Can you believe it? We are over one year into a global pandemic that has changed our lives, perhaps forever. Looking back to last March, when the lockdowns first began, it’s almost impossible to think that we’d still be facing restrictions one year later. But here we are. And while there is light at the end of the tunnel, many of us are still facing uncertainty when it comes to our jobs and home lives. If you’re feeling out of sorts, unprepared, or even just a little fuzzled – you’re not alone. That’s why we, at Verv, have put together this handy guide to help you get your schedule back on track and give yourself some much-needed peace of mind.
Where are you now?
Before we jump into the future, let’s pause for a moment and take a look at where you are now. Take a moment to recognize how you’re feeling this very moment. You may feel stressed like work or home, or both are overwhelming you. Or perhaps you feel things just aren’t going your way, that you’ll never catch a break. Maybe you’re even criticizing yourself for letting things get so disordered.
STOP!
Take a deep breath in. Hold it and release. Let it all out. Now let’s talk about it.
This year has been challenging for many of us. Uncertainty, fear, worry, these have become faithful companions throughout this year. But you are not alone. Even if you feel isolated right now. Even if you feel you are the only one not holding it together. Psst. It’s not true. Many people are having a similar experience.
Recognize how you’re feeling, but don’t give it power. This will not overwhelm you. You will get through this. You will survive, and what’s more, thrive. Understanding and accepting how you feel now can make moving forward much easier.
What comes next?
Now that you know how you’re feeling right now, it’s time to move forward. Even right now, for many of us, the future remains uncertain. Will we continue to have lockdowns? Will the vaccine work as we hope? Will we ever return to work?
However, what is certain is that some things will inevitably change in life, while others will stay the same.
For many, the unknown can feel very uncomfortable. So, let’s take a look at what the future may hold for us. Let’s explore our options and see what they could mean for our schedule.
Back to business as usual
The coming weeks and months may prove that we have learned to live with the virus. Offices may reopen, and we will finally see our co-workers again in real life, not just behind a screen. In this case, we will need to prepare for our new normal of workplace hygiene, masks in meetings, and taking a little more care with those around us. The structure of the office environment may help regulate your schedule but expect some hiccups along the way as you adapt to being back to business.
Hybrid model
Some companies have chosen a hybrid model of return to work. Uncertain of what the future may hold and wanting to give employees maximum flexibility, businesses are adopting a flexible working approach. For some, this may be the ideal solution – work from home but all the office socialization when you need it. But for others, it can seem overwhelming, the expectations are not clear, and you may find yourself more stressed than ever. After all, this is uncharted territory.
Remote working for life (or at least the foreseeable future)
For others, you may find yourself in a working-from-home forever the situation. If you are an introvert, this may seem like a dream come true. But even the most reclusive of us need a little human connection sometimes. Without it, our days can become unstructured, and this can be equally stressful.
So, what can you do about it?
Tip & tricks for creating a workable schedule
No matter which way your life takes you, it’s clear that in the next few months, we will continue to experience continued instability. But this doesn’t have to define you. Nor should it affect your ability to take care of your mind and body. Resetting your schedule and making it work for you can give purposefulness to your life and make it feel all that much more secure, even when the world around you seems confusing.
Sleep as priority no.1
This is the number one thing you can do for your mind and body. When we don’t sleep enough, it impacts our ability to function, our stress hormones rise, and we can become more than a little grouchy. Not only that, but it also affects our physical health. That’s why it’s important to get enough sleep.
But maybe you’re struggling to meet deadlines or staying up late to work when it’s quiet in the house and still trying to manage during the day. While this is natural, it is a formula for disaster. You need your sleep. So it’s time to sit down and evaluate the best way to get those zzz without adding extra stress.
Self-care for a better you
No, this isn’t some millennial trend. Self-care is vital to your well-being. After all, if you’re not going to take care of yourself, who is? But self-care doesn’t have to be selfish or even expensive. Instead, it’s all about listening to your body and what it needs.
Once you have met your body’s needs, you will be in a better position to work more efficiently and effectively instead of always struggling to get through the day. And, anyway, you are worth it!
Evaluate your current schedule honestly
Before you know what you need to change, you need to figure out precisely what isn’t working for you right now. Are you too tired? Not motivated? Too busy? Or not busy enough? And what is causing those feelings to happen?
Sit down and evaluate what isn’t working for you. Be honest with yourself. All of us want to be superhuman working robots, but the fact is, we are just human. Accept it and know your limitations.
Do what works for you
Now it’s time to see what does work for you. Reset your schedule and create a brand-new one tailored to your needs. This doesn’t have to make anyone else unhappy or cause upset, but it does need to suit you and make you happy. How, you ask?
First, cut down on the activities that aren’t working for you and replace them with ones that do work. Now, if it’s a matter of time not working for you, there’s an old saying, “a place for everything, and everything in its place,” except here, we’re going to change that to time. Place your daily activities at a time that suits you. Do all that, and you’ll soon find your days a whole lot more productive.
Stress-relief activities
Ok, no one promised it would be perfect or an easy ride. That’s why the fifth tip is all about stress-relief. These are those little activities that help you rid yourself of stress and just let it go for now. Try having a warm relaxing bath, some meditation, and an outdoor solitude walk, or my personal favorite, go to your recycling and smash some glass (in the permitted area, of course), and you will feel so much better.
Why resetting your schedule can help?
Especially in these times, it can be easy to get bogged down and feel like a failure when our ‘schedule’ doesn’t work. But feeling down isn’t going to help anyone, especially not you. To feel better, be more productive, and get more from your day, taking the time to reset your schedule can give you the boost needed to make it through this pandemic and into your new, better routine.
