Chicago's Linda Liang: Tips to Keep Control in a Changing World

After the challenge of three months of isolation and social distancing Illinois companies, families and individuals are now encountering the uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating feelings as Illinois proceeds through the phases of reopening. In addition, the stock market has been tracking like an EKG; jobs are at risk, with many, if not cancelled, put on hold; and we are surrounded by the shame and devastation of continuing racism in our country.

"Many people are feeling lost, confused, unmotivated and scattered these days," says Dr. Linda Liang, President, Organizational Resources, LLC, WBE, WOSB. "It is, indeed, a very scary time... Many are facing a malaise: what do I do? How do I become motivated again? Similar to a rocket ship returning from space, reentry is unknown, dangerous and difficult. The Chinese have a symbol which can be read two different ways. Read it one way, it means danger; read it another way, it means opportunity. To keep yourself safe from danger, you need to be open to change, and look for the opportunity. "

Liang has a series of tips to help navigate the upcoming environment on three levels: Physical, Practical and Emotional. " I call them your PPE," says Liang.

Physical:

• Eat simple, healthy fresh meals with lots of water, fruit and vegetables.
• Exercise and get outside every day.
• Get adequate rest. Have some downtime before going to bed. Avoid electronic devices one hour before going to sleep. Have an adequate temperature. Open the window for fresh air.
• Stay connected through others.

Practical:

• Do a health check every day: Do you have a temperature? Within the last 24 hours, have you had chills, shortness of breath, or a loss of taste or smell?
• Check your office/workplace: Do they have policies and procedures in place for keeping you safe?
• Is there a looming financial issue you need to take care of? Best to face it and strategize for solutions.

Emotional:

• Be good to yourself, as much as possible.
• Take time off if you are burned out/stressed out.
• Lower expectations; now is not the time to push yourself to the highest level.
• Take care of difficult emotions; talk about them; journal; read about them; meditate; etc.
• Be aware of anger or frustration.
• Take action; whenever we may feel depressed or unmotivated, taking action usually creates positive energy.
• Be grateful for what you have and what is good in your life.

Per Liang, "If we do not take care of ourselves at a basic level, we cannot take care of ourselves on the higher level. Take the first positive step today…..it will begin your journey toward change and fulfillment. "

Liang has more than 25 years of experience in leadership development and coaching. With a PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the Illinois Institute of Technology and experience working with Fortune 100 companies in manufacturing, healthcare, banking, higher education and non-profits, Liang has provided insight and guidance surrounding employee engagement, coaching and connecting and helping leaders handle disruptive change, among other topics. In addition, she has worked on four grants for the National Science Foundation to promote leadership competencies and coach diverse leaders in STEM fields. For more information about Liang and Organizational Resources, visit orgresources.com.