Thoughts from the home office
Fellow leaders,
I have heard you! You’re worried. We all are. Worried about the health of those we love and the world economy. Worried about those who help keep us alive, from healthcare workers to grocery store employees. Worried about our plans for the future and what that future might look like.
Add that to homeschooling, aging relatives in other states and whatever was going on at the office before we had to stop going to the office, and it’s just… a lot.
I am coping with board games and family meals, dog walks, running outdoors and gardening. I’m also working with clients to help them balance their changing priorities.
My door is open if you need me, with free leader chats every Thursday this month and a group coaching session in early May.
In the meantime, here are a few things that might help in your travels through the new reality.
Yours in service,
Alan
General interest
The toilet paper shortage is more complicated than you think (Vox) Okay, this topic is fascinating to me on so many levels. First, panic buying. Then, supply chain issues. The grocery stores are cleaned out of the residential stuff everybody wants. Warehouses, restaurant break rooms and office supply closets are full of the commercial stuff nobody is using. Then, from my past work life, what people are flushing instead and shouldn’t be. Best advice: check office and restaurant supply company websites for bulk cases of commercial bath tissue.
Location data says it all: staying at home during coronavirus is a luxury (New York Times) The new adjustment to working from home is the first thing I’m talking about with almost every client these days. But millions of people don’t even have that option.
How not to go crazy under quarantine (Slate) Charles Duhigg’s podcast has a couple of great recent episodes, including this one about how to keep your mind at peace. I had it in mind this weekend when I didn’t check my email, social media or any news sites. And I woke up Monday morning feeling great.
Pandemic anxiety is making us sleepless, forgetful and angry. Here are tips for coping (Washington Post)
No one should worry about working out right now (Vice) Takeaway: yes, get exercise and take care of yourself. But no, don’t beat yourself up over fitness goals while the gym and the pool are closed.
Thanks to the coronavirus, you have time to write that novel. You just don’t want to. (Washington Post) I feel like I don’t have time to write a novel or want to. Which brings me to…
Parenting
Wide Open School This is a big collection of homeschool resources from our friends at Common Sense Media. Whether your school year is over completely (Michigan) or just beginning to transition to remote (us), you’ll need some extra things to keep your kids’ hands and brains busy.
How to actually do this remote-learning thing while also working from home (Washington Post)
How to tame a chaotic household (Slate) Another great Duhigg/How To podcast.
Fatherhood is more visible than ever. But will dads working from home actually step up more? (Washington Post) This one features some former neighbors of ours.