Just like everyone across the world, the COVID-19 outbreak has forced about considerable changes to our working environment here at Northern Flags. On top of the change in our regular routine, there are worries about our health and that of our families and concerns about the economy. All of this can combine to create considerable pressure on our mental health. This week (18th – 24th May 2020) is Mental Health Awareness Week, so we wanted to share some tips on ways in which you can look after your mental health in these unique working conditions…
Get Physical
Lockdown has been tough on all of us. Without the ability to plan getaways, socialise on nights out or visit friends, it’s hard to get excited about weekends. Days can merge into one, and this can turn into weeks of grind and boredom. For some of us, this can lead to a loss of motivation and enthusiasm. One way to counteract this might be to get the endorphins going, which in turn will lead to an increase in your energy levels. Exercise is a great way to do this. Whether you are working remotely, or your company is reopening with social distancing measures in place, try and schedule in one bit of exercise each day. It can be a run, bike ride, yoga, Pilates or even golf now that the courses and ranges have reopened!
Eat Correctly
The past two months have changed the grocery shopping experience hugely. People are ordering their food shop online, or trying to limit the number of times they visit the supermarket in a month. This makes it harder to get the right fresh ingredients to cook with and may encourage an increase the number of takeaways ordered! If you’re working from home, the knowledge that a fully stocked fridge is only a short trip away can increase the temptation to snack on treats high in salt or sugar. Fruit and vegetables are packed with nutrients that are scientifically proven to improve both mood and reactiveness. Protein-rich foods such as eggs, chickpeas and tofu are full of amino acids, which help build energy stores and keep you alert. Using new ingredients will also give you the opportunity to try your hand at some new recipes!
Check In With Your Team
Without realising it, we have been starved of human contact. As much as we love our family, our individual mental health is greatly improved by meeting and interacting with people outside this group. If you’re working remotely, make sure to schedule in a huddle daily, at least. It’s a good way for a team to work together as a team, but mainly it will help individuals to be able to see and speak with the people they work with! If you’ve begun working from the office again, social distancing measures will be extremely important. These precautions, like acrylic dividers, empty desk signage and floor graphics, can at first seem prohibitive to interaction. Try and organise informal non-work related chats throughout the day; maybe stood up, 2 metres apart, with face masks on!
It’s Okay To Not Be Okay
These are some scary times we’re living in. As much as we try to be strong and face each day with a bright, positive attitude, it’s inevitable that the situation will slowly start getting to us. As mentioned before, the way that you work has changed and on top of that the economic climate may bring about other unique, unexpected pressures. Nobody expects you to just suck it up and deal with it, and equally other people will be struggling just as much as you. If you finding it difficult, then make sure you speak to your line manager or another team member you can rely on. They will help to give you perspective and objectivity, or they might be able to refer you to someone within your business who might be better trained to deal with such issues.
Keep The Same Routine
Sadly, there are very few aspects of our lives that haven’t been impacted by COVID-19. The roads are quieter, so if you are travelling in to work, it may take much less time to get there, meaning for a longer lie-in. This might encourage you to stay up later than you would do normally. Not only will this be a struggle for your mental health as try to adapt to a new, less-motivated routine now, but it could also cause you issues when we return to normal. As much as possible, whether remotely or in the office, try and keep to your pre-lockdown routine. Wake up at the same time, take your breaks regularly and make sure you get a good night’s sleep. This will have a decidedly positive impact on your mental health.
These are just a few ways in which you can make some adjustments to try and improve your mental health. Mental Health Awareness Week is such an important event, but also it gives us all the opportunity to access a lot more information on the matter. Be mindful that it isn’t only your own mental health you should monitor, look out for your colleagues and be ready to offer support and guidance wherever you can. Together we will all get through this and be back to business as usual!