Social Distancing, Virtual Work, Personality Type and Keeping Your Sanity
Melissa, MBTI Marketing Manager
So… your world probably looks a little different than normal right now. Maybe as you’re reading this there are small children or teenagers in the background at home that would normally be at school. Or you’re working from home. Or you have a small business that’s currently shut its doors because of COVID-19 and you’re freaking out a bit.
Right now, self-awareness is more important than ever.
Because you’re under a larger amount of stress. Because change seems to be the only constant. Because whether you have preferences for Introversion or Extraversion, there is such a thing as being too isolated.
We know – we’re feeling it too.
But being the self-aware, growth-mindset person that you are you’re not just going to sit on your phone and binge-watch all of Netflix’ catalog. You’re going to take care of your own well-being first – because that’s what we need to do to stay sane right now.
Social Distancing – Extraversion & Introversion
People with preferences for Introversion and Extraversion will handle social distancing differently. You’ve probably already seen the barrage of memes or tweets from those preferring Introversion saying things like “Social distancing? I was born for this.” Or “when you find out that your normal daily routine is also called ‘shelter in place.’” Even for those preferring Introversion, there is still part of your personality that’s extraverted. You may only have a few close friends, but not getting to see those friends or family makes a big difference after a long enough amount of time. Even Introverts can get lonely.
And for Extraverts, this social distancing comes with a whole different set of challenges. Remember that those preferring Extraversion become drained when they’re by themselves for too long – that’s why they seek out other people. It’s especially hard when they can’t be around other people to recharge their batteries. They can end up in a downward spiral of battery-drainage and depressed inner dialogue.
There’s a great article in Psychology Today on this topic, and it reminds us that we’re in this together. Use your knowledge of MBTI type to help yourself and your friends and family right now. Maybe someone needs an extra check-in who lives alone?
Sometimes the hardest part is just reaching out to ask for help. But now is the time to ask if you need it.
Working Remotely – Resources
You might have to work remotely during this time. Or take online classes. Or figure out what to do with your kids home all day.
There are lots of resources out there that are helpful for working remotely.
The headquarter office for The Myers-Briggs Company is in California, where I used to work. But since 2015 I’ve been working remotely full-time. I also have preferences for INFJ. Here are a few of my recommendations for virtual work:
- Get ready like you’re going to the office. I get dressed and put on makeup. While often I am still wearing yoga pants or slippers, doing my normal morning routine helps me to get into the mindset of the workday.
- Turn on your camera if you can for calls. Facetime. Skype. Zoom. Google Hangouts. It’s important to be able to see your coworkers and just as important for them to see you. And you’re less likely to be browsing in another window or scrolling on your phone if you’re looking at someone on the screen and they can see you.
- Build in healthy breaks. Unlike being able to grab a coffee or chat around the watercooler, it’s easy to work in the same position for hours without moving anything but your fingers. Try taking a 10-15 min break every two hours. Make yourself a healthy snack. Go for a walk. Or just sit outside for 5 minutes. You’d be surprised how much little breaks keep you refreshed.
- Work with your MBTI preferences. I know that I work better when I have a plan or schedule for the day, and I have preferences for Judging. When I don’t know what the timeline for the day looks like, it stresses me. If you have preferences for Judging, try building out a rough daily schedule for yourself with breaks, calls, specific projects, etc. penciled in. If you have preferences for Perceiving, try making a list of the things you want and need to accomplish today. Then as the day progresses, cross off the things you’ve done.
Personality Type – Signs of Stress, Stress Remedies
There is such thing as news fatigue, and you might have already experienced it when it comes to updates on the pandemic. Add in all the things that have changed and the financial worries you may have and that’s a lot of stress.
But we have some resources for that too! Check out these articles:
What stresses you out most based on your MBTI typeSigns of Stress for Each Myers-Briggs Personality Type
These are just as important to know for yourself as they are to know for other people you might be shelter-in-placed with.
4 Ways to De-Stress for Each of the Myers-Briggs Personality Types
Obviously, modify for social distancing.
Keeping Your Sanity – More Resources
A few more good things we’ve come across lately that might help you:
For your sanity:
Yoga and meditation with Adrienne
Life changing magic of tidying up audio
How to stay sane while social distancing
Dear therapist’s Guide to staying sane during a pandemic
For your continued personal development:
For your kids:
Storyline Online (for you or your kids)