The impact of Covid-19 has had an incredible impact on the world, resulting in huge uncertainties for many people. People are in fear of their lives as well as their jobs and finances. This alone can be mentally straining and stressful therefore how can we cope with the pressure of an uncertain future?
Firstly, what everyone needs to understand is that we are all in this together and that everyone is affected by Covid-19. Some can cope and understand why we are all either working from home or socially distancing ourselves from our colleagues, others will find the change extremely upsetting to their daily routine and stressful.
What is stress and what causes it?
Stress is a body’s reaction to a negative change in a person’s life. Our bodies react to life situations very differently and when negative, unexpected situation arises we all respond very differently. Some can cope whereas others may feel completely lost, under pressure and having very little control over the dilemma. The impact of stress may result into temporary (or long term) mental health problems and emotional turmoil. Overloading on Covid-19 news and the increasing number of deaths is extremely alarming and can lead to panic attacks and sleepless nights.
What can an employer do to help during these uncertain times?
Talk to your employees. Get your employees to open up and talk about the virus and to share their concerns. A lot of employees are working from home, this does not mean that you cannot talk to your manager if you are anxious about Covid-19. Managers are available to listen and to provide some practical answers, this could be on a phone call or face to face via Teams/Zoom. Some organisations offer an employee assistance program (telephone support) whereby staff can talk to a trained person about their mental health. Other businesses are encouraging managers to gather useful information on the internet about ways to stay positive online to share with their teams.
There are reputable organisations (via websites) who have shared their ideas on ways to handle stress. Practical tips on mental health include ‘stress busters’ such as exercising at home. Exercising can help reduce tension and stress whilst releasing positive mental endorphins. Exercise can also help with confidence and may help employee to sleep better. There are various internet exercise groups endorsed by well known sport officials encouraging the nation to work out during these tough times.
Healthy eating is also another good option to explore with your employee. Healthy Eating is key. A well balance diet and getting the right nutrients to stay healthy is fundamental.
And finally keeping positive. Try not to think about the fear and panic surrounding Covid-19. Disengage from regular news feeds on Covid-19 and focus on the positives around you. This will encourage good mental health.
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