Michelle Bakjac* has advice for those feeling the stress of prolonged pandemic isolation — and the prospect of returning to a much-changed office.
We are now more weeks into the pandemic than most of us can count and for many of us, this has meant heightened stress, worry and anxiety.
For me it is a need to undertake more social distancing from the fridge.
We are now potentially and slowly moving back into the office and going through another change that will potentially impact our productivity and wellbeing.
If we are going to thrive, we need to consider how we can take dedicated action to manage this transition and ensure our productivity and physical and psychological wellbeing is maintained.
We can’t just sit back and worry about it.
We need to consider ‘controlling our controllables’ and taking dedicated action.
After all, wellbeing is not a spectator sport. So, what can we do?
Here are six things I think are important to consider to assist us continue to thrive and support our productivity, mental health and wellbeing.
Establish Boundaries and Balance
We are in a new era of work-life integration and it’s important to carve out the time for rest and play.
We often think that if we work really hard, then we will be more productive.
When we actually consider what makes us productive, there are a lot more things we can do to balance this and enhance our productivity.
For example, if we just take a lunch break (rather than work through lunch), we are often 30 per cent more productive in the afternoon.
Seek Out Support
It’s ok not to be ok, but don’t suffer alone.
Find someone you are comfortable to talk to.
My grandmother always used to say that a problem shared is a problem halved and talking it out really does help.
Find someone who is a really good listener and just have some ‘verbal diarrhoea’.
You will be amazed how much it can help.
Recognise if You Need More Help
When we are experiencing chronic stress, we have physical, psychological and behavioural symptoms which make up our ‘stress signature’.
If you recognise that you have been experiencing these symptoms for a while, then lean into some support.
You can seek out the mental health first aid officer if your workplace has one, or your Employee Assistance Program provider.
They are trained professionals that can help.
They listen and help you unpack how you are feeling and look at assisting to support you develop action steps.
Alternatively, talk to your General Practitioner about a Mental Health Care Plan.
Websites like Beyond Blue and Black Dog also have some fantastic resources on their websites you could hook into.
Consider Your Personal Resources
Many of us recognise what we actually need to do to engage in healthier and more productive and proactive options to thrive.
Our problem is recognising and accessing these options when our wellbeing is under threat.
Think about what you’ve done in the past to manage stress effectively.
What do you see others doing that works for them? Are these options worth a try?
What strengths and values could you review and call upon to build your wellbeing?
Could you rebuild your networks?
Take Time Out and Recharge
Sometimes we basically need to go outside, close our eyes, put our faces up to the sun and recharge.
We need to engage in some mindful contemplation and just be present in the moment.
When was the last time you sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful sunshine with no other purpose but just to sit and be?
Recognise Your Baggage
We often have a considerable amount of self-doubt about our capability and ability to manage in the face of constant challenges.
So, check your baggage: Stop before you react; understand what’s in your way; what are you saying to yourself that’s getting in your way? What are others saying to you that’s getting in your way?
Are you carrying blame? Are you worrying about all the things you can’t control? Are your ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts) crawling all over you?
Or does your luggage allow easy accessibility to your values, strengths and skills to build your personal wellbeing?
What can you do to take the steps you need to make your wellbeing a priority?
*Michelle Bakjac is an Adelaide-based psychologist, organisational consultant, coach, speaker and facilitator and a Director of Bakjac Consulting. She can be contacted at [email protected].
This article first appeared on the Bakjac Consulting website.
