Pandemic or productivity contest?
It’s a pandemic, not a productivity contest. So how come so many people, including me, are taking small steps towards pre-existing goals or creating new ones during this time? Because some people need to be proactive and productive to retain their sanity.
Since day one of the quarantine, I’ve been setting goals for myself and measuring my happiness (and sanity) through my progress towards these goals: I should…
Exercise everyday (update: I have a love hate relationship with Shaun T from Insanity Max now).
Learn a new language (why is a glass el vaso and not el glasso in Spanish?).
Learn to cook (my mom is convinced I have an under-salting problem).
Learn something (and now I TRY to read 50 pages a day).
I feel so incredible when I put in work towards them. I derive happiness from any small achievement because during this awful, stressful time, these goals give me something to live for and work towards. They allow me the opportunity to be productive and proactive in a situation where stress and anxiety could mentally paralyze me.
Yes, I’m stressed/scared about COVID-19 and what it could do to me and my family.
Normally, when I’m this worked up, I avoid the issue or situation that’s causing me to feel that way. During this quarantine, however, I can’t just walk away or pretend like it isn’t happening. I can’t avoid the fear, stress, or anxiety.
So how am I choosing to deal with it?
By proactively setting and working towards goals (a healthy coping mechanism) to help me build healthier habits, increase my current overall wellness (that happiness piece I was talking about), and relieve stress and anxiety through momentary bouts of achievement.
The way I feel better during all of this intense craziness is to find a sense of purpose through personal achievement.
Not everyone reacts the same way to stress. You may or may not be doing the same thing as me to get through this pandemic. Whatever YOU have to do to get through this incredible, stress provoking time is up to YOU. If you need to stay in bed and watch TV all day, do it. If you need to go for a walk around the block to clear your mind, do it. If you need to create goals and make mini achievements, do it.
Again, this quarantine is not a productivity contest. Some people just happen to cultivate sanity through a feeling of purpose by working towards something. And others don’t. Hopefully, you’re finding the best and healthiest way for you to get through this craziness.