Things to Make Your Life Better While Physically Isolating

This COVID-19 crisis has radically changed our lives. Just a few months ago, we had no idea our 'world' would be confined to our homes!

This crisis is a powerful reminder of how important freedom is - and how much we need human connection! 

Remember you are not alone. Because what is DIFFERENT here is that everyone is impacted! Your neighbor, mom, boss and friends as well as your counterparts around the world are all going through something similar.

So, it's important to remember:

                  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.  Viktor E. Frankl

This is the challenge each of us must rise to! If we're going to be stuck at home, we may as well make the most of it.

Here Are Some Things You Can do to Make Your Life Better while Physically Isolated:

1) Gain a New Skill with Online Learning:

There are so many opportunities online to gain a new skill and they're growing by the day!
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Grow your personal or creative skills or choose a new skill to learn and take back to work with online training providers like Coursera or Udemy.
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There are many other providers.
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If there's a skill you always wanted to learn, search for it. But be sure to read the course descriptions thoroughly, check reviews if there are any - and check money-back guarantees as you need to!

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And with so many learning options ranging from FREE to tens of dollars to the low hundreds of dollars, there will be something out there just perfect for you.
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2) Explore your Life Vision:

Rather than watching endless news streams, you can choose to focus on a bigger picture - your future. What do you want from the rest of your life? What would you be disappointed you did NOT do? Where do you envision yourself in 10 years?
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Having a clear vision of how you want your life to be is a powerful motivator. A vision helps us work towards our goals, take action and make change. Soon, we'll all be super-busy again - and a vision might be just what you need stay focused!
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Here are 5 questions to ponder or journal around to go deeper:

• What do you desire or yearn for in your life?
• How do you want to feel?
• What do you really, really want to be different in your life?
• What would have happened in 3 years time such that your life is spectacular and you feel magnificent about yourself?
• What's your dream for this lifetime? Imagine you're 90 years old and looking back over your life; what did you do that made you proud and happy?

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TIP: Remember to think possibility not probability! Don't limit yourself and your ideas because you don't believe something is likely. Instead believe it's possible - and even if you don't get all the way there, you may get close - or even find something better along the way!
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3) Be in the moment:

In THIS moment you are OK. You are safe. Take one day at a time. One hour or even one breath at a time if you need to.
 
This tip is about being super-present, not thinking ahead or remembering the past, but practicing BEING.

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This is a PRACTICE - meaning you will have to do it over and over again - bringing yourself back to the NOW. Over time it gets easier, and it's a great skill to have to take back to "normal" life.
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So, when you notice you're worrying, feeling twitchy and want to pick up your device and find out what the "latest" is about the COVID situation, say to yourself, "It's OK. In this moment, I am safe. In this moment I am OK."  You can also add or say, "In this moment, my children/husband/family are safe."
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EXTRA TIP: Reduce or minimise how often you watch and read the news! And DON'T read or watch the news (or articles about COVID-19 or similar) just before bed!
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4) Laugh

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Distracting ourselves from our fears is a valid technique for feeling better!
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Laughter releases helpful chemicals in our bloodstream - Endorphins (our natural "happy" drug) and Dopamine (part of our bodily "reward" system).
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• What are your favorite comedy shows?
• Is there a comedian you like?
• Netflix and similar have so many watching options, so find something that makes you laugh!

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IMPORTANT: We should NOT use over-use laughter as a distraction technique. And it shouldn't be used for ongoing and persistent fears in regular life. But for a situation like this, where this isn't much that any of us can do other than sit and wait - distraction can be a great coping mechanism.
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5) Be Kind!

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Kindness and compassion are one of the most powerful tools any of us have in our toolbox right now. Many of us are largely housebound, never mind the fear that you or a loved on might actually catch the COVID virus! So, of course we're going to feel unpleasant and weird.

• Use kindness to comfort yourself when afraid or feeling anxious or fidgety. Be gentle. Imagine you're soothing a friend, small child or animal who is afraid - what would you say to them? Then say that to yourself!
• Use kindness to give yourself - and others - the benefit or the doubt. Instead of getting upset when you see other people behaving badly, remember that we all do silly things when we're scared.
• Imagine you have a kind, wise self. A part of you that is unflappable, intelligent and unconditionally loves ALL of you. Now, when you need it, imagine that kind, wise self is with you, supporting you, maybe giving you a hug - and saying exactly what you need to hear (not just the sugary stuff, but also the tough love and common sense).   

6) Help Others

Helping others is empowering and makes us feel better. Here are a few ways you could help others.

