With our Federal government and in some states there is the beginning of action to slowly ease social restrictions, be aware it may feel different, as we are not returning to our past normal lives but rather living with a “new normal”.
For each of us in a sense, we are facing recovery from a form of distress we have been living under, the chronic uncertainty and isolation which may have included job and financial uncertainty and health uncertainty if not for us but may have been for people we know.
As a leader over the last few months your focus has been to support others - your staff team, your members and your family and friends. We made up our minds 8 weeks ago that this required special effort. No matter how well and strong you have been coping, managing and supporting those around you, you may now notice surprisingly your own emotional wellbeing is beginning to fray as the pressures ease off a little. Feelings of exhaustion, low mood and irritability are symptoms to be aware of. Try and imagine a rubber band being stretched and then stretched a little more. Then the tension and strain is loosened.
Is this normal?
Yes! As humans we are generally able to cope with the ebbs and flows of everyday stress (short term stress) reasonably well. As a leader initially with the arrival of COVID-19 into your life and workplace you may have noticed you have been high functioning, more focused and more energised so able to identify what was needing to be addressed in the immediate work circumstances. However, as this short-term stress turns into a long-term stress in this COVID-19 environment, you may notice some patterns begin to emerge within yourself. Your body may be more fatigued, your sleep is still affected, hard to fall asleep or vivid dreams keep returning and you may be having more negative thoughts that revisit.
It is a reminder to look after yourself in managing this ongoing stress. As you continue to give support to your staff and members, it is time now to not ignore your own self care needs, prioritise them so you can continue your effective work. Your self-care includes accepting support from others. Taking the time to talk over your concerns and what is going on for you. Research states that good connection with others helps mitigate the negative effects of stress. Finding a safe space to vent your feelings to then be able to reflect on how to move forward in these times of stress and change. Keep tuned into your bodies response and thoughts. What we focus on grows. Become stress aware not only for your staff, and for your family , but also for yourself.
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