Health

24 HE ALTH • Winter 2020 A s a full-time working parent in a leadership position, with two chil- dren learning remotely during the pandemic, I would offer the follow- ing advice: Let the mom/dad guilt go. By far, working full time and guid- ing my children's learning is the most challenging job I've ever had to juggle. 1. Take care of yourself. Have you ever heard the phrase: "You can't run on an empty gas tank?" This has never been truer. I'm always the first one up, run- ning around like a chicken with my head cut off, and the last one to bed. I'm learning to slow down, and to take care of myself. Go for daily walks (I know, easier said than done), join cocktail hour Zoom calls with friends, and partake in an at-home spa day. If you aren't taking care of yourself, you can't care for anyone else. 2. Learn to say no. It is so easy to say yes, when we are asked by a friend, family member, or volunteer group. There is a feeling of guilt when we say no. Saying no can internalize feelings of not being good enough. During the pandemic working mothers and fathers are working double-time, and barely have time to shower! Let the guilt go, and if you can't find the time to complete the request, just say no. 3. Be flexible. I start my day with my two children's schedules, and my own in front of my workspace (dining room table). Many times we all have Zoom meetings scheduled at the same time. While this is challenging and frustrat- ing, know you need to be f lexible. I try my best to start the kids Zooms on time, and if they are late, they aren't the only ones! We need to be f lexible. 4. Set realistic expectations. If the goals you set everyday aren't realistic, you are bound to fail from the get go. Set realistic goals, for example, set the kids up for Zooms, make lunches, and prioritize your tasks for work. 5. It is OK to have a messy house. We are in a pandemic; no one is coming to visit. I know my children don't care about how our house looks (they are 10 ways to juggle full-time work and remote learning during a pandemic the ones who made the mess). When on Zoom or Teams meetings choose a trendy background. Take some breaths and relax, you can fold the mound of laundry when you binge watch your next new show on Netf lix. 6. Sometimes you laugh, sometimes you cry. There are some days I can laugh about the amount of work I need to complete (housework, homework, and projects), and some days I honestly cry. I truly am feeling all the feels, and it is totally normal. The important thing to remember is we are in this together. We are all sleep deprived, anxiety ridden, fearful parents. Our mental health is being tested. Stay connected with family and friends. Reach out to a mental health provider, and services can be offered through counseling or therapy. 7. Step away from your computer. Yes, that email in your inbox will still be there 10 minutes from now! Step away, it's OK. Taking small, frequent breaks will not only save your sanity, but your eyes too. Studies have shown staring at computer screens for long hours increases headaches. Every hour step away for 10 minutes. 8. Ask for help. My new mantra: "I am one person. I cannot do it all." As much as I envision myself as Captain Marvel, even she has an Achilles heel. Ask your partner for help around the house, make a fun game for the kids for com- pleting chores (easier said than done). We are not weak if we seek assistance, it shows we are brave enough to ask. 9. Stop apologizing. I'm the worst at this one! Many things are out of our control due to the pandemic, why apologize about it? Accept the fact you may not make the all the children's extracurricu- lar activities, but celebrate you got them to some. Yay you! 10. Be grateful. As much as I may com- plain, it's important to remember how lucky we are to be keeping our children and ourselves safe. As a nurse, many of my closest friends are on the frontlines caring for the gravely ill. Our frontline heroes don't have the luxury of working from home, and they worry about bring- ing the virus back to their loved ones. While this is an inconvenience for us all, just remember this too shall pass. Be grateful for your health and families. Dr. Jennifer Litchfield is the assistant dean & chief nurse administrator at Becker College in Worcester. Dr. Jennifer Litchfield H Coping With COVID-19 Brought to you by: WBJ WEBCAST FORUMS WBJ WEBCAST FORUMS WBJ WEBCAST SERIES A WBJ WEBCAST SERIES A BUSINESS STRATEGIES: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2020 Year End Tax Planning & PPP Loan Forgiveness Updates For small businesses still struggling to get through the pandemic, understanding how these programs affect your taxes is critical, as planning time is getting dangerously short for 2020. 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