Rut
I am having a hard-ass time.
I consider myself the ideal introvert - I love my space and alone time (perhaps too much), but once I meet someone that I vibe with, it's hard for them to get me to shut up. Introverted to those who may not know me well, but extremely extroverted with those who do. Or, at least, that's how I used to see myself. Since I have been stuck in my mere 700 square feet with another living, breathing human and a dog for the past 132 days (thanks, COVID!), I haven't been able to find my usual level of energy to reach out to those I love most.
At first, I was ecstatic when the CFO announced that all of Finance would be working from home until further notice. I was naïve then. I had already been home for the better part of a week when the announcement was made, due to my grandmothers' passing, and was glad that I got to have more time at home to process my loss. What I did not anticipate at the time was that the rest of the world (or at least the state) would be shutting down, too.
This year has brought about a lot of change for me. With the loss of my grandmother, graduating from my finance rotational program and starting my new role, there has been plenty to keep me on my toes. But being stuck at home, having fewer and fewer interactions with the outside world as the weeks progress, it's just starting to feel like Groundhog Day with Bill Murray.
So how do you get yourself out of a rut?
First of all, it's important to remember not to blame yourself. 2020 has been difficult on everyone, and continues to be an adjustment to the "new normal". It's okay to just do nothing sometimes, take a break and relax. This idea that you have to take advantage of this time because you have it is just another unnecessary stressor we have pushed onto ourselves. Breathe. Relax. Do something for yourself. For example, I have a swear word coloring book that I like to whip out. 10/10 would recommend.
Set a new goal, nothing too overwhelming or unachievable. This is *key* to ensuring you have focus and drive. Having something to strive for is important because it gives you a reason to get out of bed in the morning. It gives you an objective and purpose to work towards, instead of letting yourself get bogged down. There are the little things to set goals for, like being able to touch your toes, or bigger things, like receiving a new certification, depending on what you hope to accomplish. All I know is that having clear, defined (SMART) goals, is what keeps me going each and every day.
Lastly, learn something new. I am a big proponent for continued growth and education, and I cannot stress enough how important it is to always be developing yourself. This doesn't have to be work or STEM related; it can be the creative part of your brain, stretching muscles you may not use on a regular basis. A friend of my mom decided she was going to use her free time to start building very ornate birdhouses, and has even turned her hobby into a small business venture. I have been cooking a lot more now that I don't have to go into the office, and have tried TONS of new, exciting recipes. It's delicious, nutritious, and a new skill I will have for life! I even learned how to make risotto - the first time ever that I didn't burn rice.
Being at home has been rough for me. I didn't realize how much I liked being in the office until I didn't have the option to be there. I miss my friends and coworkers, I even miss the crumby coffee and the 1-ply toilet paper (okay, maybe that last one is a lie). But remembering that I don’t have to be "on" all the time, establishing goals for myself and learning new skills has kept me sane throughout these very cramped times.
I know this may seem pretty straight-forward, but they wouldn't call it a rut if it was just that simple to push through. How are conquering the 2020 blues?
- Laura Ann
