“You don’t do things by halves” used to be a jokey exclamation when somebody had demonstrated next level enthusiasm or input into a task. The level of effort or output may have been far in excess of what was needed, but all in all, this was a friendly remark.

What about the times when you don’t feel able to give your full self, let alone going above and beyond? What if you can’t even contribute half of your usual self right now? This Philosopher-in-Residence has been identifying some tips if the post-pandemic stress cauldron has been bubbling away in your mind…

1. Note down the main things that are affecting you, jot next to each thing the reason why this is the case, how long you expect it to last. This will help you quantify scale better – rather than thinking “I’ve got debts and I’m ever so worried about them”, this will help you measure whether it is a weeks, months or longer-term situation. Your brain will be better able to cope with the problem if it understands how long it needs to adapt to dealing with the situation.
2. Let the relevant people know about the things that are the problem. Speak to your employer, family, any companies you have contracts with eg utility providers. You can plan the conversation beforehand and you don’t need to give any more information than feels comfortable – for example, using the money worries example again, you can make contact with a company to state that due to financial pressures that are impacting your mental health, you currently are only able to make a payment of £XX per month, you expect this to last XX months and that you will make regular contact with them to keep them updated. Ask about any help schemes they may offer.
3. Be kind to yourself. Half of yourself is okay sometimes – nobody functions at 100% all the time. Set realistic boundaries and measurable small wins.

As ever, let us know if these were useful and do reach out to free 24 hour helplines such as the Samaritans on 116 123 if you need some critical support.

Next fortnight, I’ll be musing On Caves, a deep, dark topic as we progress further into the deep, dark days of British wintertime!

Please get in touch with any particular aspects of this subject you’d like me to write about.

In the meantime,

Happy Planning

PS If you want some other free tips for your business life, check out the Working Well blog – out fortnightly on Wednesdays, courtesy of Make Me A Plan’s Productivity Expert, Penny Le Kelly. Browse the latest edition here:

https://www.makemeaplan.com/news/celebrating-black-history-month/