As I have been required to go in to work every day, I have definitely felt the stress and pressure from all fronts: shifting requirements for temperature, masks, distancing, etc. All are a challenge but a priority - and I have tried to stay ahead of the curve. Also, because I work in a division called 'Life Science Technologies', I have projects mostly on the cutting edge of the vaccine development but also testing and general glass supply for Pharma companies ... it is an insane volume or work at an insane pace ... and done with 25% on-site coverage (and for me personally, all three of the techs in my measurement lab have changed in Feb/March due to jew job, stroke, and baby so I have simultaneously been training new people and helping cover testing!).
So ... I cut myself some slack. Some days I run, some days I sleep. Some days I eat well, some days I do not. And I am done shaming myself for it. Every day I get time with my wife, most important of all. (and she works at the local SPCA so that is a stress-burger all its own!)
It seems silly but every morning, I schedule out my day. It’s not something that makes everyone happy and relaxed....but it smooths my edges. So I schedule my day, prioritize sleep (in bed by 9 every night), and have now placed time limits set on my phone for social media. Hit the limit? No more for the day.
I love this question. I’m introverted and naturally drift toward being alone (outside of hanging out with my wonderful wife and dog, of course). But man, there’s certainly a difference when you’re staying in by choice and not. Aside from running I’ve been turning my attention toward projects at home. Lots more cooking, working on the backyard to try and make it look awesome for the summer. I’ve also been strength training more consistently because I no longer have the excuse of being too busy with other things. I’ve actually been running less volume than I have in years and I’m OK with that. Most importantly, I’m trying to spend time just sitting. No phone or computer screen, just morning coffee and enjoying the sunrise. Hope all of you are well and somewhere safe and happy.
Great question, Hollie! Actually I'm not sure I've been as intentional about that as I need to be, but this reminds me that I should be. I am trying, though, when the moment strikes me to just appreciate this time with my family -- it's a little like a *really* extended summer vacation in some ways (except the work part!).
Coffee and extra sleep, always trying to take care to get my share of those. Running- started this week to ramp up my training. Today is day 5 of 7 so this afternoon off I go on the fifth straight day of 15 mile training run. Tomorrow cutting to 10, then Saturday 15-20. After that it's two consecutive days off. Nice break physically and mentally :) Also waiting the late arrival of spring weather!
Writing. Reading. Praying. Playing trumpet and, less often, organ. Phone conversations with friends, family, and parishioners. And yes, running (peppered with the occasional elliptical or walk).
I always try to eat healthy and make time for exercise. However, I agree that sleep is key and I've been trying to get more of it. I had formed a habit of sleeping six hours a night or less. Now I am trying to sleep at least seven hours. Also, I have decided to make time for something purely fun each day, such as reading fiction and not news.
Using the time to get my house in order. We've purged LOTS of stuff, repainted several rooms, done some major improvement projects, and so on. With everyone spending so much time at home, it's great to all pitch in the make our home just a little nicer.
For me, I'm prioritizing sleep and I'm taking time each day to be completely disconnected from social media. It's done wonders for me to get away.
As I have been required to go in to work every day, I have definitely felt the stress and pressure from all fronts: shifting requirements for temperature, masks, distancing, etc. All are a challenge but a priority - and I have tried to stay ahead of the curve. Also, because I work in a division called 'Life Science Technologies', I have projects mostly on the cutting edge of the vaccine development but also testing and general glass supply for Pharma companies ... it is an insane volume or work at an insane pace ... and done with 25% on-site coverage (and for me personally, all three of the techs in my measurement lab have changed in Feb/March due to jew job, stroke, and baby so I have simultaneously been training new people and helping cover testing!).
So ... I cut myself some slack. Some days I run, some days I sleep. Some days I eat well, some days I do not. And I am done shaming myself for it. Every day I get time with my wife, most important of all. (and she works at the local SPCA so that is a stress-burger all its own!)
It seems silly but every morning, I schedule out my day. It’s not something that makes everyone happy and relaxed....but it smooths my edges. So I schedule my day, prioritize sleep (in bed by 9 every night), and have now placed time limits set on my phone for social media. Hit the limit? No more for the day.
I love this question. I’m introverted and naturally drift toward being alone (outside of hanging out with my wonderful wife and dog, of course). But man, there’s certainly a difference when you’re staying in by choice and not. Aside from running I’ve been turning my attention toward projects at home. Lots more cooking, working on the backyard to try and make it look awesome for the summer. I’ve also been strength training more consistently because I no longer have the excuse of being too busy with other things. I’ve actually been running less volume than I have in years and I’m OK with that. Most importantly, I’m trying to spend time just sitting. No phone or computer screen, just morning coffee and enjoying the sunrise. Hope all of you are well and somewhere safe and happy.
Great question, Hollie! Actually I'm not sure I've been as intentional about that as I need to be, but this reminds me that I should be. I am trying, though, when the moment strikes me to just appreciate this time with my family -- it's a little like a *really* extended summer vacation in some ways (except the work part!).
Coffee and extra sleep, always trying to take care to get my share of those. Running- started this week to ramp up my training. Today is day 5 of 7 so this afternoon off I go on the fifth straight day of 15 mile training run. Tomorrow cutting to 10, then Saturday 15-20. After that it's two consecutive days off. Nice break physically and mentally :) Also waiting the late arrival of spring weather!
Writing. Reading. Praying. Playing trumpet and, less often, organ. Phone conversations with friends, family, and parishioners. And yes, running (peppered with the occasional elliptical or walk).
I always try to eat healthy and make time for exercise. However, I agree that sleep is key and I've been trying to get more of it. I had formed a habit of sleeping six hours a night or less. Now I am trying to sleep at least seven hours. Also, I have decided to make time for something purely fun each day, such as reading fiction and not news.
Daily walks with my dog, she loves to sniff everything so it slows me done and gets me outside some more
Using the time to get my house in order. We've purged LOTS of stuff, repainted several rooms, done some major improvement projects, and so on. With everyone spending so much time at home, it's great to all pitch in the make our home just a little nicer.