1. Track Something! As we've lost some of the normal routines that delineate days and weeks, choosing one thing to track daily can be a centering practice. How many birds did you see today? How many flowers have bloomed? How many seedlings have popped up?
2. Remember, it won't be as bad as you think it will be. Our brains are wired to expect that we will feel way worse at a future outcome than we actually do if it happens. You can counteract that in the present by easing the anxiety of a worst case scenario situation. It won't be as bad as you think it will.
3. Celebrate what matters. Small wins are wins! Get used to choosing what you celebrate. You don't need to wait for a birthday to celebrate something simply awesome today.
4. Change your expectations. For many, happiness is a factor of how our reality measures up to expectation. If your expectation is high and you don't live up to it, you tend to be disappointed. Use this time to change your expectations to things that are all feasible in a day and watch your happiness increase.
5. Use all this time together at home as a chance to work on emotional skills. Get in a heated argument over homework? Did your kids witness you having a melt down? Use it as a chance to talk about it! Lead by example of "I am really stressed out and need some alone time, that's how I practice taking care of myself" or "Hey, I noticed things got anxious there, can you share what made you upset?" These are the skills that will last long after school is done!
5 Tips for Distance Learning Success
1. Keep a routine. Routine will be different without the normal school and work structure, which offers an opportunity to make a new routine for your family! Work together and come up with a schedule that includes everyone's interests and work needs.
2. Do "school" in the same place every day, get dressed for "school". Help compartmentalize work and play.
3. Get outside! We're lucky that we have so many outdoor resources here in Bozeman! Walk, hike, sled, go cross country skiing as a family while we still have snow, visit the park, or simply go sunbathing on your door step.
4. Practice mindfulness. Meditation strengthens your immune system and sharpens your mind, amongst many other benefits!
5. Introduce a gratitude routine. "What we give attention to grows"...thinking about things to be grateful for helps us notice those more, and can begin to offer respite from anxiety.
5 Tips to Beat Procrastination
Now is the time to focus on building good habits as you gain momentum in this semester's learning.
1. Pick Your Poison Start by choosing just one task you've been procrastinating; make a commitment to complete that task in the next week.
2. Five Minute Miracle What can I do in less than five minutes that moves me forward, even if it's just a small bit?
3. Let it Go Take something off of your todo list! "One way to stop procrastinating is to decide you're never going to do it".
4. Forgive Yourself The more you forgive yourself for past procrastination, the more likely you are to overcome procrastination right now.
5. Pick a Power Song Select a song that makes you feel energized!
We love hearing what works for you. Share your favorite ways to overcome procrastination here.
from Vertellis and Forbes