Right now, as we shelter-in-place, we are quickly learning how to adjust to a myriad of unforeseen changes. Children are learning from home as their parents are re-visiting geometry lessons. Exercise routines are going virtual—as are dinners, book clubs, and game nights with friends. As a community, our routines and the way we use physical space has changed drastically.

Clinicians at Midwest Counseling have continued to serve our clients, as we have transitioned to providing online therapy using a HIPAA-Compliant video conferencing platform. Within a week, we developed a plan to continue care without interruption which has supported both our clients and our clinicians with the transition to telehealth. Over the past few weeks, we’ve learned what works for each of us—and what doesn’t—and we’ve all developed our own routines and coping strategies that we want to share with you.

Dr. Whitney Graff: “I am revisiting some hobbies (usually creative things like baking, etc.) that I can do indoors and that I can look forward to doing on weekends. That way it differentiates my activities on weekdays and weekends and creates something to be excited about.”

Betsy Illingworth: “Honestly the best thing I have been doing to cope is exercising a massive amount of self-compassion! Reminding myself that there are only so many hours in the day, and with schools closed/my kids home I cannot realistically hold myself to my usual expectations. My home is way messier, my email response time is much slower, and my kids are watching way more screens than I’d prefer, but I’m trying to be kind to myself about it all and recognizing that we are all in this together.”

Dr. Mimi Neathery: “I’ve been mindful of delineating only doing work in my work space. I also have been doing 10-15 meditations.”

Dr. Danielle Doucette: “With less time spent commuting, I’m able to do more of what I love—cooking! Rather than cook my quick and easy go-to meals that don’t require much thought, I am finding new recipes and exploring new ingredients. This gives me something to look forward to at the end of the workday. It’s also fun that my husband and I can cook together since we are both home right now.”

Lauren McCrary: “Having time limits and boundaries. Just because I can easily walk into my “office” doesn’t mean that I need to check my email and be available at all times.”

Julia Meo: “I’ve found virtual Pilates classes a really helpful way to connect before or after work, and have also lit a candle in my home office space as a way to set some intentionality.”

Jackie Tamer: “I’ve had to change my expectations with kids at home and their needs, work, and day to day operations at home. I’ve also learned to stay in the moment. One day at a time. Take breaks for walks and connect with friends and family. Also, as much as possible, having some sort of a schedule for the kids and myself. Instead of focusing on what I can’t do, I’ve refocused on what I can do and what is in my control.”

We hope you can find helpful and creative ways to cope with working from home. Stay tuned for Part 2— when more Midwest Clinicians will offer insights into what they are doing to cope during these times.

If you need support, connect with our Intake Director, Rose Metivier, at rose@midwestcounseling.com. She will help you find a therapist to support you. And if you are curious about online therapy sessions, check out Making the Most of Online Therapy Sessions to find ways to make them work for you while at home. We’re here to help.