Welcome to my New Newsletter: Change Tips

This is a bit of an experiment. It has been a lingering thought for a while now. I've wanted to start a newsletter and join the millions of other content creators and authors on LinkedIn. I've also got a fear that perhaps I wont have anything interesting to say or that I will run dry of thoughts to post or that whatever I say will not be of value, interesting enough or on par with the articles that I aspire to write. None the less - it's a fact now. Issue 1 is here! And I am thrilled to have actually taken this step!

As you can see from the description - it is all about taking steps. Every beginning is hard. I realize this now and I try not to be too hard on myself in the initial stages. I actually had to hear it at a workshop a couple of years ago before it rang true for me. When I saw all the participants nodding heads at this statement - I knew, I am not alone. One step at a time.

So what am I writing about? Before we start - a few quick notes about me:

• I am known to my friends and colleagues as CC so that's how I will end each newsletter. LinkedIn is a professional network and since I will be sharing my thoughts and tips openly and transparently, I feel like we can be open and familiar to each other. CC also stands for Change Coach - quite conveniently but by pure coincidence. 
• I am a bit of a change pro - I have gone through a few changes in my life - both personally and professionally and I will write about those in the coming editions. I hope they inspire, educate or even just make you laugh!

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight. — Phyllis Diller

• And lastly, I will keep each edition short and sweet (sorry this is not applicable to Edition 1 and I've already gone way overboard). My idea with Change Tips is to share quick nuggets about managing change. And just like a piggy bank, each weekly tip will start to contribute to a wealth of inspiration, practice, tools, and approaches that you can use in your particular circumstances. You will hear me say that a lot - because change is a personal process. Yes even organizational change - the way each of us respond to the particular scenario will be different to how our colleagues, team, boss, or friends respond to it. So do what is right for you!

So, without further ado - let's get to it!

As the working from home daily routine sets in, there is one question that keeps popping up - are we lonely? Inspired by a talk on the radio this morning by Dr Fiona Martin, it got me thinking. Loneliness is subjective. We can be in a room full of people and still feel lonely. And it seems to affect both out physical and mental state.

I work from home - and some days I don't seem to say a squeak to anyone during the day. As we are starting to very slowly recover from the pandemic, a few organizations are starting to invite people back at the office. None the less, the way we interact, integrate work and home, collaborate and remain people centered is integral to the new way of working. 

A few tips on how I normally deal with feeling lonely, being down during the day or simply just the ughhhhh state:

1. Do some exercise - yes pop your sports gear on and do an on-line class. I absolutely love the MADFIT YouTube channel. Maddie will have you sweating in a few ticks. All her videos are apartment friendly workouts with no gear, no jumping or making too much noise. And the best part - its all free! Do a 10 min workout today!
2. Listen to music - my fellow LinkedIn Learning instructor Chris Croft recently shared his YouTube happiness playlist that I have been tapping into. Put some upbeat music on and dance or sing or just give yourself the permission to be silly - after all no one is watching (apart from your spouse or children perhaps but that will only make them laugh so its a win-win for everyone) 
3. Go for a long walk outside - nature heals. And most of the big thinkers always took their time with nature to just ponder outside and admire our truly beautiful world. Take Einstein, Newton, astronomer Carl Sagan, physicist Edward Witten, and primate behavioral scientist Jane Goodall. You, too, can tap into this power. Simply find a moment to experience nature. Step outside and turn off your brain (for a short while at least).

1. Speak to an old colleague or someone in your organization that you haven't reached out to for a while. Did you have a good chemistry with someone but haven't run into them for the last few months? Why not reach out - have a quick virtual coffee or a virtual water cooler chat. I know I hugely missed the banter with my team. A 5-min coffee or water break is so easy now, especially with Microsoft Teams all integrated with work and teams.
2. Schedule breaks in your calendar - if it's in your calendar it happens. Schedule 10-15 min breaks in your calendar every 1.5 to 2 hours. Stand up, stretch and move around. Inject some energy back into your body! Or do a quick workout with Maddie from MADFIT ;)
3. Call your mum, family member or a friend! Step away from your computer at break time and make a cup of tea. Then make the call. Say you've got a short break and really wanted to hear their voice - they will be thrilled and you will immediately feel better for making the time.

This is it! Edition 1 is finally here!

Let me know your thoughts - and what happened when you tried the change tips!!

CC

PS - Please do hit Subscribe and tell your friends and colleagues!!

PPS - In the next edition, my friend, mentor and fellow LinkedIn Learning author Bob McGannon and I will be experimenting with video - watch this space!

PPS - This post contains affiliate links, and I may be compensated if you click the links and decide to make a purchase.