A-Type or B-Type: We're All Adjusting to Isolation During the Pandemic
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There are different types of personalities, and we often speak of A- and B-Types. An A-Type personality tends to be highly productive and somewhat intense, while B-Type personalities tend to be more laid back and relaxed, but may tend to procrastinate. Both types of people have a unique experience with COVID-19.
If you are a Highly Productive individual, it can be extremely difficult to find yourself unproductive in a given moment. You may find it challenging to your sense of self or your direction. Being unproductive may feel as though you are off course and may bring up negative self-criticisms and judgements. You may find it difficult to be calm and relaxed, possibly because those moments are filled with thoughts of what you could or should be doing. You may fear that you will form a bad habit or become lost or “behind schedule.” Despite the “schedule” dramatically shifting during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may experience a looming discomfort with your own lack of momentum. It is not the productivity that needs to be dealt with, but in fact it is the beliefs and values you place on productivity and yourself. Deep down, below this high productivity, may lie a self-assessment that indicates that without productivity you are unworthy. You are not alone in this. Many highly productive individuals experience this self-criticism when they find themselves in a moment that is not pushing toward their ultimate goals. And it is not easy to reassess this independently, nor is it easy to simply accept non-productivity.
In working with these individuals, we generally take some time to assess what the foundational beliefs and values are, where they come from, and what they mean to the person’s sense of self and self-evaluations. We often need to artificially build in some alternative activities (like yoga and meditation) to help the body realise a different state of being before the mind can come on board. However, by developing a plan and schedule for relaxation, we are simply feeding the productivity valuation. It is important to now work on self-esteem and beliefs about ones own value without productivity in order to truly elicit new standards.
A highly productive person with perfectionistic tendencies is at yet greater risk of challenge in these times. Perfectionism = feeling that everything must be to the highest possible standards before it is acceptable. It is very difficult to feel that you are doing everything perfectly, when the world around you is in a state of chaos. Even productivity seems fruitless at times like this. The one source of comfort for a highly productive person is withdrawn when they are unable to work or complete the activities they once did to the best of their abilities (if their best is even considered good enough ;) - this means an emphasis needs to be placed on re-wiring the brain to accept oneself for who you are with or without productivity. In doing so, the judgment must be eliminated and the value system must become evolved. This is often very challenging to do well independently, and often requires help from a knowledgable other.
Image from/: ADDvantages Learning Center
On the other hand, individuals who may be considered B-Type personalities may be finding themselves on the other spectrum. While generally considered “laid back” or “relaxed” in nature, the lack of structure of the daily routine, may be producing a lack of motivation, inappropriate strategies for creating routines to improve motivation, or feelings of being overwhelmed. The nice, relaxed manner with which you were once able to operate in your regular work-life routine has shifted pace dramatically. And if you are in a relationship with the Type-A from the first half, you may be finding problems have inserted themselves into your home-life. Scheduling and routine-making may not come naturally for you, and you may not find yourself capable of the ‘get up and go’ mentality required to simply get out of bed while in self-isolation. You may be losing hours of the day or falling off course of your personal goals (e.g., exercise, nutrition, reading, socializing). Perhaps you find this unnerving or unsettling, or perhaps you find it completely acceptable and temporary.
We each manage change and shift in our normal structure in a different way. If you are the type of person who wants to complete and achieve your goals, but need that external push (perhaps from an A-Type friend) to get the job done, the isolation phase of the COVID-19 pandemic may be creating undue stress and frustration for you.
In both personalities, there are complex underlying values and judgements that play into negative thoughts at any given time. Recognising these and finding a way to accept yourself in this altered reality is critical to managing well. We all need to pause and reflect on the patience this will take, and the self-acceptance that is inherent in change (whether chosen or forced upon us). If you are finding it particularly difficult to manage or you are noticing yourself slipping into a state of depression or anxiety, or perhaps into old habits (or old relationship patterns), it may be time to reach out to your support network for help (including your psychologist, if needed).
Here are Six Tips for Riding Out Self-Isolation Day-To-Day No Matter What Your Personality Type:
Establish a few (KEY WORDS - a few) reasonable and achievable goals and simple routines to get your day to feel like it has some flow to it. An example may include, wake, eat, sing, work, break - rinse and repeat! Or more specifically, pick a time of day for certain activities to take place, like scheduling a specific time for meals, working, and relaxation.
Intentional physical movement - Stand up at your desk once an hour (if working from home) and incorporate several minutes of movement a couple times a day (Yep, only several minutes at first!). 30-Minutes a day of cardio (even just a walk around the block) is strongly recommended - but starting with a few minutes here and there (like chair exercises on the spot or more active if you’re able) will get those endorphins going and support positive mood and energy.
Move from one spot to another approximately every 60-80 minutes to keep the environment feeling new and fresh. If you are doing online classes or working from home, do one activity at your desk, another at the dinner table, and another facing a window. Rinse and repeat ;)
Shower and get dressed (at least a few times a week ;) - Normalcy is created. It is not natural. It is perception.
Find time to relax with intention. Choose when you will take a break or relax and accept that time as such. Be mindful in your relaxation, focusing on the effort you are putting in to take time for yourself. Relaxation without intention can sometimes feel like lazy, lack of motivation. With intention, relaxation is soothing and creates a sense of calm in the body that will carry throughout the day.
Connect socially! Social distance should not remove social connection. We are in an incredible world that allows connection by many means. This is ever more important for the most vulnerable (like our elderly loved ones). You may even find writing a hand written letter and mailing it to a loved one could be a cathartic activity for you as well. Social connection is extremely important to human development. It cannot be left behind.
And remember to be patient with yourself and others during this time. It is not easy, and finding normalcy in abnormal circumstances is not an easy feat. We need to appreciate that this is a shift in the norm and will hopefully adjust back with time. In the meantime, try to do what you can to embrace the time alone or at home. Do something you thought you had no time for. Pick up that book or that series you have been postponing. Focus on self-care and self-love. Take time to look inward and love yourself and your incredible strength that comes with adjusting to this unprecedented shift in everyone’s lives. Change is hard for many, and this change is no exception.
Stay Healthy!
