TOW#538 — Time for yourself!
During this time, generally bombarded as we are with negative news, we must focus our brains on something positive and practical in order to cope more easily. In other words, on the positives that can be taken away from this way that we’re now living and functioning. Being negative, scaremongering, spreading conspiracies, and so on, is very easy nowadays. Just share some negative news, news of death, suffering and disorganisation by the authorities, and you’ve immediately hit the bullseye.
But the idea is to have a positive outlook, be wise and learn how to take advantage of this situation. What can we do to improve our relationship with ourselves and with others, and to accomplish our tasks more efficiently? The other day I spoke with my dear friend Goce Trajkovski and he told me: “This is a great time for oneself. Now you can dedicate yourself to yourself.” It’s true, you have a lot of time to complete your work obligations, and at the same time you can dedicate the time you would normally spend going after various external ‘distractions and temptations’ to yourself and to loved ones.
Of course, we employers must also keep in mind that this way of working requires a new system of work. New procedures and processes so that things can go according to plan, and employees have the opportunity to adjust to the situation and live normally, as much as possible of course. You can’t say “work from 9 to 5”, and, knowing that the curfew starts at 4 p.m., not expect people to get their private stuff done during working hours. Nevertheless, we have to rely on our employees’ conscience, and hope that they’ll then supplement the ‘privately spent’ time by continuing the working hours and completing their assigned tasks.
What does time for yourself mean anyway!?
Although we currently spend most of the time with our loved ones (most of us), ‘time for yourself’ means that in addition to spending time with our loved ones, we are dedicate a significant portion to ourselves. That means:
• Physical exercise: maintaining physical fitness. Healthy souls reside in healthy bodies. I’ve seen a lot of people on social media complaining about getting fat because they’re eating a lot. It’s okay to eat, but make sure you exercise and use up that food. Not only do you get energy for the whole day, you also drive out negative energy.
• Mental exercise: strengthening the mind and harmonising energy. Eastern practices deal with this a lot. Explore further if you want to use some of those techniques and that wisdom. When sitting at home, exposed to fear and paranoia from all around, without the opportunity to let out some of that negative energy, your pressure valve can loosen and may burst. That’s why it’s important to be composed, measured and balanced during these moments, working on managing the mind and emotions, in order to get through this tornado. Meditation is also said to be a good technique, especially for times like this.
• Creative games: if you can and if yours is a bigger family, it’s nice to play a game together. But you should choose some logic, memory, creative or strategic games, which will best exercise the brain.
• Books: read more books. Find a topic you haven’t read about before and are drawn to, and start researching and getting interested in it.
• Pursuits/hobbies/talents: find a hobby. Learn a new skill. Painting, sculpting, computer skills, languages, etc. There’s a bunch of free videos and educational materials online.
• Recipes: It’s popular, since I see everyone’s sharing recipes, so people are cooking more than before. Cooking is a very creative, meditative and social thing to do. And if you add a little love to the dishes, others will be delighted.
• New online business: now you’ve finally got the chance to start that thing you’ve been thinking about for ages. Try going online. Create your own new profitable channel, plus it can be a way to increase your level of personal and professional self-satisfaction (if you’re in need of a bit more).
So, if we dedicate more time to ourselves during this period, it might even turn out to be very positive for us and the environment. Let’s make the most of our stay at home. And, as Goce says, “Whoever’s doing well at home, good for them!”
Wishing you success with the changes to come,
Petar Lazarov
Member of the Team
MACEDONIA-EXPORT Consulting
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