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Anyone else feeling like 2020 has been mind-boggling? Personally, I feel it can best be summarized as, “Well, that escalated quickly…” 

In the midst of unprecedented times, I have found that how I feel often dictates how I proceed throughout my day. As a “people-person” (although I am really an introverted extrovert), I have struggled with feelings of isolation and separation from my incredible colleagues at EvCC. Today, I’d like to share some of my best practices for keeping those feelings at bay, coping with seclusion and finding ways to “spark joy” in every day.

1) Seek professional development opportunities of various types – We are all professionals, and should consistently look to improve and provide the best service to internal (college employees) and external (students) customers at our various institutions. This requires development. Looking for something outside the box? 

• Try a free course! There is a free course via Coursera entitled, “The Science of Well-Being” via Yale University available to anyone who wishes to participate. You have the option to pay for a certificate upon completion of the course, but it is not required. Especially in times like these, this is a great course to take!
• Read! Find a common book you can read with one (or more) colleagues, meet a few times over the summer to discuss (yes; this can be done remotely!), and grow in experience with one another. Need a suggestion? Email me at stafftraining@everettcc.edu
• Attend (virtually) the annual STTACC Conference!

2) Declutter

• Your workspace (whether at home or in your actual office) should be neat and uncluttered, so that you are free to focus completely on your work. 
• Too many emails? Purge anything you don’t need. If you insist on keeping most of your email correspondence, try using folders within your inbox to help keep your digital space organized. 
• Any decorative items should be simple. Try to avoid setting too many things on flat surfaces, especially in your workspace.

3) Find ways to “Spark Joy”

• While working from home can be a challenge, it can also be an opportunity! We all have (and should take advantage of) our morning and afternoon breaks, as well as lunch times. Get outside and plant some flowers, take a walk with your kids, do a virtual home-based workout, read a book or clean/ organize an area of your home. You’d be surprised what 15 minutes can do!
• Encourage a colleague by complimenting their work, or asking how you can help them. 
• Set healthy boundaries. It may help you structure your work day – whether in the office or at home. For instance, begin the day the same way every day as you start work. (Marie Kondo likes to strike a tuning fork to signify the beginning of her work day). At the end of your work day, take a moment to simply breathe. If you don’t currently commute, put away your computer or mobile device and do something that makes you feel at peace – a light walk, reading a magazine article or blog post you’ve intended to, cook or bake – whatever it takes!

Here’s to intentionally “sparking joy” in these uncertain times!

Kimi Crombie
Communications Consultant 3
Everett Community College