Resilience Tip: Avoid Filling the Space

Posted on November 11, 2021 by LeadingAge

Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn from Associated Clinic of Psychology

These days, we have better knowledge and skills about managing big problems that seemed unimaginable before COVID. However, many of us are at the point now when even hearing the word "resilience" has become tiresome. 

For well over a year, we've experienced fatigue, frustration, sadness and even burnout as we see residents struggle, colleagues leave and new stressors and mandates that seem impossible to manage at the outset. We have little rest, it seems.

So, let’s talk about capturing whatever “space” you have in your life (even if it’s a few seconds) and taking it for what it is: empty space.

The busier we are, the more need we feel to fill this space with tasks or “just one more thing.” Ironically, this can ultimately leave us feeling overloaded rather than relieved.

The hopeful side is that the space is there. Our challenge is to identify it and simply not to fill it with more “stuff.”

How to enjoy small empty moments in your day:

• In your schedule: When there is a moment of downtime (e.g., between meetings, after you arrive at your next destination), see it as time to "rest" and pause before rushing to the next thing.
• In your head: When you notice you are not worrying or solving problems for a minute, try to extend that to a few more minutes before tackling the next task.
• When you wonder how best to use the next ten minutes to "get it all done:" Realize that you can be quite productive if you just leave those ten minutes empty. Resist the urge to multi-task in exchange for the short rest that will propel you to be a better multitasker in a few minutes.  

For more information about stress relief during COVID-19, go to www.leadingagemncoaching.com.

You can arrange virtual staff support groups through LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation's COVID-19 Staff Coping & Support Line project at no charge. Contact Terri Foley at tfoley@leadingagemn.org or 651-815-8137.