The silver lining: A working woman’s guide to making the most of this difficult time

Due to our enforced quarantine and the public holidays, most of us don’t have to travel to work, meetings and appointments are cancelled, kids do not need to be taken to and from school and extra-curricular activities are not happening. What this means is that we actually have hours of spare time that we rarely, if ever, have – Pic by Shehan Gunasekara

Yes, it’s frightening – especially when our ‘enemy’ is unseen and unknown. We, as mothers, wives and daughters, burn with the tremendous responsibility of taking care of our loved ones. So, we wash meticulously, stock up, avoid public places, and keep a low profile. It is a foregone conclusion that ‘the corona’ is upon us.

But, this is also a time when we have received an unusual luxury which, as working women, we rarely have; we have time! Due to our enforced quarantine and the public holidays, most of us don’t have to travel to work, meetings and appointments are cancelled, kids do not need to be taken to and from school and extra-curricular activities are not happening. What this means is that we actually have hours of spare time that we rarely, if ever, have!

Here are some ways that we can use this time, not just to distract ourselves from the pressing worries that this dreadful pandemic has brought on us all, but to make some really meaningful additions and changes to our lives which will have a very positive impact, on you and those around you.

Sleep and rest 

A rare luxury for so many of us, busy women. Get your eight hours of shut-eye and you will look and feel so much better. In fact, being sleep deprived makes you more susceptible to illness. Therefore, encourage your family to sleep more, take a cat-nap and rejuvenate your body.

Family time 

This is a wonderful time to re-connect with your loved ones. Use your extra time to read with your kids, play games, talk to your older children about things that interest them or are worrying them and spend some quality time with your partner or spouse. You will love the feeling of strengthening of your family ties.

Projects 

Don’t we all have a list of things that we intend to do but never get around to doing? Well, this is your time – go do it! Find something that you know will make you feel good, after it’s done. For me, this is to write more – so here I am, doing just that!

De-clutter 

Did you know that ‘simplifying’ your life can actually make you a happier person? Well, here’s a perfect opportunity for you to clean out your closets, give away the stuff you don’t need and create more order in your living space. Although I am hopeless at this, when I do get around to, say, clearing out my shoe rack (I know, that’s a really small assignment!), I feel wonderful afterwards.

KIT 

How many friends and relatives do we want to keep in touch with but never get around to it? These may be people who have, at some time or another, had a significant impact on your life. Use this time to call them or drop them a short note. Find out how they are doing – they will love to hear from you!

Sharpen the saw 

Educating ourselves is usually something that takes the back-burner for us busy working ladies, although we all know that this is a must-do for all of us. But, with time on your hands, you can start! Look online, there are lots of sites (some are even free) where you can sign up for courses, watch Ted Talks and read about subjects that interest you.

Read 

Even if you’re not a prolific reader, this would be a good time to start. But for those of you, like me, who have so many books that are sitting on your shelves just begging to be read, this would be a great time to dust them off and start reading. Set yourself a goal; mine is to read one book a month. You’ll be amazed at how you feel and you’ll be acquiring a very good habit!

Exercise 

I know, gyms are out of bounds and we should avoid crowded places. But, if you want to exercise and get fitter, we now have a golden opportunity to start. If you don’t have a garden to walk or run in, just go online and check out the many exercise apps. And, like sleep, exercise does do wonders for your mood, complexion and overall health. So, go for it, ladies!

Hollywood (or Bollywood) marathon 

I have a running list of movies that have been recommended and I intend to watch. But, although I systematically check off the movies that I do get around to watching, my list grows faster than it shortens. So now is the perfect time to start watching new movies or old favourites that you haven’t watched for a long time. Get a Netflix account, if you haven’t already!

Hobbies 

I know a friend who is a superb artist but doesn’t have the time to paint. So, pull out your stamp album, cookery book or, in my case, my piano, and indulge!

So, this may seem like a long list but they are just a few suggestions for you to turn a horrible situation into something meaningful and productive. But, while you do this, please do take care of yourselves and your loved ones and take all the recommended precautions. And, remember, “this too will pass”.

(The writer is an executive coach, women’s motivational speaker and HR consultant and could be reached via email at [email protected].)