On Wednesday speaker and author Janine Garner joined Women’s Agenda publisher Angela Priestley for an online workshop in which they explored way to keep calm during the pandemic and maximise productivity during challenging times, while also maintaining mental and physical well being.
“I find it hard to ask for help,” Garner admitted. “But it’s something we all need to practise.”
Garner, whose new book, Be Brilliant – how to lead a life of influence, published by Wiley, is out in June, detailed some useful tools to navigate through this pandemic.
Look after yourself
“It’s important to trust your intuition in order to make good decisions,” Garner said. “We all need to find our own sanctuary where we can go to unwind, relax and refuel.” She suggested anything from a chair, to a spot under a tree, or a simple walk around the block after a day inside working to re-set.
“The only thing that is getting you through this pandemic period is yourself. You have to take care of yourself first before you can care for others.”
“Remember, you are the key to change. How can you be the brilliant and best version of yourself if you are overwhelmed, over-exhausted and over it? How can you possibly find the space for perspective and clarity if you aren’t looking after yourself? If we bury our own needs right now and keep pushing and pushing, if we forget to attach the oxygen mask to ourselves first, then we will collapse mentally and physically and be of no help to anyone!”
Be conscious of what you’re reading and watching
Regulate what you’re exposing yourself to on a daily basis.
“Ask yourself what you’re reading and what you’re watching and what news pieces you’re clicking on and what news sites you’re visiting. Only allow information, commentary and people that feed positivity. Push the stuff that feeds your angst and panic, aside. Take ownership of your daily activity, be intentional and commit to doing at least one thing every day that contributes to the work you do and the impact you can make.”
“I have intentionally taken things off my feed that don’t make me feel good. I’ve stopped watching certain TV shows and ensuring that the only thing that I’m taking into my bubble is the stuff that makes me feel good, that provides positivity, and inspires me with real news, not fake news.”
Reach out and decide to be vulnerable
Now is the best time to start making new connections. Garner said rather than getting lost in the status quo of sitting around, doing nothing and waiting for someone else to give you permission to move forward, do one thing each day, no matter how small, to keep moving.
“Everyday, commit to one thing that will contribute your work. Just pick one. It can be making a phone call, or writing an article. Ask the tough questions. You’d be surprised how many strangers are willing to help. Especially during these times. Reach out to your network, team, clients, suppliers and friends. Ask how they are really really doing? Listen really carefully to ideas and the things that are working for others. Have a preparedness on how others might be feeling.”
Put strict guidelines around your new work habits
Zoom meetings eating up your day? You’re not alone. Many of us are feeling like we are spending more time than ever in ‘meetings’, but is it making us more productive? Garner believes we need to put in strict rules on our own time and formulate structures to ensure we are not wasting our previous time.
“Get to the point quicker when you’re meeting someone virtually. Send information before the meeting. These little things can make a lot of difference in terms of saving time. Protect the habits that work for you.”
Source : Women’s Agenda
Issued : April 22, 2020