• Check in on a neighbour or friend and see if they need anything. You can do this by phone, or in person, remembering to maintain a 6 feet distance.
• Offer to get someone groceries if you're going.
• Help someone less technically savvy learn how to use Zoom or WhatsApp or whatever they need to get online.
• Host a virtual get-together with your regular friends.
• Reconnect more deeply with friends or relatives who have moved away.

7) Live Your Values

When we know your values, we understand what motivates and drives us. When we build our lives around our values, we create a life that is meaningful. Finally, when we align our actions with our values - we're being truly authentic. It's a very satisfying and fulfilling way to live.
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And living your values could be the single most important thing any of us can do right now.Here's an exercise you can do:

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• List your values on a piece of paper or in your journal.
• Give each value a score ___ / 10 as to how well you are living that value in your life now (where 0 is not at all and 10 is full-out).
• For the scores that are 8 or more - great!
• For the scores that are 7 or less out of 10, ask yourself, "How could I express this value more in my life right now?" "What could I do differently or approach differently, so that I feel good about how I live this value in my life?"

For example: You have a value of creativity, but you're only managing to "go through the motions" right now and your score is 4/10. Ask yourself how you could be more creative during this time - whether it's cooking, gardening, are or writing or helping your kids do something creative, or even watching a documentary about someone creative you admire.
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For a copy of a Sample Values List – just send us an email with “Sample Values List” in the subject line and we will send you a copy of our list to help you with this exercise.
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8) De-Clutter

I bet you have some organizational things on your to-do list (like going through winter clothes, sorting out toys to donate or tidying the laundry closet, garage or shed) that have been on there for a while. Use this isolation period to get them done!
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Getting organized and de-cluttering allows us to exert some control over our lives - and therefore feel less helpless! Plus, it will feel amazing just to have it done.
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Organize your closets, your garage, your books, your photos, office, kitchen equipment. Whatever needs organizing. Or perhaps you need to go through your receipts or file your taxes!
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A simple 3 Step Method to go through your stuff:
 

1. If you're keeping it, be sure to DECIDE where it will "live" from now on.
2. If you're not keeping it, create two piles:
• Things to GET RID OF
• Things to DONATE (and if relevant to pass on to specific people).
3. When you're done, put each pile into bags or boxes, and then once this crisis is over you can get rid of what you no longer need.

• TIP: You don't need to do any of this 'in one sitting', do an hour a day - you'll be surprised how much you get done if you keep it up for a week!

 **** As a special gift to you – Organizational Consulting Services is offering $ 10/hr OFF of their Virtual Organizing services now through the end of May. 
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9) Grow Something - Or Get an Indoor Flowering Plant!

There is nothing quite like growing something - whether it's flowers, fruits or vegetables that makes us feel good! Even if you live in an apartment and you could grow fresh herbs on your windowsill or balcony to cook with!

• Get some seeds, (a pot and some soil if needed) and get started.
• Many plant nurseries are still open, or you could order seeds etc. online.
• Follow the instructions - and remember to water it!

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If growing something is just too much work, get yourself a spring bulb or succulent (cacti) planter.

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It is really important to take care of yourself during this stressful time.  To find out where you are in the process and what you might need to change – I have created a “Self-Care Check-In” sheet that you can use to help you connect with yourself and find out what you may be needing.

If you would like a copy of “My Self-Care Check-In” – send me an email with “Self-Care Check-In” in the subject line and I will send you a copy.

Believe you have the skills and power to tackle this situation and you will! Choose to make the best of a difficult situation and no matter what - you'll find a way.

This current and strange COVID-19 situation will end. And when it does, you'll be proud you made the effort to learn something - whether it's about yourself, fresh knowledge, a new skill - and who knows what else!

*** If you are interested in a FREE Discovery Coaching Session to help you figure out what your next step will be – just email or fill out the contact form on our website.

Karin E. Fried, CPC, EMT-B, CTACC        Certified Life & Business Coach

North By Northwest                                     Pointing you in the Right Direction for your Life

www.northbynorthwestmt.com

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Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com . 

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

Decluttering – What It Entails

The term “decluttering” has been a catch phrase for a number of years. Some think it is simply cleaning a house, but if you have seen television shows about hoarding or cleaning, you know it can be much more than that. So, what does it entail?

The World English Dictionary defines decluttering as the act of getting rid of mess and disorder. This is generally a two-step process:

1. Get rid of the current clutter you have in your home.

2. Avoid letting additional clutter into your home.
You may have heard the old adage, “A place for everything and everything in its place.” For those struggling with clutter, this often becomes a mantra or battle cry.

