A Gift of Time: Choose to work on your Mind, Body and Soul
In the midst of “social distancing as the new norm,” brought about by the COVID-19 virus, can you reframe this unique moment in history as a gift of time and space, allowing you to make time for the important things in life and work on your mind, body and soul.
- Identify and set your priorities
- Get to know yourself better
- Establish a strong foundation for who you are
- Stretch and visualize where you want to be
- Grow and learn new things
- Begin to bring your vision for your life Into sharper focus
With that sharp focus In mind, we can begin to build the momentum needed to step into a new or better path. Slowing with It – one day at a time, moment by moment through heightened awareness – we can begin to envision and choose the activities that will get us closer to closing the gap between where we are now and where we want to be in the future. If you can see It, you can be It.
As Robert Holden, Psychologist and Author in the field of Positive Psychology and Well-being, tells us:
When anyone faces a new beginning, addresses a blank page, and starts at zero again, it is likely they will meet their inner fears and doubts. The biggest challenges of our lives often stretch us beyond our self-image to something deeper. Who we think we are won’t win this challenge, but who we really are can.
~Robert Holden
Choose to work on your Mind, Body and Soul:
Mind – Create new neuropathways for success. Visualization Is a technique that can empower our brains to change beliefs that limit us, resulting In optimism even in the worst of times. As Vicktor Frankl, Psychologist and Auschwitz survivor wrote in “Man’s Search for Meaning:”
Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”
Body – Do micro 10-minute workout bursts throughout your day. Focus for 20 minutes, then take a break.
Soul – Keep a gratitude or other journal. Focus on others. Do random acts of kindness. Reach out to your connections, at least one a day. Volunteer and give back.
- Slow down and reconnect with family and friends.
- Network virtually with the people you need to meet – those having Influence, a mentor or advocate, decision-makers, recruiters, those who can assist In furthering your career
- Read that book you’ve been meaning to read
- Explore continued learning – there are so many virtual options!
- Learn to play an Instrument. Musicians are teaching online!
- Update your technology, project management skill, and other skills
- And so much more – Brainstorm and see how many bullets you can add to the list
What we are facing now won’t last forever. Will you be poised for what’s next and opportunities that will abound as soon as the lid is lifted and we re-emerge from our social distancing cocoons toward a new beginning of greater awareness and purpose? For more ideas, career and well-being support in this difficult time, contact JFCS Career Development Center and stay connected to your world.