There isn’t one item that the Covid-lockdowns have affected. I tend to think of myself as relatively Type-A and quite structured in my writing and research life. But now, I’m lucky to have a few hours of research, if at all, on any given day.
Earlier in the Covid-lockdown, my days were so blurred that I had trouble discerning a Monday from a Saturday or a Wednesday from a Friday, which prohibited any rest. Deeper into the Covid-lockdowns, the emotional toll began to pile up on itself with the increasing news bites (with CDC information intake), removal of a physical conference and academic gatherings, providing spiritual care for others, watching out for the needs and safety of my family, and tending to the my own health (mental and physical).
We are all in this Covid-season together and in different ways. I want to share some items, related to my experiences, which have somewhat helped during this season, the increased depression, and minimal productivity.
Daily liturgy and ritual provided structure to my days, sleep patterns, and family life—sleep at a regular time, dinner at a reoccurring time, afternoon walks/runs, morning coffee, etc.
Second, processing with a spiritual mentor/director proved helpful in voicing fears, hurts, anxieties, and unmet needs.
Napping has since increased in this season. While I fought it at first, to embrace it has only helped my emotional and physical capacities.
And last, this simply is not a season for productivity but a season to help others and recover. My productivity has flown right out the window. But embracing such a reality has helped me to expect differently from myself and others.
It will be wonderful to spend time with people again, see colleagues, present research, teach in the classroom with students, and begin the research pursuits once more.
Until then, give attention to rest, your health, coffee and a novel in the morning, and slowly find rhythms that work for you.
Dr Chris Mackel says
January 27, 2021 at 11:20 pmAll great points and I think structure and daily “re-creation” are critical in overcoming the pandemic blur. Also re-defining goals to fit within the parameters imposed by the restrictions is important e.g. if the restrictions have given us more home time with the family then use it constructively to build deeper relationships or to write that letter to a friend that you never seemed to have time for.
Unabis says
March 2, 2021 at 7:05 amThank you for telling us about your struggles with isolation and working from home. In fact, before that, it seemed to me that working from home was just ideal. What could be better when, during your lunch break, you can lie down on your favorite sofa, which is a step away from your workplace. I always thought it was the most ideal option, but after having to work from home, I began to realize that I was really wrong about it. At home, you are limited in communication and it is not always possible to tune in to a working mood. You always need to keep yourself in hand so as not to find something more interesting for yourself.