09 Apr How to Feel in Control and Maintain Boundaries Amidst a Pandemic

Enter Covid19, exit control over your life! Or, so it seems. And quarantine means any semblance of boundaries are sure to fade away.

Bottom line, we all need discipline to get things done.

You can’t work at the office.

You can’t sell your product or service face to face. You can’t go the gym or dine at your favorite restaurant. You must practice “social distancing” when out and remain home as much as possible.

So, how can you feel in control and maintain boundaries while in quarantine?

A simple, yet effective tool can put you back in the driver’s seat. The calendar.

We all need a certain amount of structure in our day. Too much time without direction lends itself to falling right back down the rabbit hole of procrastination, frustration, fear, doubt and worry.

Even while quarantined, you can consciously create structure. The calendar is the perfect tool to help you focus, feel in control and maintain boundaries.

• Sleep: Decide when you are going to sleep and be consistent. Setting an alarm can create a sense of normalcy.
• Exercise: Regular exercise is just as vital now, so schedule it in every day. Even if you cannot go outside, think about what you can do in your own home.
• Meals: Yes, scheduling meals helps to avoid binge eating through the night. Eating healthy matters to keep our immune systems strong and maintain energy.
• Work: Put your work hours in the calendar and, if possible, find a space that is free from distraction. If space is limited and must be shared, set clear boundaries, so you each have your own time to focus.
• Outreach: Personal and professional connections are important, especially in “isolation”. Schedule time for making calls, holding Zoom meetings, etc.
• Fun: Give yourself something fun and enjoyable to look forward to each day (Netflix, music, family game time, etc.)
• Availability: Calendar in when you will be available to help others. We have all heard the safety protocol speech on airplanes. So, put the oxygen mask on yourself first! Implementing boundaries will help to keep your energy clear, so you can be supportive when others need you.
• Staying Informed: Right now, we are all being inundated with information from countless sources and we know it is not all accurate. Listening or watching constantly throughout the day will derail focus. Be very selective of your information source and schedule that time into your day.

Using a calendar to maintain structure and boundaries, means you are IN CONTROL. The truth, we have always had control over most aspects of our lives.

• Your attitude
• Accepting full responsibility for your life
• Expressing gratitude
• Setting goals
• How much effort you put forth
• How you respond to challenges
• How you treat other people
• And so much more…

We all have a tremendous opportunity for growth right now, so fill your days with activities that are going to build you up!

Focus on what IS possible!