Friends are calling and asking for some tips to share. Here are some tips for this week.
Focus on today.
Like you, much of my schedule has changed.
I am doing a morning routine, an afternoon routine, and an evening routine.
Having some structure is helpful. Even if it is only a structure for the day.
Do a few things that repeat from one day to the next so your days feel like they have some continuity. Knit, walk, read, write, music, work, reach out, chore. These hold my day together.
Keep track of each other.
Call family and friends. Voice is better than text. It is more sensory your feelings, tone, and care comes across with your voice.
If you have teenagers, it helps to have them read or watch the daily news and discuss what it means. It is an opportunity to build the habits of following the news and thinking about what they need to know.
Children and elderly family members also need a routine. Include them in making a daily schedule, discuss chores and ways they can help. My 88 year old mother in-law has taken charge of the dishwasher and folding clothes from the dryer. Her help is greatly appreciated. She is also a serious scrabble player! I'm dusting off the board games in my house.
If you have children at home, you may find it easier to do some cooking ahead so that you are not starting every meal from scratch. It makes each week easier, and one less thing to think about each day.
Couples: Give your partner acknowledgment and gratitude. Notice who is managing the groceries and keeping track of what is needed. Notice who is trying to protect the family with hand washing reminders. Notice who is leading family meetings and trying to plan the days. Notice who is earning an income while working from home. Take time to appreciate all you are doing and all your partner is doing. Daily love and appreciation matters when everyone is stretched so thin.
Small Business Owners: Many of you are caring for employees, keeping your business from drowning, and you are looking out for your families. Now is the time to give yourself some grace. None of this is in your control. It's ok to take some time to create your emergency strategy. You did not have had a plan in place for this. No one has.
Pause. Create your strategy within the severe limits of what you have to work with right now. What people will remember is how you treated them.
How you treat your employees is key. Caring leadership is what is needed now.
How you treat your customers will be remembered when this is over. I am watching some businesses soar by how well they are managing refunds while others are sinking themselves with the way they are treating customers.
Take breaks. Stop and take care of yourself. You must replenish yourself each day by doing small things for yourself. A walk, read a novel, listen to your favorite music. Take a break from the enormous challenge. Notice what else is happening- this is my neighbor's tree in bloom. I wait all year to see it.
I will continue to share tips in this evolving situation.
Take good care of each other.