by Kristin DeCou – NAPO Member since 2017

Many of us are getting organized and helping others put their things in order. But what do we prioritize first? Our collective “new normal” calls for a new protocol in achieving order and reducing stress. If I can suggest a single mantra to focus on through these uncertain times, it is this: embrace the essentials.

What is essential is different for everyone, but for many of us, it’s back to the basics: focusing on immediate needs, safety, and relationships. Here are a few ways to help you get organized and create calm across the board, so you can focus on the people, practices, and things that matter most.

Home-Actualization vs. Self-Actualization

For almost all of us, our house isn’t just where we eat and sleep anymore. Home is now our workplace, our children’s’ school, and our entertainment venue. Our world has shrunk into a single dwelling, and it’s going to take some time, flexibility (adjusting, reworking), and a new vision to get through this.

It’s important to reengineer how we think about our home, and to actualize it into the multi-purpose center we need it to be. A few approaches you can employ:

• Reimagine what purposes your home now serves. What new functions does your home need to serve? Which ones are most important in this season? Prioritize what’s essential.
• Give those “new purposes” a designated space or time. Are multiple family members working from home? Create a separate workspace for each. Are your kids home and indoors most of the day? Curate space and time (as your schedule allows) for your kids to learn, play and be entertained. Remember to be gracious with your kids and yourself if there is more “stuff” around than usual. Creating space when we’re confined to one is a unique challenge! This is new territory for all of us.
• Clear clutter and find what’s getting in the way. Can you relocate it to a lesser-used area (i.e. garage, storage shed, back of a closet)? Start with the essentials and build from there. Release your grip on the non-essential stuff and set it aside for now.
• Express gratitude for your space. It may not be in its ideal state yet, but it holds a purpose for the here and now.
  

Safety = Prepare & Plan

None of us know how long coronavirus threats will persist, how long “Shelter in Place” and “Safer at Home” ordinances will get pushed back, or how much we really need.  So, for now, lead with what makes you feel safe and comfortable. This will be different for everyone. Here are a few options for planning and preparation that go beyond your health:

• Grocery Shopping: Delivery may be your preference, but at this time it isn’t readily available everywhere. If you still need to physically go to a store, select 1-2 days of the week for grocery shopping and go early! Consider buying in “bulk,” as needed, from Costco or Sam’s Club on one of the days and buying from your local grocery store for perishable staples that don’t last long (i.e. milk, eggs, bananas). Please remember that supply hoarding is not necessary and by stockpiling unnecessary goods you may be limiting the availability to those who really need them.
• Finances: Just as N95 masks are scarce, so is disposable income. This is where planning comes in. Sit down with your partner or spouse if you have one and take a realistic view of where you are now. Then look ahead one month, three months, and six months. Craft a Plan A, B, and C based on your situation, and don’t forget to consider safety nets and alternate forms of support if you are a small business owner or in a hard place.

You can view the U.S. government’s response to coronavirus, COVID-19 here.

Focus on What Matters Most

Our people. Whether we live alone, have a spouse and kids, or live with friends or parents, it’s important to prioritize and keep in touch with the people that matter most. Zoom and other conference call platforms have made virtual connecting easier than ever. Texting only takes seconds. Even if you feel your relationship needs are met, I’m sure we all know someone who feels more alone now than ever. Reach out and be of service to someone, anyone. Make a practice of connecting and cultivating gratitude each day.

“The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out [or stay in] and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.”
― Barack Obama

And remember, if you have tips and ideas that have helped you or others during this time, please comment below and share! We are all in this together.

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