These 5 Rs help you stay grounded when the going gets tough.
It’s fair to say 2020 hasn’t quite gone to plan for any of us, and the uncertainty accompanying current events has been a source of stress for many. Both adults and children of all ages have spent much of the year separated from the people, places and routines that normally help us cope when the going gets tough.
While the phrase “the new normal” may be wearing out its welcome, it manages to describe what we’re all searching for and working to create: a sense of normalcy. Leaders, especially, can be instrumental in equipping themselves and those around them with the necessary tools to manage through these stressful times and come out on the other side more resilient, more connected and more prepared to succeed no matter the circumstances. The five strategies below form a handy toolkit to get you started.
Relationships
Did you know up to 40% of Americans report experiencing regular loneliness, and social distancing, working from home and virtual learning environments haven’t exactly helped. Of course, those measures are necessary for everyone’s safety. However, the fact remains that relationships are vital to our sense of overall wellbeing, and many of the typical outlets for social interaction have recently been limited.
That doesn’t mean we should settle for loneliness. In fact, now more than ever, it’s important to build connections. Pick one night a week to make dinner as a family or pile onto the couch to watch a movie. Call or text a friend just to check in. I’ve had friends send me nothing more than a smiley-face emoji and—just like that—my mood improves! Even a little oxytocin creates anti-stress responses in the body.
For teens and adult alike, social media (and video games) can also be important ways to connect with friends, but nothing replaces the benefit of in-person interactions. Be sure to strike a balance between screen time and family time.
Routines
As a bit of a compulsive planner, I described this year to a friend as, “falling off a planning cliff.” And while relinquishing some control was probably a good thing for me, generally speaking humans rely on predictable routines to help manage the stress of life.
It can feel like everything we used to form our routines has been thrown out the window, given that “getting ready” for work or school may now simply be a matter of rolling out of bed.
All the more reason why sticking to a daily or weekly schedule matters. It doesn’t have to be rigid, but your routine should include regular bed times, meal times, family time and some downtime too. Even maintaining a simple routine like this one helps our brain avoid “decision fatigue,” a type of stress that comes from having to make choices constantly.
Resilience
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from failures or difficulties, and it’s a skill we can all cultivate. All of the strategies included in this blog help to build resilience as well as limit stress. This article by the American Psychological Association outlines other age-appropriate methods for nurturing resilience.
My personal favorite and one that my mom instilled in me is to keep things in perspective and maintain a hopeful outlook. The emotional highs and lows of the teenage years can feel like a rollercoaster, yet many teenagers lack the ability to take a long-term view—making the stakes feel even higher.
When I experienced an “end-all-be-all” crisis as a teen, my mom would guide me as I imagined my life a day, week, month and year from that moment. By imagining my future, I was able to put things into proper perspective and consider the likely outcomes of whatever was happening. This always made me feel more in control and capable of making good choices. It’s a resiliency strategy I still practice in the face of life’s difficulties.
Rest & Relaxation
I’ve made this point in other blogs, but it bears repeating: self-care is not selfish or indulgent; it is critical to managing your stress load. However, self-care does not mean a spa day or shopping spree. Self-care is actually about checking in with yourself (mind, body and spirit), being honest about how you’re feeling and then doing things that nourish you.
Self-care is not one-size-fits-all, and there’s no right or wrong way to go about it. It could mean setting boundaries, exercising, journaling, eating healthier or sleeping more. Whether you choose to get to bed at a reasonable time rather than binge another season of your favorite show or opt to journal rather than mindlessly scroll through social media, you’re practicing self-care.
Leaders, especially service leaders, tend to prioritize others before themselves. I’m here to tell you that unless you occasionally put yourself first, you’re headed for burn out. Self-care allows you to manage your own stress while continuing to be at your best for others.
By Corie Bales
Corie is the Academic Affairs Manager of Ambassador Leaders. As a lifelong educator and avid traveler, she believes in empowering students and teachers to learn and lead through experiential education.