School and work at home is hard, we can do hard things.
Work and school at home is happening for most of us. We learned a lot this past spring, and now’s the time to set ourselves up for success for the upcoming year. Here’s a short listicle of ways that parenting and organizing can mesh to make our home/work/learning space our ally in this era of the pandemic.
Lighting: Most of us underestimate the power of lighting and how it helps us to stay focused. Think natural light first - can we get access to it, is it possible? If no, invest in a task light for each desk. (Here’s a cute one to get you started!)
Big trash/recycling can. You’d be amazed at how chintzy people are with their receptacles and the power and opening of energy when you allow yourself to have a big, ample recycling or trash bin right at your feet. You don’t have to get up, scoot or swivel to pitch something.
The power of the reboot. If I could wave my magic wand I’d ask that you fall in love with the reboot. That means at the close of most days you put all your supplies away, tidy and pitch, look at tomorrow and stage your learning areas. Do this with your kids. When you end your day you are really starting tomorrow. It’s your chance to begin tomorrow positive, in control and with “I am capable” thoughts and feelings.
Make time and space for strong feelings. Despair, anxiety, overwhelm, anger, and disappointment all take time and space to process.When planning your day and your space, try to make room for strong feelings and create a peaceful area where everyone can re-group.
Ask for your kid’s input, consider it and execute some of it. Kid’s love to problem solve, especially if you really let them brainstorm with sticky notes, the coveted sharpie, and no critical comments. I think sometimes we are afraid of asking our kid’s opinion because then we feel obliged to do what they say. Not true, we only must consider what they say and be open to trying some of their solutions. It’s gonna be a long Fall, might as well get as many people problem solving as possible.
Make time for regular physical movement throughout the day. I like the Pomodoro Method (here’s an explanation). Work in four 25 minute chunks with a 5 minute break. Then reward yourself with physical movement for the next 25. Think of not too horrendous chores, a dance party, a walk around the block, a game of twister. Exercise releases chemicals in our brain that helps us focus and elevates our mood when it’s time to get back to work.