Reducing Stress by Increasing Self-Awareness During COVID-19

Most of us are grappling with how to cope with the COVID-19 crisis, both individually and professionally. Taking time to take stock and increase self-awareness is a helpful way to make use of and reduce the stress in this uncertain time. Here is a mindset exercise to help you focus your thinking.


1. Write a letter to yourself from the December 31st, 2020 “you.” Look back at the year that was. Construct your narrative. How was I…

At work:

  • How did I show up?
  • How did I lead?
  • How did I support my colleagues and the staff?
  • How did I respond to stress and anxiety?
  • What did I do for my wellbeing?
  • What lessons did I learn that I would like to apply to my post-COVID world?

At home:

  • What kind of partner/spouse was I?
  • How was I with my kids?
  • How did I respond to stress and anxiety?
  • What did I do for my wellbeing?
  • What lessons did I learn that I would like to apply to my post-COVID world?

In the Community:

What did I do to support my:

  • Neighbours?
  • Friends?
  • The community at large?


2. Share the letter with someone you trust to keep you accountable.

3. Read the letter and tap into that narrative daily.

It's easy to make abundant decisions when things are going well. The test is how you show up during the lows. What kind of person will you say you were?

This exercise was adapted from Ahmad Munawar, a business and marketing consultant, and my good friend Sigalle Barness, JD.

If you have any questions or want any help with this, please contact LAPBC at 604-685-2171 or 1-888-685-2171 or email michael@lapbc.com or info@lapbc.com.




Michael Kahn
Michael Kahn, M.Ed.,JD joined LAPBC in 2019.