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Ideas for Accountability

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With many of us still working from home, our regular wellness accountability norms might have disappeared. Without gyms open, exercise classes on our calendars, personal training appointments twice per week, etc. many of you have expressed that your motivation and accountability are suffering. We would like to offer a few suggestions: 1. Set SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time -Bound. ie: I am going to increase my cardiovascular fitness by walk 30 minutes 5 days a week. I will walk from 9:00 -9:30 am and push myself to go a little farther each day by increasing my speed. 2. Stay accountable . Once you select a goal, being accountable, even if only to yourself, can help you achieve it. Keeping a simple chart on your phone or your fridge where you can check a box for every day you work out. 3. Be a role model! We tend to do for others more than we do for ourselves. Reach out to a family member, friend, spouse, co-worker , etc. Offer a team approach to hol...
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Lessons learned

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I believe one of my earliest posts on this blog encouraged us all to spend time intentionally reflecting while we are working remotely. I encouraged you to think about what you learn about yourself, others, and your work. I asked you to consider what aspects of a "normal" work environment you might NOT want to go back to once we return to our physical campus.  I have spent some time reflecting on that in the last few weeks as the discussion of return to work policies, procedures, and training has been circulating more often. It has prompted me to consider what lessons I have learned during my time working remotely.  Here are a few of my lessons learned:  No commute > a commute - when we consider the process of physically travelling to work, there is a lot of time invested. I have tried to be very intentional about using that time for something worthwhile, though I am not always successful. It is possible to do most of my job remotely. I knew this before I came home, bu...
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It's Blursday again...

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I shared with my family last night that I feel like I am in a bit of a time loop. Even with a long weekend to delineate between workdays, I found myself less than excited about "reporting" to work at my home office this morning than usual. (For some people this is a regular occurrence, but not for me.) So, as with most things, I investigated some new strategies and refreshed myself with old ones.  Here are some things that I am committing to doing this week that I hope will help me break up my days.  Getting outside - even if it means just going for a drive because the weather is bad, I realize that I need to, at least once a day, get outside my four walls. If the weather is nice, I will take a walk down the road.  Scheduling my errands - It appears now that grocery shopping is a low risk activity because people inside the store are moving and, as long as people are maintaining social distancing and wearing face coverings , your exposure to particles is lessened. Thus, I ...
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How to safely enjoy the outdoors

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It is possible (and necessary) for all of us to continue to stay healthy and active during the “Safer at Home” mandate, even outdoors. If you are wondering what you should do for your own personal health, below are some FAQs from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Runner’s World Magazine . Is it safe to do workouts outside? Yes, but by yourself. Heavy breathing, sneezing, and coughing can get droplets into the air or on objects that people touch, and then people touch their faces. Run or work out in noncrowded areas, for others’ safety and for your own. Additionally, 30-60 minutes of moderate to brisk activity can boost your immune system. Why is it important for me to be active? Physical activity can provide immediate benefits. Physical activity can help to boost your mood, reduce stress, improve sleep, and sharpen your focus — benefits that can be especially important during stressful times. Can COVID-19 be spread through sweat? According to ...
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Try a little empathy

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Empathy, a component of emotional intelligence, is a crucial skill for navigating change. Demonstrating empathy with those experiencing difficulty deepens relationships, increases trust, and bolsters your ability to influence and lead others. Dr. Brene Brown gave an excellent Ted Talk where she broke empathy down to four attributes:  Perspective-taking Staying out of judgement Recognizing emotion in others Communicating that emotion If you are looking for opportunities to demonstrate empathy, you needn't look very far right now. Many people are struggling with repercussions of the pandemic; financial, physical, or otherwise. More than that, many people are struggling in ways that may be different than how you are struggling. That means there are ample opportunities for empathy. For example:  You manage a team of two employees. One of them is firmly in one of the high risk categories for COVID-19. They are scared of getting sick and are dealing with the isolation of living at h...
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Ways to contribute to your community

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While we all are doing our part to help flatten the curve, there are many ways we can help our community and those in need, some even from our own homes! SHOP LOCAL! Boone has a multitude of local restaurants, breweries, and shops. On the Boone Chamber website, there is a list of restaurants and retail businesses from which you can purchase online. ·    GET TAKEOUT! If you are not yet comfortable dining inside your favorite eating establishment, please visit the Boone Chamber of Commerce website to see which local restaurants are offering delivery and curbside service. BUY GIFT CARDS! From beauty salons to tattoo parlors to personal training, many local businesses are offering gift card purchases to utilize once they are able to reopen. HELP SOMEONE! You can do grocery runs for the elderly, or donate to a food bank. DONATE TIME AND/OR RESOURCES! You can donate money and/or supplies to organizations helping those affected by COVID-19. Please vis...
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Find your gratitude anchors

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It's raining outside...again. We are entering day 486 of the stay at home order and I know I am not the only one whose attitude could be better. I know there are many factors and many layers to why I feel this way and why my disposition is less than rosy!  Several years ago, I created a workshop called "Attitude of Gratitude" which was based around the idea of finding ways to be grateful. I occasionally go back to the material from that workshop and use it to help me find the good in situations. So, if you are struggling with the state of the world, the weather, or fear of the unknown, here are a few lists you can make to anchor yourself in gratitude.  1) Make a list of the things that make you happy right now. Nothing is off limits.  2) List the things that you are good at.  3) Reflect on the best choices you've made in your life.  4) List the things you like to do that don't involve technology.  5) List the things in your life that you actually ARE in con...
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