Start small when you begin decluttering. If your home is cluttered, going through and getting rid of things will seem intimidating. It is easy to become discouraged and overwhelmed. By starting small, even with one single dresser drawer, you see how much you can accomplish in a short amount of time. Quite often, with a small area, you can declutter and clean it in less than 15 minutes. Anyone can do this if is important to them.

Enlist the help of someone you trust. Perhaps your family is full of clutter bugs and they really are not interested in moving out of CHAOS (Can’t Have Anyone Over Syndrome). If they will not help you, ask a friend to do it instead. Not only will your friend be there to give encouragement, they may also be able to help you with the hard decisions that often come up when decluttering.

Get four boxes – Keep (this room), Toss, Donate/Give/Sell, and Keep (store elsewhere) – and place them in the area where you will start. Try to handle each item only once. When you pick something up, decide if you will keep it in the room where it now is; if it is garbage and can be tossed; if you no longer need it and it can be donated or given; or if it is to be kept in a different location. Look at each item and put it one of the boxes.

When you review each item, try to think about how often you have used it in the last year. Be honest with yourself. If the item has not been used in a year, it is time to let it go - either in the trashcan or into the Donate box so someone else can use out of it.

Be aware of the things you bring into your home. Quickly go through your mail outside near the garbage can. Important mail goes under your elbow. Everything else is probably junk mail and does not need to enter the house. While you open your mail, write down important dates on a calendar. You can then file the mail if still needed or shred it if it has personal information on it.

Adopt the one in/one out rule. If you purchase a new item, with this rule, you would also get rid of one item. This item could be something related to what you purchased or something non-related. The point is to get into the habit of removing one item each time a new item comes into the home.

When you have one drawer, stack, corner or box cleaned out, take a break. If your friend is still there, have a cup of coffee or tea. Then, after your drink is finished, tackle another. Before you know it, you will have a cleaned out dresser, cabinet or one less pile to look at. Then, do your best to keep that renewed area clean and clear from that point forward. Congratulations on a job well done!
 
Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
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Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

Stashing Does Not Equal Decluttering

Families who are living in clutter may not realize the impact this can have on them – both individually and as a family unit. Research shows clutter to be part of the reason for stress and conflict in a family. It can even be the reason for physical illness. When it is time to do something about the clutter, it is important to realize stashing does not equal decluttering.

What is the difference between stashing and decluttering? Moreover, why is it important to do one and avoid the other? Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Stashing?

Stashing is the process of putting stuff inside of boxes. Drawers, closets, the bathtub and even the stove are common places you might find stashed items. Maybe you think, “out of sight, out of mind.” Things may look clean but the mess is still there.

The problem with stashing is that nothing has really changed. You may not see the things you have stashed, but you will still have to deal with them. As an added issue, when you need one of the things you have stashed, you will not have any idea where to find them.

If stashing is something you are guilty of, you might like to know that the root cause of it is usually indecision. If you do not have the time to make a decision about something, you may think it is easier to put it off, especially if your mother-in-law called and said she would be there in ten minutes. Panic sets in and the result is stuffing, cramming and stashing things to quickly get them out of sight. Unfortunately, you will still have to deal with them at some point.

What Is Decluttering?

Decluttering, on the other hand, is the process of going through your mess and choosing to get rid of things you no longer need or want. You have seen that things are overtaking your life and you are determined to do something about it. The problem with decluttering, however, is that it takes much more time than stashing things to get them out of your way.

Congratulations if you have decided to take control of your clutter! Start small so you do not feel overwhelmed by the size of the task before you. In fact, it is best if you start with something like a countertop or the dining room table. You want to work on an area that is small enough that you can complete the task once you have started it.

Make a conscious effort to declutter this one area and keep it clean for several days. You will be so inspired each time you see this one bright spot among the mess that it will inspire you to keep working.

Create a decluttering schedule and stick to it. You CAN do it! Yes, it is true you will not be able to get the entire house “shipshape” in one day. The mess took a while to accumulate, so you can expect it will take a while to make it go away.

If you feel you must stash something for that unexpected visit, use something like a laundry basket that you use regularly to stash things and place it in a closet. This will accomplish two things: you will have cleaned up an area to avoid embarrassment and you will have a reason to clean up your stash the next time you need your basket. The worst thing you can do is go out and buy plastic totes or boxes because chances are you will not open them again.

Stashing may be something you are accustomed to doing on the spur of the moment, but if you take the time daily to declutter and organize the things you keep, stashing will not be necessary. You will have the satisfaction of knowing that anyone could drop by unannounced or with little warning. You can welcome them into your home and smile because your house is presentable -stashes are not lurking in the closet and socks are not hanging out of the microwave.

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com