The 30-Minute Challenge: What Will You Do?
Everyone’s experience is unique during this crisis, but we are all in some type of survival mode and time seems to be a universal issue. Some people are working more than ever as work life and home life are packaged together under one roof. Others are wondering how to fill their time besides binging on Netflix. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, self-care—both professionally and personally—is extremely important, so I’m extending a 30-minute challenge. What can you do each day (or most days) for 30 minutes that will contribute to your self-care? Divide it into two 15-minute segments if need be. To help you get started, I’m sharing various tips below. From improving your LinkedIn profile to doing something new, there is something for everyone.
Professionally
Expand Your Education
The last thing I want to do is suggest something that will increase your email volume. However, it can pay off to get on the distribution list of professional/membership organizations, as well as industry providers, that are relevant to your career. Several such organizations are currently offering complimentary resources, including webinars and product demos. Take advantage whenever you are able. (Okay, so a webinar is usually 60 minutes; go ahead and count it as two 30-minute challenges conquered).
Improve Your LinkedIn Profile
Last week I attended an “AP Isolation Special Event” sponsored by AP Now and the AP Association. Speaker Ian J. Preston of IJP Consultancy Ltd described numerous ways to improve your LinkedIn profile; he graciously agreed that I could pass some along.
Ensure your photo reflects how you would appear in a business meeting. Save the leisure photos for Facebook.
Add a custom background/header to stand out, as most people use the blue LinkedIn default. One source for free photos is https://linkedinbackground.com/.
Maximize the headline below your photo. Do not just insert your job title and company. Instead, express the benefits or expertise you bring. Further, use the “About” section to expand on the value you offer.
Re-evaluate your “Experience” section. You do not have to list every job you ever had. Limit the content to what is relevant to your current career/professional interests.
Spending just 30 minutes on improving your profile might lead to acquiring your next job or business success.
Mentor Someone
Now can be the perfect time to help someone else, whether a new colleague, an existing “backup” for your job who never got trained, or even a college student. It truly is self-care to share your expertise and make a difference in someone else’s career.
A work/life balance is harder, but also more important, than ever before. Take up the 30-minute daily challenge to care for yourself, so you are better equipped to remain productive (and sane).
Personally
Do Something New
Break up the monotony that is so common now. This can be anything that reinvigorates your spirit and, if desired, it can be done with someone else to rebuild a connection. What have you often thought about doing or learning, but always put on the back burner? Even though some things are not feasible now, there are many avenues to explore. One friend of mine learned how to play cribbage with her husband.
Exercise
Before jumping into your work day, get some fresh air by taking a walk. Even 15 minutes is better than nothing. Then do another 15-minute walk to separate the end of your work day from your personal life. Of course there are other exercise options, too, and countless apps to assist your efforts.
Pursue Quiet
This suggestion likely sounds crazy to people sharing a dwelling with other people, but it does not have to be literal quiet. I have become a fan of tai chi and the notion of slowing down the mind. Pursuing quiet can also mean reading for pleasure, taking a 30-minute nap, or simply sitting outside sipping a good beverage.
Final Thoughts
During a virtual happy hour that I had with friends recently, the following two questions emerged.
What are you prioritizing differently now that you hope to maintain going forward?
What are you doing to find happiness in the midst of the crisis?
Hopefully, we will all have positive answers to these questions. Completing a daily 30-minute challenge can help.
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About the Author
Blog post author Lynn Larson, CPCP, launched Recharged Education in 2014. With 20 years of Commercial Card experience, her mission is to make industry education readily accessible to all. Learn more…