Keep on Keeping on in a Time of Uncertainty

There's no doubt this year has been full of firsts, good or bad, whether it's welcoming new milestones in our lives like a promotion, a new job opportunity, childbirth, or graduation (congrats class of 2020!). Others are experiencing increased stress levels due to reduced income, lack of work, unemployment, or heightened feelings of isolation. However, there's one thing we can all relate to during these times: uncertainty. Regardless of whether your life has been significantly impacted in the past 90 days for better or worse, one question remains: How will you choose to continue moving onward? 

Here are various tips and resources for additional support as you navigate this new chapter of your life:

1. Update your social profiles.

In the last few months, you’ve likely had more than enough time to pause and reevaluate your social presence. If it's been a hot minute since you last updated your LinkedIn profile, now is the time to brush off the dust and make it shine. Things to keep in mind include:

• Professional Headshot Photo: Ask a relative, friend, or improvise on your own to get the perfect shot. I found this article on how you can take a professional headshot photo, by Ann Pierce, CEO, PhotoFeeler, instrumental in terms of taking the best photo.
• Headline: Make it personable and unique. Consider adding key terms or interests to make your profile more visible in search engine results.
• Social Profile Maintenance: Take advantage of social platform features. If you're looking for inspiration and actionable next steps, watch this webinar on giving your LinkedIn profile a makeover by PCMA and Dahlia El Gazzar, DES, altMBA, ECC, Idea Igniteur, DAHLIA+Agency.

If you use Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat professionally, ensure the message you convey is consistent across all platforms. There’s nothing more confusing than mixed-messaging. Let your profile(s) do the talking by showcasing your unique experiences and skills.

You can opt to keep your social media accounts private which can be adjusted in your account settings.

2. Freshen up your resume.

Anticipating or recently found yourself furloughed or laid off? Now is the perfect time to prepare for your next career move. Let's be honest, resume overhauls can be exhausting, but it doesn't have to be. Leverage online tools such as resume.com and Grammarly to freshen up your resume. Set yourself up for success by having your resume reviewed by an industry colleague, friend, or coach. You want your resume to capture a hiring manager's attention and give them a reason to call you in for an interview.

Another great resource is your alma mater, or current institution, which likely has a dedicated career services team readily available to provide guidance. Shoutout to the Bradley University Smith Career Center services available to students and alumni (proud Brave, '15)!

3. Lean on local support and resources. 

The current climate has brought on turbulent times for many families and individuals around the world from loss of steady income, health insurance benefits, childcare, and more. You are not alone. 

Most recently, Alternatives, Inc. compiled a resourceful toolkit that includes COVID-19 info, financial assistance, employment, volunteer opportunities, resource guides, and more for Illinois residents. Nation-wide support, such as unemployment insurance and small business loans, is also available via the Benefits.gov help center. Be sure to check-in with your local village department and park district for continued support. 

As difficult as it may seem, welcome the opportunity to take control of your personal finances. Be mindful of spending, savings, and protecting your investments. Consider working one-on-one with a financial advisor who can be solicited through your local bank and/or community organizations. The current climate may have put a pause on various life plans, but preparing for the future should always be top of mind. Your future is bright.

4. Network (virtually).

Your network is your net worth.

Notable quote, by Tim Sanders. more true today than ever before. In light of the mandatory shelter-in-place and quarantine regulations, meeting face-to-face has been put on hold worldwide.

Although shelter-in-place guidelines may temporarily prevent us from physically meeting for coffee or attending networking events, there are other ways to stay connected. Virtual happy hours and online coffee dates are common, so forget the awkwardness. Consider using this time to send new connection requests to former and current colleagues or influencers whom you'd like to engage with further.

Our connections are invaluable and may offer great guidance and support.

5. Seek learning opportunities and/or upskill.

If you’re like me, then you’ve most recently found yourself with more time on your hands than you ever thought possible. Use this valuable time to seek continuing education opportunities, (re)certify, technical training, or learn a new language. 

Online learning is nothing new, however, it’s now our only option for the foreseeable future. Here are a few learning platforms to get you started: TED, LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, Salesforce Trailhead, Code Academy, Khan Academy, Duolingo, edX. Various platforms are offering complimentary courses or extended free trials. What are you waiting for to start upskilling?

6. Practice self-care and welcome more positivity.

Amidst all that is happening around you take time to pause and reflect. Step away from all things that pull you away from taking care of YOU.

Self-care is fluid and is ultimately defined by you. Start by asking yourself these questions: Does this bring me joy? How will this impact my physical and emotional health? Self-care rituals may include walks or exercise, reading, cooking, getting adequate sleep, setting a daily routine, and sticking to it, maintaining a well-balanced diet, showering/bathing, and more.

Surround yourself with individuals that promote positivity and project a welcoming, optimistic mindset. Follow and subscribe to pages like the B-Well Together: Health and Wellbeing series, or wellness subject matter experts, like Angela Gaffney, Essential Health & Wellness, for uplifting health and wellness content to help you get through your day.

Your outlook in life is influenced by what you feed your mind. Make it meaningful.

7. Pursue personal interests and hobbies.

How are you keeping busy during quarantine or the shelter-in-place order? If there’s one thing we can take away from the current climate it’s acknowledging that technology can either make or break us. Ask yourself these questions to check yourself and ensure you’re setting healthy boundaries: 

• How much is too much screen time? 
• When was the last time I went outside for fresh air?
• What has my sleep schedule been like lately? 
• Am I eating healthy portion sized meals regularly?
• How have I been occupying my time lately? 
• Do Monday’s still scare me?
• Has my alcohol consumption spiked?

How you manage and choose to spend your time significantly impacts your overall mental health. Take inventory of the things you enjoyed doing in the past that you may have placed on hold due to lack of time or a busy work schedule. Start tracking your screen time by using integrated wellness tools, then adjust accordingly. 

Have you been feeling increasingly anxious or out of place lately? You may benefit from developing coping skills for anxiety, or the “Sunday Blues”. Coping skills are defined by you and should be easily accessible, such as drawing, writing, speaking with someone, meditating, or practicing breathing techniques. Nothing is more important than your mental health.

We've been inundated with waves of positive messaging and the universal support seen across social platforms is inspiring, so let's keep that momentum going now and always. Remember, this too shall pass. There is nothing we cannot overcome. Through every new challenge, find every reason to remain optimistic and pay it forward by spreading positivity. You've got this.

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About the author:

Judith De La Vega (Her/She) is an avid writer, foodie, and podcast enthusiast. Content curator and devotee of all things empowerment, development, and wellness. She welcomes new connections and content idea requests. When not behind the screen, you can find her cycling through local forest preserves or probably eating. 

Disclaimer: The curated content in this opinion piece was created with the sole intention to provide insights and tips. The tools and articles shared in this piece are not paid advertisements. I am not a certified counselor. Please consult with your health care provider or use the resources below to seek immediate help, if needed. Help is available. Speak with a counselor today: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline call 1-800-273-8255. Crisis Text Line text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor: Free 24/7 support at your fingertips (US and Canada: text 741741 / UK: text 85258 | Ireland: text 086 1800 280). The NAMI Helpline can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 am–6 pm, ET at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or [email protected].