I don’t think any of us expected to be talking about – and living in – the pandemic after 18 months. And yet here we are – entering our second fall season feeling unclear, unsure, and unsettled. It will be years or maybe even decades before we understand the full impact of the pandemic on our bodies, our minds, our workplaces, our lives.
But what we do know is that uncertainty affects us quite dramatically. Our brain activity increases in the areas associated with fear and hypervigilance. A cascade of stress hormones constantly work overtime in our body as part of our fight or flight response. In general, our mind becomes more reluctant to take risks and less likely to focus on future rewards. And of course, future ambiguity creates worry and unease.
So, is there something we can do as we face the current environment? One of the most tangible ways to cope is by making a plan – any plan. It can be a plan to run a full day of errands. It can be a plan to take a day trip to a local natural area and have a picnic. It can be a plan to overhaul your home office making it a more functional and creative space. It can be a plan to re-connect with colleagues and workmates. It matters less what the plan looks like than the fact that you are planning – and doing – something.
I invite you to create a plan today …. any plan.