Virtual Etiquette Series: Work / Life Balance: Keeping Your House in Order by Felicia Shakespeare
Now after being in quarantine for over two months and counting, I’ve seen myself pulled into countless different directions on a day to day basis. Whether it be Zoom meetings (and several other digital platforms too) for family, church, fun, or work, it feels as if everything I do is sometimes all running together. I’ve been invited to Zoom birthday celebrations, girls night out pajama parties and dinner events (I’ve seen some really creative stuff taking place in these virtual spaces). What I’m reminding you as you read this piece, is the same thing that I’m actually taking inventory and taking the time to remind myself of as well. We MUST all work to keep our house (representative of our life) in order to maintain a sense of balance. Clearly, this term can be used in its metaphoric sense and literal sense. Most of all we must maintain a work-life balance to be completely clear on how we are achieving daily and long term goals that we've set for ourselves. I feel like I’m even busier now in the virtual meeting worlds than I was in my day to day activities before COVID19 (and that says a lot). Who else feels this way? I’m going to share three things I’ve learned as we all continue to navigate our lives in this new sense of normalcy.
#1 Keep a Calendar
There is no way I could do what I’m doing right now without a sense of organization and understanding of the use of my time. There is a term I heard that’s playing out in my own life right now, “if it's not in writing, it ain’t real!” Keeping a calendar brings me a great sense of relief and assurance that I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing in those moments in time. It also keeps me from overlapping events and appointments. If you are not using a calendar right now you must share your secret sauce with us, because I can’t imagine surviving without it right now! Whether electronic or digital, please use something. I have included two highly recommended resources below:
Clean House!
Why is this so important? It’s said that having a clutter-free environment literally helps unclutter space in your mind which can cause one to be more creative and relax more. I’m certain there is some complete truth to this. I for one am the type of person that can remember exactly where I place things and go straight back that spot. If things are in disarray then this becomes very difficult to do in my world! Take the time to organize your personal spaces (including your home office) and you will be surprised how much more you can get accomplished.
Also, clean house of toxic people and habits. What relationships just need to go? What value or disvalue do they bring? Who are you still holding on to that has actually walked away? What new habits do you need to create in terms of physical or mental health and wellness? I’ll just let you think about these for a moment. Some decisions are going to have to be made.
Turn Them Off!
And with good reason, we now have access to people and information by “one-click” versus having to travel downtown, around town or anywhere. My primary travel destination during COVID 19 has been in my home, to my office on the second floor where I’m ensuring I “show up” in time every day for what’s ahead of me. But I have also learned that I’ve found myself in so many meetings on some days that my mind, body, and eyes need a rest. So I’ve been learning how to turn them off! I’m teaching myself to walk away from the computer, cell phone, and the television too. It’s hard because EVERYTHING is practically online now, but it's necessary. We have to know that imbalance anywhere creates an imbalance everywhere. It’s okay to take some time for a nap or to just sit in another part of the house or outdoors and do nothing for at least 30 minutes. Now that the weather is becoming very pleasant it’s critical that we take care of our dwelling places literally and figuratively (our temple called our body and our homes where we dwell).
Please let us know of any methods or regimes that have also worked for you below.
Stay connected with Felicia on social @feliciashakespeare on Instagram or Facebook
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