Entrepreneurship, Isolation & The Pandemic
Two years ago, when I had made the big, scary step of deciding to work for myself, I can admit that I was attracted to the exciting lifestyle that seemed to come along with being an entrepreneur: exploring new opportunities, adopting new skills, and finding joy within the journey. After living in a global pandemic for well over a year now, the idea of being comfortable in being uncomfortable has now become nothing short of familiar territory for me ─ on most days fun, at times, quite challenging and on other days, just plain mind boggling.
However, despite the confusion, the constant problem-solving and the inner chaos, through it all I now realize more than ever how important it is to accept the unfamiliarity that lies ahead and to build up a life that is completely outside of work ─ that is, knowing and understanding the fact that once the clock hits 5 PM, it’s time to completely shut off and to just…be yourself!
Here are some tips for optimal living that have worked for me and I just wanted to share them with you.
Knowing how to live in the moment
Like many, I’m someone who is very sensitive to about almost everything ─ from the morning alarms, to the calendar reminders, to the never-ending construction noise and not to mention, the overdrive of phone notifications, I can understand how life itself can sometimes feel all too overwhelming.
In moments of high stress, I think it’s important to know when to pause and to take a step back, as better decisions are made when the mind is fully free to relax.
1. Establish a morning routine.
There’s something extremely refreshing about starting off the morning on the right foot. I personally get a kick out of getting up every morning to start my skin care routine, while simultaneously figuring out what I’m gonna eat for breakfast (the best part!). Find your funk by dedicating a portion of your time in the morning to pursue real personal care.
2. Connect with others.
Life as an entrepreneur can sometimes make you feel trapped, untrusting and just plain lonely. As some may see it as the daily “hustle and bustle” or “being on the grind”, I think it’s really up to you to make everything feel all the less isolating ! When crafting up that weekly to-do list, be sure remember to schedule in some time to spend with others: family, close friends, co-workers, peers… see it as a different form of self-care.
3. Know when to clock out.
As I, like many, have made the adjustment to living the work-from-home life, I think it’s pretty normal to have a lot of difficultly tapping out of work when necessary. For those of you still reading, rewire the way you view your work life and remember that creating good habit takes time. Consider it a daily practice!
4. Appreciate the little things
It’s very easy to spend time our time focusing on our own deep rooted insecurities, our past failures, our inner fears, and the thoughts of what might be lacking in our lives that we often forget to spot the happy moments in where we are in the moment. As you’re sitting at home, wondering what your next step in life is going to be, take a moment to appreciate…
What your room looks like when you wake up in the morning;
Your work-from-home setup;
The colourful sunsets at the end of a computer-filled day;
What you did in between your work breaks and the little quirks in your usual routine;
The small jokes and the simple laughs with friend, a coworker, a roommate, a loved one or simply, by yourself.
…those are the moments that truly count and a tell-tale sign that you’re simply just living.
5. Take the time for silence and for being alone.
Some things are better left unspoken, and a big chunk of our lives simply happen within the comfort of our own minds…so make it a nice place to be. Learn to appreciate yourself, your environment and the quieter days. Find comfort in the silence and learn to sit still and just be.
Remember to spot the positives amidst the chaos that is the human mind.
Some helpful tools & resources
1. Shine
Feel-good emails to check in with yourself and to remind yourself that you’re only human.
2. Headspace
The podcast to help you meditate, take a step back and to put an end to that productive work day.
3. The New Happy Co.
Gentle (visual) tools to help you reflect, put things into perspective and stay grounded during more unsettling times.
4. Penzu
An online journal to help unleash & record your everyday thoughts and observe your daily progress as you slowly move away from the inner analysis paralysis and the daily overthink.
Stay calm, stay present. Thanks for reading!