Hey party people. I haven’t been on here the last month (although I feel like my latest posts have consistently said that…yikes). But, we have a common denominator here, and that is: We are living through a pandemic and a social revolution.
Now, if you’re like me and you’re working a “traditional” 9 to 5, then you’re also likely working from home right now. At the very start of the pandemic, I wrote a post about how to negotiate for better deals when you secure a job position, because believe it or not, jobs are still very much hiring. But today’s post is all about how to keep your sanity and motivation while working through a pandemic and social revolution.
It’s been about 4.5 months of me working from home. Honestly, I much prefer it. What these few months have taught me is that most jobs that are very tech based can be done from the comforts of your own abode, but I digress. Although I prefer working from home, usually when I have worked from home, the world outside was, in a way, chilled out. I was able to go out and work out of a coffee shop if I wanted and I wasn’t really feeling apprehensive. But now, I definitely cannot and will not be working out of any restaurant or coffee shop and I have been feeling on edge since racial conflicts have been at the forefront.
I am tired.
My mind is exhausted and I feel less than motivated to keep working because part of me can’t help but to think that what I am doing pales in comparison to what other people do. And I’m not working at my dream job. I’m ok with admitting that. Not everyone gets the opportunity to consistently work at a dream job. Some jobs are there for one reason and one reason only, to help you pay the bills. Don’t feel bad about it. Luckily, I do have my blog and my content creation and some other projects (*ahem* Seyi Speaks IG Live Series) that are helping to keep my mind at ease, which leads me to my first suggestion:
And this thing doesn’t have to be something that has to make you money. But if it so happens to be that, then more power to you. But in these extremely trying times of trying to be safe, healthy, woke, and socially aware, it can take a toll. And if you don’t have an outlet to express through, you most definitely will not be able to do your other job properly.
I put this to the test. I hadn’t shot content in a while because before Los Angeles had some restrictions lifted, we were on serious lockdown. So I only went outside my house to go to the grocery store, take a run, or get some gas. Ya girl was over it. But we gotta do what we gotta do. Very recently I was able to meet up with friends and we took pictures of each other. Even though the day was hot, I felt so rejuvenated after our session. So much so that I went into the new week much more content than usual. It’s as if dedicating time to the things I actually wanted to do helped me get through the things that I didn’t really want to do. Who would’ve thunk it.
Next, you need to:
Working from home can present the illusion that since you’re at home, you don’t really need to take a vacation or a personal day because you’re sorta already in that state. That’s a lie from the devil himself. Take the break ma’am/sir. TAKE THE DAMN BREAK. If you had originally scheduled a week off pre pandemic, still take the week. Maybe you’re not able to travel, but you can most definitely dedicate that week to reviving yourself. Or perhaps you don’t need a full week, but we can all use at least a day or two to get our minds right. Don’t feel bad for wanting to take time off. Seriously, don’t let anyone guilt you into thinking you need to be working consistently. You don’t.
Now that we are home almost 24/7, it’s extremely easy to get preoccupied with your phone to the month where hours can go by. The constant receiving of news and information and pictures and graphics can become extremely overwhelming and starts to take a toll on your mental. So perhaps set a time limit on the apps that contribute to that? Or delete the news app altogether. Which is something I did at the start of the pandemic and truly, no regrets there. I stay informed as much as I need to but I don’t allow myself to become consumed with information.
And lastly:
It’s easy to have the times sorta mesh together between work and non-work when you are at home. Working in an office allows you to have a hard stop because you need to pack your belongings and get home. But when it only takes you about 10 secs to go from work station to couch or bed, it is very easy to feel like you can just keep working. Nah. Don’t do it. You need to train your mind to understand that even at home, you have stop times that need to be honored. Work is just work. If you’re not literally saving lives, then there’s no need for you to be working 12-15 hour days, in a PANDEMIC and SOCIAL REVOLUTION!
So there you have it folks, how I have been able to keep my sanity while working full time from home. Also, please, wear your mask, and don’t be racist :)
Until next time…
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