Put Your Mask On Before Helping Others, and then Help Others
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I don't know about you, but, I'm still in-shock. The information in the news is scarier with each alert that comes out, everyone around me is starting to wear masks (for the right reasons, but still takes getting used to), and we don't clearly know when this whole quarantined situation is going to end. With countless articles about how to be productive, from organizing your closet, to learning a new language in 30 days. All of those things are great, if you have the time and interest. But before diving into a sea of productivity, it's important to first focus on what 👉 YOU 👈 need to be centered.
As a Senior Operations Manager at Google & Leadership Coach here is my personal list of free resources to support you to effectively help yourself, assist others and restore some normalcy during this challenging time.
Self Care and Compassion
We're not at home because we're on vacation or on a sabbatical, we're at home because we're living through a global pandemic. It hits you like a ton of bricks when you say it out loud, doesn't it? Given this reality, take the time and space to take care of yourself so that you can be a parent, partner and support to others.
Tara Brach, PhD psychologist and world-renowned meditation and yoga teacher offers a guided meditation on Facing Pandemic Fears with an Awake Heart. This one-hour session is available on YouTube, and her website features a wealth of shorter meditations under the section Pandemic Care Resources.
Tasty offers a ton of simple, easy to follow recipes to help you start your week feeling prepared.
Taking Care of Little Ones
Some of us out there might be teachers, but I bet almost none of us realized we'd be navigating the end of the school year from home. Here are a few great resources to use with kids at home:
• YouTube Learning Portal
• YouTube Kids App
• PBS Physical Girl Video
• NPR Kids Comic About the Coronavirus
• Headspace Meditation for Kids
• Rivet Reading App
• Cosmic Kids Yoga Videos
• GoNoodle Mindfulness and Movement Activites
• PBS Games & Activities for Kids
• Outschool Live Online Classes for Kids 3-18
• Google for Education Resources
• Scholastic Learning From Home
Remember, We're In This Together
We might not know when this whole thing will end, but it will end. This time will be remembered less by the things we were able to get done during crisis, and more by the inner strength we found in getting through it. Take a few moments to video conference with a friend or colleague who is struggling, support a neighbor by dropping off groceries or navigating technology if they are having difficulty getting connected, and ask for help when you need it. No matter where you are in the world, you are impacted by this situation. Let that be a force to bring us together.
Lia is Senior Operations Manager at Google & Leadership Coach. She has a passion for organizing groups into inclusive, happy and effective teams. Lia previously worked at Apple & Microsoft and has spent her career working with technology leaders and teams focusing on the whole person. Check out her articles on Medium at medium.com/@liagarvin and other coaching resources.
