Each month, career coach Liz Bentley answers your candid questions about work.

Today's work and living environments are incredibly stressful, making it difficult to stay focused and not be overwhelmed by unproductive fear. Every time we turn on the media, we hear about the devastation that the COVID virus is causing and see people suffering. Most of us are now physically isolated, trying to make our relationships and new routines at home while grim news surrounds us.

It is difficult to remain productive and innovative during these difficult times, yet it is crucial. When we can keep our minds on the work and continue to build toward the future despite all the uncertainties we currently face, we can remain calm and maintain the growth mindset we need to move forward.

Here are some things we can do to increase our productivity at work and in life.

1. Know what you can control and what you cannot.

As the famous prayer of equanimity says, "God, grant us the equanimity to accept what we cannot change, the courage to change what we can, and the wisdom to know the difference." It is important that we have that wisdom now. We must live in the moment and work on the things we can control, not panic over the things we cannot control. So let's be clear about what we can control: managing our safety, our health, our fitness, our free time, and our work. We used to be able to control many of these same things, but the difference is that the environment we control has changed.

You may be working away from your colleagues and wearing sweatpants at home, but (opens in new tab) you need to establish a routine in order to control your "new normal." Remember, you are in control of when and how you start your day, where you set up your work area, and what distractions you allow. You need to have a sense of purpose about everything that affects your thoughts, your relationships, and your work performance. Of course, there are some things you cannot control. For example, if your children are at home and there is ambient noise during a videoconference, most people these days will be understanding and calm about it. Just remember that you can control what you can control.

2. stay away from unproductive fears.

While fear can be our ally in that it can spur us to action and warn us of necessary dangers, it can also work against us by closing our minds. This essentially freezes our behavior and instead creates anxiety and paralysis; COVID-19 can be so scary that many people are overwhelmed by fear. But when fear works against us, three harmful personality traits surface:

Pay attention to your own fear level and see if it is affecting your ability to do your job in the present moment. If you notice any of the above negative thought patterns surfacing throughout the day, simply breathe for a few minutes. Then, by social distancing, reflect on how you are contributing to our collective fight against this pandemic, how our brave frontline workers are keeping us safe and fed, what you are doing to weather this storm, etc., and then think Try to shift your thinking. And remember that now is the time we need to have faith in ourselves and our ability to succeed no matter what the obstacles. For with faith, we can believe that we can survive in any difficult situation.

3. break bad habits.

This is not the time for bad habits to surface and take over you. Whether you've gained 20 pounds, become an alcoholic, or whatever your vice is, you don't want to get out of this period. Now is the time to develop discipline and structure. You'll feel great when you're doing something productive. However, if you become lazy, you will feel depressed and fall victim to bad habits. Remember that self-discipline is something you can control, and in turn, control your productivity.

4. Stay away from the news.

Watching the news and staying up-to-date is important, but don't become addicted. We know this is a very serious situation, but watching the drama unfold throughout the day can be a mindset killer. Set aside a specific time to check in, for example, first thing in the morning or before dinner. Watching or reading bad news before bedtime can affect sleep, which is important for staying healthy and focused. Also, be sure to look for positive and humorous stories, as they can uplift your mood and connect you with the most wonderful and resilient parts of the human condition.

While there are many things in our lives that we cannot control, there are still many things we can. Now, more than ever, we need to adapt quickly to these times so that we can stay productive and manage our lives well. Now is the time for us to rise up. It is in our struggles that we reveal our true selves, and it is in our struggles that we are forced to grow. So use this time to be the best you can be and stay focused.

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