Hello, Self - How Are You?

Written By Jennifer Rogers

I don’t know about you, but I have found that working from home during the COVID-19 shelter in place orders have been especially draining. Which is interesting, because I have been working from home for over a year, and have a fairly regular routine. However, Tracy Brower’s article on Why Working from Home is so Exhausting - and How to Reinvigorate made a lot of sense - I particularly resonated with her points about the overwhelming level of information being sent and the fact that video conferencing is intense since we’re staring at people all day without visual breaks. Depending on how this disruption in your work and life is affecting you, there may be other points in her article that hit closer to home for you. 

All of this fatigue reminded me of a simple, useful tool that one of my professors during my graduate studies at the University of Texas at Dallas, Susan Klein, would use to start each class. My program was completely online and full of working professionals. Classes were held in the evenings after a long day of work. It was easy to be fatigued and distracted, but this quick moment of centering would help to get back on track.

I thought I would share this 3-question tool for self-check ins as we begin this new week. Taking a moment to pause and check in with myself throughout the day may help me alleviate some of the fatigue I’ve been experiencing. Maybe it will be helpful to you as well.

Rate yourself on a scale of 1-10 for each of the following questions:

  1. What is my energy level?

  2. How present and focused am I?

  3. How open am I?

Results:

  • If your self-rating on any of these questions is an 8-10, that is great! What is your secret?

  • If your self-rating on any of these questions is a 5-7, ask yourself what you need to get yourself to an 8 in that area.

  • If your self-rating on any of these questions is less than 5, it is probably time for some self-care. What will you do to support your needs in that particular area?

When you do need to take time for self-care, what are your tried and true remedies? 

Jennifer Rogers

I believe in renewing the culture of work by developing leaders who are driven and successful, but more importantly authentic, trustworthy and human. My coaching and consulting firm, Development Ocean, exists to develop the leadership capability of emerging leaders through coaching and custom leadership development programs.

With my 15+ years in talent development, I have the knowledge and expertise to see what your people need and tailor development programs to those needs. As an ICF Certified Coach with training by the Arbinger Institute in Outward Mindset as well as Situational Leadership Theory and a Masters in Organizational Development, I am equipped with the real tools and assets necessary to increase trust, engagement and the true enjoyment of work for your people.

I am an active volunteer with ATD and have most recently has volunteered with L&D Cares, an initiative to assist L&D professionals in their career journeys that have been affected by the global pandemic. These opportunities help me stay informed about trends in talent development, as well as develop my own leadership capabilities and personal network.

When I’m not working, you can find me spending time with my husband, two children, and extra-large dog, or watching British dramas with a glass of red wine while knitting or crocheting.


https://www.developmentocean.com
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