2020 September Articles Archives

Keeping the momentum after lockdown

COVID-19 has had a mental and emotional impact on many of us. It has disrupted our lives, creating a sense of restlessness, uncertainty and new concerns. We may find we are easily distracted and unable to stay focused. Goalposts keep changing, and just as we started to settle, lockdown eases and once again our routines and habits are disrupted.

A new rhythm

When changes occur, conscious effort and thought are required to adapt – at least at first. This may affect our energy and productivity. Suggestions to help you ease back into the flow:

Groovy tunes: Prepare a list of songs that inspire you to tackle the day. Some of them may be cheesy but whatever works to get you alive, alert and enthusiastic!

Boosters: What are the healthy habits that you know help keep you on track and productive? A clear list of graded tasks to achieve for the day, focusing on one task at a time? Scheduled five-minute breaks every hour? Healthy eating practices and an early night’s sleep?

Stay present: Notice when your thoughts and words focus on the past or the future, and gently guide them back to the present task. This helps sharpen concentration and performance.

Act on a new awareness: Lockdown was difficult but it allowed for reflection. We’re hopefully clearer about what and who is important to us, who we can rely on, and what behaviours distract us or dampen our enthusiasm. This can include gossiping or complaining, negative thoughts and self-pity.

Be gentle: Many people are struggling to focus and achieve right now. Be self-aware and take one step at a time to avoid falling into unproductive behaviours as you adjust to new realities.

Sources:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jodiecook/2020/03/29/productivity-and-positivity/#7c1ba9f240f4

https://medium.com/@timsneath/staying-positive-and-productive-in-a-covid-19-world-ac6c76e2f8d5

https://www.hrzone.com/lead/culture/maintaining-productivity-whilst-transitioning-back-to-the-workplace

Talking to your partner

Effective communication is one of the cornerstones of a happy and successful relationship. It is easy to get stuck in a rut with your partner where the only communication that happens is about the kids or what’s for dinner. But do you know how each other actually feel? Do you understand each other’s reality? Talking about the deep stuff isn’t always easy and may take some practice. These exchanges are what lead to emotional intimacy and create a connection between the two of you as well as allow you to solve problems in the relationship constructively. Here are some tips to help you to talk to your partner more effectively:

Nip small issues in the bud before they escalate into bigger issues. Talk about problems early and often.
Do you listen when someone shouts at you? You can’t solve problems when you’re angry. Wait until you are both calm and ready to talk before taking on a conversation about big issues.
Create space to talk. You can’t have a heart-to-heart with the TV blaring and the kids going wild in the next room. Set aside quiet time where you and your partner can really listen to each other.
Communication isn’t only about talking. You need to really hear what your partner is telling you.
Talk about how you feel and what you need without making it sound like you are criticising your partner. Focus on the problem, not the person.
Be honest. There’s no way to solve the problem if you are not upfront about what the problem is.
Acknowledge that not every issue can be solved in one conversation. Be willing to work on it over time.

If you and your partner need professional support in your relationship, contact LifeAssist to arrange relationship counselling.

Sources:

https://www.psychalive.org/communication-between-couples/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/blog/close-encounters/201704/10-tips-solving-relationship-conflicts