How to Stay Focused and Productive During a Pandemic

By Marta Manus

We are experiencing an unprecedented moment in time, a global pandemic and collective trauma. For once, we are all facing the same threat on a global level and when you really stop and think about it, none of us knows how this situation is going to play out. How we meet this moment, individually and collectively, will set the stage for how well we come out of it. Fear is a normal response, and fear of the unknown is one of the greatest fears of all. Humans are biologically wired to crave security and certainty. We are creatures of habit for this reason. We want what is predictable and known. Yet, nothing is predictable or fully known.

The majority of us have had to shift our work life from offices filled with colleagues to working from home, isolated from our normal social interactions, routines, and work environment. We are processing our emotional response to the trauma of COVID-19. At the same time, we are expected to remain focused, productive, and billing hours. As lawyers with a never-ending to-do list and often overwhelming caseload, we are likely feeling the pressure, either from ourselves or our employer, to get back to normal and continue being as productive, if not more productive, as before. It may even feel good in the moment to dive into a frenzy of activity or obsess about your productivity because it gives you a sense of normalcy. The truth is, nothing is going to go back to “normal”, and when this has passed, we will likely be left with the remnants of a pandemic that will live with us for years to come, if not the rest of our lives.

How can lawyers stay focused and productive while dealing with a global pandemic? The first step is to recognize that you have been thrust into survival mode, and you are likely experiencing shock as a result. When we experience trauma, shock is a natural response and we become easily agitated and reactive. You may also be physically exhausted and feel like you have to drag yourself out of bed each morning. This is a normal response. Now is not the time to prove yourself. It is a time to exercise your self-compassion muscle. It is imperative that people practice self-care and take time to rest and restore. You will need to do the opposite of what you’ll be tempted to do. Do not push yourself until you drop by working yourself into the ground. You need to leave something in your tank for emotional resilience. You will need to lead your life differently for the time being. Create balance in your day by fully focusing your attention on the task at hand. Balance is about timing, not intensity. Give each part of your day your full attention. Sleep fully, then work intentionally.

Here are a few ways you can make sure you’re taking care of yourself and staying productive:

• Stick to your morning routine and get ready for work by showering and changing out of your pjs before you sit down to work.
• Wake up at the same time each morning, just as you would if you had be in the office by a set time.
• Manage your environment by creating a designated workspace.
• Create a daily schedule of when to sit down to work, take breaks, eat, and check emails.
• Create systems and processes so you do not have to rely on will power.
• Make a list of what you can control.
• Set weekly goals and write them down and have daily check-ins to track your progress.
• Have virtual weekly meetings with your co-workers where you can see each other.
• Take a virtual coffee break with a colleague.
• Move your body for at least 30 minutes a day.
• Set a designated end time to stop working each day and stick to it.

“You are not working from home; you are at your home during a crisis trying to work.” I read this quote today and think it’s an important distinction. This is not the time to drive for results. This is not the time to set unreasonable expectations by rushing to get back to business as usual. When you’re in survival mode, your cognitive functioning is impaired, and your decision-making skills are not the best. Recognize that your level of productivity is not going to look like it did before this global situation arose. Let go of the idea of what you should be doing, and prioritize your well-being by practicing deep empathy, compassion, and connection. It will give you the ability to focus on the essentials and stay productive during this time of crisis. Above all, remember to take care of yourself and each other.

Marta Manus is a Labor and Employment attorney at Cohelan Khoury & Singer specializing in wage and hour class action law. She is also a certified professional coach working with attorneys to identify and move beyond burnout to thrive in work and life.