’s a “Wintergarden”).  Luckily, it gets warm in there pretty fast when it’s sunny.

Take care of yourself – body mind and spirit

This goes under your goals but needs special mentioning.  Do something every day to take care of yourself and remember to keep moving.  ‘Remember to check in with loved-ones and connect with people in possible (legal) ways- remember to keep your physical distance, though.  Remember to connect with beauty, too, by making/creating something, yourself, or by enjoying in another way.  Even cooking can become a mindful activity.

Reflect every day

·      You need to take time to reflect, and today is a great time to start.  Ask yourself:

·      What did I do today to let go of something not useful anymore, maybe it’s a habit, an attitude or a thing…? (this can be moved to goals, of course)

·      What three things am I grateful for?

I wish you a thriving week and lots of health and good reflection.

Patricia Jehle               patricia@jehle-coaching.com