FAMILY
Unlocking lockdown LOCKDOWN DOESN’T HAVE TO BE A DISASTER – WITH SOME CLEVER THINKING YOU CAN TURN IT AROUND, WRITES DAD KRESAN MUNIAN. What do you think of when you hear the word “lockdown”? If we’re alike, you’d probably start to mentally forecast the emotional stresses that would result from this season, followed by a plethora of thoughts about plans to not fall behind at work, while being at home learning to compromise on which partner’s meeting is more important and scheduling chores with baby duties. I’ve realised that life under lockdown can become an absolute nightmare if we choose to travel the massfollowed route that highlights all of its negatives.
I can have fun in everything I do. But what could this season bring if we took a detour to believe otherwise? What if this lockdown is our season to become better at what we do, and the greatest dads in history?
If you’re interested in taking the detour, here are a couple of significant keys picked up during my detoured journey. Hopefully they can help to unlock the lockdown for you, so you can make the most of work life, home life and dad life.
Family first, work second The most important key I’ve picked up is “Family first, work second.” As a dad, I quickly learned how important it is to reflect that with my lockdown crew. In a world filled with career-driven worker bees, lockdown has taught me that anyone can be dismissed at their work roles. I have realised how much more vital my role as dad and husband are instead of ‘employee of the month’. In applying this key I’ve realised that people pay for productivity in the workplace instead of hours spent behind the work desk. With that said, there are always new innovative apps available that help us schedule, track and accomplish our work goals in record time (allowing for more
available hours in the day for the real MVPs [Most Valuable Players]).
Take regular breaks After almost experiencing mental burnout, I stumbled across the next key, which is “Take strategic breaks”. Taking a break doesn’t necessarily mean doing absolutely nothing – it’s about getting away from your usual workspace to draw in inspiration, motivation, and energy to get back in the zone and meet those deadlines. Personally, the most rewarding breaks have been taking 15-20 minutes to hang out with my son or enjoy a good cup of coffee (between work shifts) with my wife, or even to check off something small that needed to be done at home like taking out the trash or watering the garden. This is a great way to break down big objectives into manageable tasks, as well as maintain laser focus with strategic breaks. You may even score a few brownie points by tending to the minor needs on the family front. Talk about a win-win!
