In Quarantine? Go Easy on Yourself.
As I sit at home in quarantine, I see post after post on blogs and social media telling me to take this time to hustle and learn new skills. Sounds easy enough – since I’m stuck at home, why not learn a new skill? I’ve always wanted to play guitar, and I wouldn’t mind learning photoshop. I could do a 1000 crunches a day and come out of this looking like Patrick Bateman from American Psycho while I’m at it. What better time, right?
On the other hand, not everyone is seeing this as endless ‘found time’. A lot of people are struggling with the social isolation. People miss their families and friends. I’m fortunate to have a partner here to hang out with, and I’m comfortable enough with things like Zoom and Houseparty that I’m still able to connect with my friends. But what about people who are at home alone? Not so savvy with technology? What about people with limited access to high-speed internet? Some of these people are really struggling to just keep their minds healthy, nevermind packing them with new skills. It’s no surprise that liquor stores are reporting booming sales.
I agree that it’s a great idea to take all this free time to learn something that’s been on your list, or give yourself a new skill that could help you find employement in a post-COVID-19 world. But first, be sure to take care of yourself. It’s tough out there, don’t feel bad that you haven’t started a new business and learned a new language.
If you’re having a hard time, check out CDC.GOV’s page on support for stress and coping during COVID-19.
When and if you’re feeling well, here are my favorite sources of free online courses:
Good luck!
Chris.
In normal times, I’d say cancel your meeting if the agenda’s light.
— Chris (@ChrisjBergen) March 31, 2020
These days, screw it, have a meeting. It’s good to see people.
Check out this week’s Top Picks:
Colleagues Become Confidants in the Age of Coronavirus
With millions of people stressed out and working from home, mental health takes center stage – WSJ.COM
How to Stay Motivated and Focused While Working From Home
A whole lot of us have suddenly found ourselves working from home. Here’s how to make the most of it – ROCKSTARMANAGERS.COM
A Guide to Managing Your (Newly) Remote Workers
Lear specific, research-based steps that managers can take without great effort to improve the engagement and productivity of remote employees, even when there is little time to prepare – HBR.ORG
The Manager’s Guide to 1-on-1 Meetings
Internal communication makes or breaks companies. Learn to use a Manager’s greatest communication tool, the 1-on-1 Meeting – ROCKSTARMANAGERS.COM
