success during quarantine

Success During Quarantine How to effectivinly work at home

“Get clear about what you want and need. This is not the time to be oblique! Be succinct and use details.”

By Kelly Myerson

My inner perfectionist took over the first couple weeks of quarantine. I was sustaining myself on adrenaline, cortisol, and coffee. I created a false front of positivity. Perfection left me; and overwhelm set in. After a few days of selfpity, I took control.

Like many of you, I was experiencing grief. I began by accepting life was different. Once I accepted this change it was time to confront the reality of my situation.

I am a mom working from home during this quarantine.

The truth? Working and supporting my son in distance learning has challenged my capacity for grace. I will not sugar coat my breakdowns, but I am celebrating my break throughs.

I have reassessed what works. Parent to parent, here’s my advice.

Enhance Communication

Halfway through the second week of quarantine, I called my husband. Through sobs, I told him I felt so overwhelmed and I wanted his help. Looking back, I needed better timing and clarity. Once calm, I asked, “Babe, can you please complete 3 out of 5 school activities with our son this evening?”

Get clear about what you want and need. This is not the time to be oblique! Be succinct and use details.

By clearly communicating my needs, my husband was able to support me. Don’t forget your kids! My son became more flexible when I created a daily visual schedule. He needed to know what to expect.

Release Perfection

If you’re like me and your default is managing everything for everyone: stop! Ask your spouse or partner to join in the mental burden. Include your children too! Engage everyone in household chores. But, only aim for good enough. Let go of high expectations. Some days, my kitchen is clean at the end of the day. Other days we go to bed with dishes in the sink because our sleep is more important. This is not the time for overachievement. It’s time for survival!

Challenge Expectations

I live in a town with an excellent school system. Our teachers are compassionate, highly professional, and engaged. We cannot keep up with the amount of work expected of my Kindergartener. Honestly, neither can my son. So, as a family, we pick what we can accomplish. My son is bright, and we’ve decided playing Pokémon, reading books together, and building Legos counts towards education.

Embrace Opportunities

We are routine based, but the routine has shifted. I’m not commuting, my work is accessible all day, and the kitchen is always open! We have embraced a new normal with its new opportunities. I can write for an hour in the morning or evening, without sacrificing sleep. My husband, a musician, can practice piano daily.

Once my husband goes to work, I work for a couple hours while my son relaxes. My son loves this extra down time. Midmorning, we do some schoolwork. We always break for lunch together. Some of my paperwork can wait until my husband gets home. We’re enjoying a nightly family dinner.

Shift Happens!

My day job as an Occupational Therapist for children with multiple disabilities is hands-on. Prior to quarantine, my work stayed at work. It was easier to mentally and physically compartmentalize. Working and schooling at home requires greater flexibility. I need to shift back and forth between demands. It took me time to get into a flow.

Preparation is key! Thankfully, I had a habit of mind dumping and time blocking pre-Corona. I don’t leave a task without a quick note about the next steps. When my son comes in to see me and I’m working, I stop and shift to “mom” mode. Sometimes all he needs is eye contact and a quick hug.

Remember What Drives You

My husband and I have set aside time to communicate about what’s important for each of us besides our day jobs, co-teaching, and home maintenance. Keeping our personal passions (writing and music) alive is essential to our mental health. What brings you joy? What about your family? Be sure to get those activities into your daily routine.

Take Care of YOU

Self-care has become even more essential! Our priorities are sleep, rest, and a balanced diet. We exercise and get extra sunshine and fresh air. My husband and I recognize signs of stress in one another and give each other breaks.

My husband and I choose to model for our son how to successfully navigate this imposed change. We are teaching our son graceful living through challenge. I invite you to do the same.

Kelly is an author and wellness coach for caregivers and purpose-driven humans seeking to live their best lives to give to others from deep abundance. As a pediatric occupational therapist, Kelly has over 20 years of experience specializing in sensory integration techniques. Her background in occupational therapy provides a unique perspective on development and the human condition. With two books in the works, Kelly is emerging onto the wellness scene with refreshing perspective and a sense of humor. Kelly believes the journey toward healing and wellness begins with one small step. Each step builds towards the embodiment of wellness.