Did you anticipate the massive impact of the corona virus on the world? Suddenly nothing was normal. It has been a stressful time for everyone. Were you thinking “How could this be happening? This was not on my bucket list.”

People who planned their days by commute to an office, lunch breaks, daycare for children, school for children, and errands on the way home now have children at home and a spouse underfoot all day long. Plus, a pet who demands attention and chores needing to be done, pandemic or no pandemic.

It's new territory for everyone.

When the paradigm shifts everyone goes back to zero. It is new territory for everyone. Some lives were minimally impacted, and others do not recognize their former life. This puts the cortisol hormone (stress) level at an all-time high. We are on guard for the next danger, no saber tooth tigers but equally threatening events.

The cost is enormous, not only to businesses but to individuals. Stress eating, binge drinking, no exercise, lack of contact with others, loss of income and the list goes on.

Here are some ways to stay on an even keel, remain productive, and be resilient:

• Get dressed for work every day. Be ”ZOOM ready” as my WPO colleague describes it.

• Make up your bed every day.

• Practice the discipline of focus on one task at the time. The Pomodoro method is a great tool.

• Declutter your space to make it an inviting, productive place to be. A 15-minute cleaning/organizing blitz can make an enormous difference.                       

• Schedule time for personal care which can include a walk outside in nature, meditation to quiet your mind, nutritious food, and laughter.

• Find things for which you are grateful. The small stuff counts, too. For example, I could zip up and button the tailored wool slacks that had been hanging in the closet for the last year.

• Reach out to connect with someone with no expectation of getting something in return. This is not only good for them but good for you.

• Find the lessons in these challenging times. What did you discover about your strength and resilience that will serve you in the future?

• Prepare to embrace a work environment that is a blend of in person and online.

Resilience has no expiration date.

The list of nine things is not in order of importance. While each one is simple it is also powerful. Practiced consistently over time, you will land in a different place and celebrating who you have become under the most trying circumstances. These nine productivity hacks have universal application to take with you into the post pandemic world. Resilience has no expiration date.  Which one resonates with you?

© 2021 Ann Elliott