Why it's okay NOT to be More Productive During COVID-19 (and other permission slips)

COVID-19 | SELF-CARE | PERMISSION SLIPS

Being a blogger, content creator, and educator during the time of the COVID-19 global pandemic is sensitive terrain to navigate.

As most states are being urged to work from home (or stop work altogether if remote work isn’t possible), thought leaders around every corner urge us to use the quarantine to be more productive, work towards our goals, or finally launch that project that’s been on the back-burner.

I understand that everyone copes in different ways, but it’s disheartening to see many business owners pushing the sales of their offerings instead of honoring that everyone’s process is different.

Why you DON'T have to be more productive during COVID-19 and other permission slips to offer you grace and self-care during the global pandemic | Joi Knows How Blog

Let’s be real. Some of us need space and time to process the global trauma we’re facing, without feeling like we’re failing if we’re not being more productive right now.

I’m breaking my silence about the COVID-19 pandemic here on the blog with a series of posts to offer comfort, relief, and a few unpopular opinions.

This first post in the series is part rant and part permission slips for you to adopt as your own.

Permission slips to carry with you throughout COVID-19

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Don’t let everyone around you make you feel like your process isn’t valid.

Wherever you are, it’s okay.

There’s no “right way” to do a global pandemic and nothing matters more than your mental health.

On the other hand

That being said, if selling your product or service during COVID-10 feels good, I’m not here to talk you out of it.

If you DO finally have some much welcomed free time due to the stay at home order and you want to use that time to work on a new project for your business, by all means, do so!

But do so at your own pace, without comparing yourself to others.

I also encourage you to sell from a heart-centered place. Never prey upon the fact that people are scared and confused right now.

As long as you’re doing what feels right for you while honoring the fact that COVID-19 requires an acute level of sensitivity and understanding, you’re all good.

Why you DON'T have to be more productive during COVID-19 and other permission slips to offer you grace and self-care during the global pandemic | Joi Knows How Blog

Now, let’s acknowledge that many people don’t have the luxury of ample free time, even while being quarantined at home.

Many women are juggling being impromptu home school teachers, mothers, and small business owners, all at once, while trying to keep their sanity intact.

Others (like myself) still work full days and just because we’re home doesn’t mean an abundance of free time has suddenly appeared.

So, for those of you reading who’ve been thinking “what free time?!”

I want to let you know that I see you and I hear you.

It’s okay to feel frustrated if your days are even MORE full right now.
It’s okay to wish you had more downtime to give back to yourself right now.
Don’t criticize yourself for wanting that.
Give yourself permission to take something off of your plate today.

More Permission Slips

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Here are a few more permission slips for you. Pin the ones that speak to you or screenshot them to use as screensavers on your phone, at the end is a blank one for you to fill out for yourself.

Share your personal permission slip over on Instagram and be sure to tag me at @joi.knows.how, so I can give you a virtual hug and a shout out.

I’m NOT here to tell you how to respond to COVID-19, or express what I think the next move in your business should be. Because the truth is, the only thing we know for sure right now is how uncertain everything feels.

I AM here to encourage you to slow down, process, and sit with yourself before taking advice from anyone else. Including me!

We’re living through a paradigm shift in our culture, mourning the loss of thousands of lives, as well as the society we were all accustomed to. It’s heavy stuff.

Why you DON'T have to be more productive during COVID-19 and other permission slips to offer you grace and self-care during the global pandemic | Joi Knows How Blog

If this post resonated with you please pin it on Pinterest, share it on Instagram or forward the link to a friend so that they can join the conversation and the next series of blog posts as well.

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