The curse of living in interesting times
If I see one more headline in my inbox about the unprecedented times we're living in....
it is unprecedented - of course it is. It's just that something happens to me when I see that particular phrase. An internal shudder. A wave of tiredness.
There are two issues. One's about the language we are using, the other about the volume.
Let's start with language. In the first weeks, it was important to label the situation as we started to get our heads around it. This is an essential part of sensemaking. It is extraordinary, unparalleled, unthinkable. It is a disaster. An emergency. We are in the midst of a devastating crisis.
Subconsciously, we've all been learning to play Covid Bingo. Perhaps an indication that the English language just doesn't have enough words to describe what's happening at present?
But there's something about our choice of words that directly impacts our anxiety levels. Every reflex language choice inadvertently reminds us of the scale of the problem. We instinctively go into threat mode as a response.
We might not recognise it as a threat, but our brains, bodies and behaviours tell another story. It shows up as not being able to focus, being irritable, feeling jittery and needing to move. It's not a great enabler in our new 'working from home' environment.
This is a perfectly normal reaction.
We crave certainty, and there's not a lot of that around at the moment. In every area of our lives – health, relationships, jobs, the economy – we feel under threat.
Add to all of this the sheer volume of emails, online chat and webinars we're "invited" to on a daily basis. The problem with everyone going virtual is that everyone is going virtual. It's feeling very crowded and rather loud.
I don't think I'm the only one overwhelmed by the noise. Outside, ambient sound is said to have dropped by 20-50% during lockdown (it's great, isn't it?) Yet in our inner worlds everything seems amplified.
I'm what you might call a dabbler in social media. I deliberately choose to belong to only a few platforms, but I still feel pummelled by the waves of information coming my way.
It makes perfect sense that the online volume has intensified.
Businesses are pivoting as they try to survive.
Customers and communities need to be updated on what's happening.
Teams have little choice but to work virtually.
Products and services are being launched in response to new needs and neuroses.
It also makes sense because, during times of change and transition, the need to be doing something (anything!) can become stronger. Ambiguity and uncertainty drive up our Adrenaline, Norepinephrine and Cortisol levels, resulting in our need to move physically or take action in some way to regain some sense of control.
That need for action is behind the amazing response from so many people not on the front line of the crisis: clapping on doorsteps, raising funds, signing up as volunteers, transforming companies to manufacture goods that are in short supply.
But the need to 'do' can be overwhelming, especially in the virtual world as we are spending so much more time there. Both home and work life is taking place in front of a screen without the usual boundaries created by commutes, outside hobbies and meeting friends and family.
For many, our brains and bodies are signalling that the sheer volume of offers – virtual coffees, networking events, developmental courses and talks – is a threat in itself. Sure, we could use this time to become more knowledgable, more skilled, more connected. But there's too much choice and the emphasis is on doing it all now.
We dread the thought of people asking "What did you do in the war?" and not having a good enough "story" to tell in reply.
So why am I adding to the noise? This post is a plea not to feel guilty about slowing down, switching off and focusing on the world you inhabit, even if its horizons are much closer than before. Listen to your own body, brain and behaviour. Listen to those you are spending time with – virtually and at home.
Just take moments in the day to notice what helps or hinders you in remaining grounded. As this first wave of activity starts to settle, this brief reflection can help you spot the small adjustments needed to find your feet and move forwards into your new reality, whatever challenges and opportunities it offers.
The changes you make don't need to be huge. My first step is going to be to leave unopened any post or email that starts with "in these unprecedented times".
Kate Reid