In June, 2017, I wrote a blog titled “Find a New Balance.” It started with:
We need to balance all aspects of our professional and personal lives. We need to balance not only our time but also our energy, mental focus, and finances. We know this. We try to do it. The trickiest part, I think, is that our lives change and then we need to find a new balance.
With COVID-19 we are all in a situation where we are forced into finding a new balance. The world has changed, drastically and suddenly, and that has forced multiple changes in our lives. There are things that we can do to help ourselves with finding a new balance.
The first is to accept that life has changed. We can’t ignore it, at least not if we want to keep ourselves and others safe. And we can’t change it. It is what it is.
The second is that with all these changes, we still need to find time to take care of ourselves, not just physically but also emotionally and mentally. Yes, I know it’s more difficult to do so now, but it’s even more important.
What can you do that will help you the most? It’s different for everyone. For example, I’m an introvert. Social distancing is not a problem for me. Anxiety is a problem, and always has been. What works well for me is to step away from the news, social media, and the rest of the outside world for a couple of hours and immerse myself in a great movie (at home) or book. When I’m done, I feel refreshed and renewed. Taking a walk and being with nature also always helps me. What helps you?
I think we all need to do a few things. Be safe. Stay healthy. Find joy. Stay calm. And, as The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy told us: DON’T PANIC.
This, too, will end. And it will happen sooner if we all work together to keep each other safe. Consider it as short-term pain for long-term gain. And then, guess what? We’ll need to find a new balance—again.
