There’s so much going on in the world right now, primarily Coronavirus. Life might feel uprooted and uncertain. In these times, it’s easy (and warranted) to back away from doing the things that move you towards the life you want.
In all honesty, I felt that way even though I’m a homebody. I’m an introvert (married to an extrovert) with no children, who’s been working from home for years, and even I feel the gravity of this situation.
But we can’t let it derail us. We can’t let it deter us. So I’m sharing 7 ways I’m working to get back in the groove (& how my p3 daily action page is helping me do that).
1: Release the overwhelm
The first way is I’m releasing the overwhelm. Often overwhelm comes in when we see SOOOO much we have to (aka see too many steps ahead or see the big picture) but can’t see HOW we’d get it all done (& for some of us) will it even be good enough? The best way to release it is to focus on your next steps.
Inside of the P3 Daily Action Page there are boxes and one of the boxes is Current Project and right beneath that is major tasks and ancillary tasks. These are the only things I need to focus on today to make progress with this project(which is major compenent of my big picture goals). Anything extra is sprinkles (nice to have but not necessary). This is key in making progress and moving forward.
2: Stay Proactive
Next I stay proactive. What are the rules? And only the rules. No addiitonal information. The rules currently are to maintain 6′ distance from people who don’t live in your family unit. They also say wash your hand throughly and frequently. So I focus on doing my part and keeping it moving. Trying not to dwell on the fact that NYC is being hit so hard with all of this and that so many lives are being taken. Am I sad? Definitely. Don’t negate or push away your feelings. Just don’t dwell in them.
3: Minimize news & social media
The 3rd way I’m getting my groove back is by minimizing the news. These outlets are hardwired to sensationalize things and play on your emotions. You don’t need 24hr coverage or breaking news. Turn off the notifications on your phone for any news apps and know where to go for quick succinct updates and get out of there. Remember we are playing by the rules so no need to focus on this. If possible, also reduce social media use as well. I’ve been reducing my social media use overall (before this hit) and I’ve felt a dramatic shift in my overall levels of anxiety.
4: Create or Maintain Your Routine
The 4th way is creating a new routine or maintaining a current routine. In the P3 Daily Action Page there is a spot called “Routines I am Building”. In this box you can list out your daytime and evening routine and check them off or cross them out as you go. This is how you maintain or create some normalcy in your life which can reduce stress and anxiety. In the P3 Action Taker Blueprint there are also routine trackers as well.
Side note for my fellow business owners: we need to maintain our business routines as well and continue to market our businesses, regardless of the type of business. This WILL pass and when it does you don’t have to hit the ground running because you’ve never stopped. Inside the P3 Action Taker Blueprint there are also business task list to help you focus on what’s important and to keep making progress.
5: Practice Mindful Activities
The 5th way is to practice mindful activities. Meditation, breathing, journaling, moving your body, etc. All of these help quell your mind and release stress and anxiety. For the first few days I had a hard time with my meditation but I still did one minute ones. I’m now back to my 10 minute daily meditations. I still go for my daily walks and practice physical distancing. This helps me maintain my routine, release pent up energy, and clear my mind so I can stay in the game. Journaling is also something I do daily and there is a spot on the P3 Daily Action Page specifically for thisto help you release these ruminating thoughts.
6: Maintain Cautious Optimisim (not delusion)
The 6th way is to maintain cautious optimism aka hope for the best plan for the worse. When you feel prepared stress (which weakens your immune system) is greatly reduced. This means your pantry is stocked normally (not stockpiled because that takes from others who also need it), you have access to your financial resources, and easy wholesome meals to cook because maintaining your health is still key in these times.
The notes section of the P3 Daily Action Page is also a great space to journal about your thoughts and feelings. It’s also a great spot to put some insights and ideas you might have throughout the day that can be your million dollar idea. If that happens, there’s a workbook I’m offering that’ll help you take that idea and make it real in just a few days.
7: Talk to people & connect
The final way I am getting back in action is talking to people about what’s going on & how they are coping. But also talking about books they are reading, movies, and more. It’s easy to only dwell on what’s been on the news but shifting your thoughts for a while is still valid. Reading books, watching movies, or playing games is a great way to do that. Talking about it with other people reminds us that we’re not alone in all of this… even with the social distancing.
So to recap there are 7 ways I am getting back into my grove in these crazy times.
Those ways are:
releasing the overwhelm
staying proactive
minimizing the news and social media
creating/maintaining routines
practice mindfulness
remain cautiously optimistic (not delusional)
talking to other people but not dwelling on the news
There is more you can do but there is also less. Choose one of these today and don’t forget to download your P3 Daily Action Page today to help you reduce the overwhelm, maintain your routines, and much more.
If you found this to be of value please share it with someone in your life that can use it.
Comment below: how are you getting back into the grove of things?
