The global pandemic has challenged our human experience, and it is affecting your brain.
According to INSEAD neuroscientists, Hilke Plassmann, and Benjamin Kessler, we have a new phenomenon: COVID-19 Brain. Their recent KNOWLEDGE article defines it as “a fragile, frazzled state that keeps our thoughts simultaneously on edge and unfocused.”
The disruption of the Coronavirus created uncertainty, trauma, and ambiguity, leaving us frazzled and fragile. Weary.
Better than an energy drink
Each morning I create space to reflect on my Story, pursue truth by reading Scripture and connect with God. In my July 9 personal focus meeting (PFM), I was reminded not to grow weary in doing good.*
But, I was weary. Longing for a good night’s sleep, I was tired both mentally and physically. Perhaps you understand. My strength was zapped. I needed my mojo back. Depleted of energy and fatigued, I struggled with low productivity.
The next morning, I showed up for my PFM. That appointment is not up for grabs. At 5:35 a.m. on July 10, I wrote in my journal, “The craziness and chaos of the world continue.” I referenced the headlines of the Story: the Coronavirus, schools closed, business shut down, and the impact on the economy; the political divisiveness and protests sparked by social injustice.
Then, I read, “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”** Strive to do what is right for others.
Then, I did something that helped re-focus my attention.
The more I did it, the more my hope, encouragement, and energy to face the day revived.
“What did you do, Steve?”
I cultivated a spirit of gratitude.
Through my pen, my heart filled a journal page with details from my journey and people’s names in my Story. I directed my gratitude to God, and 15 minutes later, I regained my perspective and renewed my strength.
Create Space to Think
It’s okay to be weary. It’s normal to feel fragile and frazzled, on edge, and unfocused. Let’s say you are experiencing the 2020 phenomenon COVID-19 Brain. Now, what will you do to get better? How will you take care of you so that you can be a decisive, helpful, healthy, people-centric leader at home and in the office?
What are you thankful for?
Who do you appreciate?
Here are some additional topics to explore as you cultivate a spirit of gratitude. What are you grateful for regarding…
- Your body — which organs, systems, joints?
- Your health?
- Your senses — touch, sight, hearing, smell, or taste?
- Your strengths, skills, or talents?
- Your heritage and family?
- Your Story?
- Your teachers, mentors, influences?
- Your team?
- Your opportunities?
- Your Next Level Journey?
Gratefulness, as a character quality, is “Letting others know by my words and actions how they have benefited my life.” (www.characterfirst.com)
To whom do you want to express your gratitude today?
It’s your story, write the Story you want to tell,
Steve
* Galatians 6:9 ** I Thessalonians 5:15
Photo by Steven Houston on Unsplash