I’m a worrier — a worst case scenario imaginer. So the slightest bit of uncertainty is enough to send me into an anxiety-fueled frenzy. And I, like many, are very stressed and anxious about the uncertainty of our country’s (& world’s) current situation. We are all aware of the current health pandemic, and I am not here to be another outlet to offer bad news. I mean, we are all worried about jobs, businesses, children, and other loved ones at risk of becoming infected with the current COVID-19 virus. It is on everyone’s radar. Instead, I wanted to touch base on another source of anxiety and stress I’ve encountered during my time of social distancing.
The pressure to be productive.
I have encouraged myself to recognize how lucky I am in this moment. I, fortunately, have the ability to work remotely, in the comfort of my home. I’m not extremely worried about coming into contact with the virus, and I’m not worried about losing a paycheck. Fitz, essentially has the same luxury. And I’m aware that is not everyone’s reality, and it’s heartbreaking.
How long will the new be normal?
Working from home is new to a lot of people, and it comes with a whole new ballgame of hurdles to overcome. Firstly, it’s something new. I have worked from home before, so the flow isn’t new to me. But being with Isaac 24/7 is. Like…we can’t leave and do anything. That’s a challenge in itself. Second, there isn’t that balance between work and home life. And lastly, we don’t know how long this will last. It’s extremely uncertain and unpredictable.
That is incredibly stressful.
Being productive x 100
What truly inspired this post was this tweet:
Because it is 100% true. And it’s something I have felt and really wanted to bring up. Even though I totally have a few “Things to Do While You’re At Home” posts in queue. What can I say? I set lofty goals for myself…and we still have the weekends!
Everyone is hella stressed right now. From not getting enough direct social interaction to not getting sunlight or fresh air, the lack of certainty, a literal virus, there’s plenty to have on your mind. But I have noticed this intense push to be uber productive while practicing social distancing. And while that works for some people, don’t feel bad for being your normal level of productive during this. Especially if you are still working your day job.
I would LOVE to use some of my time at home to do projects around the house, declutter, and generally play catch up. But you guys, I don’t have any more free time than I did previously. I still get up and ready to work my 8 hour day. When I clock out, I still cook dinner, clean up the kitchen, make sure the cat is fed and amused. By the time that’s done, I still want to crash on the couch with Isaac and watch a TV show before I take a bath and go to bed. I didn’t gain any hours to do extra projects.
And if that’s you, don’t sweat it. Personally, I think living your normal life and routine is the best thing to do right now if you can. It will keep your mind focused and help you feel some sort of normalcy during this chaotic time.
Seriously, do not feel guilty for your laundry not being done, your cabinets being unorganized, or that list of random projects you need to tackle remaining untouched. Times are tough, man. And we’re all just doing the best we can.
So much is uncertain right now, so don’t let the lifestyle bloggers of the internet add more stress with their list of productivity projects to do while social distancing. (No offense to the lifestyle bloggers!) We’re all in this together. So if all you want to do after work is watch tv, by all means. Whatcha watchin’?
100% agree with this entire post. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in trying to be productive. Ironically enough, I stumbled to your page because I’ve been interested in getting into blogging recently, trying to learn as much about it as I can, and found you from another blog! It’s a good reminder to myself that while it’s good to try and learn and educate myself about different things, it’s important not to get so wrapped up in it, and to remember to give myself a break!
It also helps knowing that we’re altogether in this, and to try to be kinder to ourselves right now. Hopefully it will all be over soon <3
I’m so glad you found the blog and enjoyed this post! Yes, definitely remember to cut yourself some slack in times of uncertainty. And remember that social media channels are generally the highlight reels of life, and it’s ok if your everyday doesn’t mimic that!
xo,
Jacqie