Working from Home - Staying Positive During the COVID-19 Crisis
In our last blog, we talked about strategies for working from home for legal support staff professionals. In this post, we address the mental health ramifications of experiencing a crisis and share some tips for those who are struggling during this time.
Experiencing a crisis like COVID-19 can no doubt lead to increased feelings of anxiety and depression, as well as confusion, overwhelm, sadness, panic and stress generally. Many of us are now working from home, with limited contact with our external networks including our family, friends and co-workers. This is proving to be a challenge on our mental health and wellbeing, as human connection is an integral part of maintain mental wellness.
Whilst the impact of the COVID-19 crisis upon mental health and wellbeing is significant, we do believe it’s important for people to stay positive and look after themselves both physically and mentally. As such, we have prepared the below list of recommendations for staying positive at this time. Of course, we are not experts, so we have also provided some links to organisations who can assist those who are struggling during this time.
Stay connected. Physical distance does not have to mean loneliness. Join your colleagues for a daily chat or Friday drinks via VC, call your mum and dad, or have a virtual Happy Hour with your friends.
Talk through it. If you are feeling down, talk through it with someone. We are all experiencing similar circumstances and chances are, you are less alone than you think you are. If you are struggling significantly and don’t feel comfortable talking with your friends, family or colleagues, it might be a good idea to speak to a counselor. Many counselor’s can offer appointments by phone or video conference.
If you are finding that the news is having a negative impact on your mental health and wellbeing, you might like to consider limiting your exposure to negative media and other resources. This may mean avoiding watching the news in the morning, avoiding social media altogether or setting up a rule in your emails to send all emails marked "COVID-19" straight to junk (except those from your workplace, which may contain important information about workplace arrangements etc).
Seek out the positive news. Did you know that air pollution is reducing? The canals in Venice are running clear for the first time in many years! This week, a 95 year old grandmother in Italy recovered from the virus! Hotels in London are offering beds to homeless people to protect them against the virus. There is positivity in amongst all of the chaos!
Spend your usual commute time doing something you enjoy like exercising, spending time outside or with kids or pets. All of these activities are proven to have a positive impact on your wellbeing and improving mental health.
Spread kindness and positivity. You may not be able to spread germs, but you can spread kindness! Give someone a compliment, shout someone a coffee via Beemit, or give someone the last pack of TP!
Be grateful. Every day, think about all of the things you have to be grateful for - even if it as simple as a roof over your head and a secure job, as many people do not have those luxuries during these tough times.
Resources for Mental Health & Wellbeing
Lifeline - 13 11 14
Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636
