Be Kind To Yourself
How to Look After Yourself During Coronovirus and beyond…
Many of us struggle to deal with ambiguity and a loss of routine in such uncertain times can contribute to a high level of stress and anxiety. Having a low tolerance of ambiguity could contribute to mental health issues as a result of the lockdown some of us are experiencing. Last week I found myself being weighed down by all the happenings in the world and reached out to some friends and colleagues in the HR World to get their advice on how to look after ourselves now and always. Here is what some of them had to say:
“As we navigate these uncertain times, I have been fortunate to give staff daily updates pertaining to COVID-19 and HR updates. Please find some of the tips and advice for self-care during this period:
• For Muslims fasting, it is acceptable to stop fasting if you feel your health being compromised as we need our immunity in tiptop condition to fight off any infections.
• It is a difficult time personally and financially for many people and people need to support each other, talk to one another, help one another in any way, shape or form and be a positive force for good.
• Professionals need to understand it is acceptable to ask for guidance and seek advice. Professionals ought to embrace new learning opportunities, reach out to friends and colleagues ultimately strengthening connections.
• For many of the staff under lock-down or in confined spaces in foreign countries, the immediate challenge is this crisis being a catalyst for mental health issues. To address this issue of mental and emotional well-being, staff need to engage in activities that keep them active and de-stress through online content, webinars, podcasts and exercise.”
Ivan Mugisha: Associate CIPD, Senior Learning & Development Specialist
Https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanmugisha/
“Now is the time to practice the golden hour, if you haven’t yet started. Wake up before everyone else and spend this time planning your day or meditating or simply indulging your senses in the natural environment by going for a morning walk or a run. Experience the bliss and you will discover the magical long-lasting effect on your well-being.
Make gadget free meals a norm in the house for adults or kids. It can be boring to deal with lockdown and the idiot box seems to be the best source of entertainment for every age but let's watch the time we spend on our gadgets, let’s start by excluding mealtimes
It can get overwhelming for all of us to look around and find some dear ones who are affected by the ongoing situation in many ways so let’s practice gratitude and continue keeping a gratitude journal to remind ourselves of our blessings.
Work on enhancing your digital presence whether you are an entrepreneur or a job seeker. Write that blog you always wanted to start, read the books you bought and didn't find time to read.
Lastly, we would all want to come out of this situation healthier and fitter so 45 mins of exercise everyday can do wonders. E-socialize Engage in calling your friends family and even business contacts to stay in touch even if you are witnessing lighter business days it’s reassuring to stay in touch.
We will see brighter and greener days soon.”
Ashima Sobti : HR Manager
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashimasobti/
“Priorities Listing
I know how hard it can be whilst you are getting many requests from employees or prospective clients and you end up being distracted without accomplishing anything. By breaking free and taking 10 mins of your time early morning and listing out the items that you wish to accomplish has certainly helped many individuals including myself. The day can pass by without one having not completed their priorities list. One must always revert and address them another time as this will help you develop a pattern of valuing your time as well as others too.
Seek new experiences
How can one find your life-defining passion if all they do is follow the same routine of getting up, having breakfast and going to work then coming back home, watching TV or just lazing around and then going back to bed and repeat all over for the rest of their life? One should venture in trying brand-new items in life as this is important.
Try to read diverse types of books (fiction/non-fiction), learn a new language, attend online courses related to your career or do things that inspire you, explore new entertaining activities– when you explore new pastimes, you increase your chance of finding something that clicks, and you end taking it up seriously! The least it can do is to make your life more vibrant and you shall sooner or later end up having fun!
Spend time with yourself
Don’t we all love our own space! Then ensure that you cut out any outer noise. Time alone can be one of the best things we can do these days, so think wisely and examine your feelings. Whilst you are trying out new experiences or meeting different people, you also need time to process it all. Gauge these feelings to get a better idea of what direction you might want your life to take. By spending alone time, you can view yourself different as this is not only for introverts but also extroverts! Alone time can have a big impact on your life as it helps you become more confident and better judgement on your decision-making process.”
Girish Chawla: Managing Director of Millennial HR Consultant
https://www.millennialhrconsultant.com/
Look out for more advice in the coming week…