In these uncertain times, David Burns & Associates and our partners in insurance want to offer the most up-to-date information possible to help navigate this new COVID-19 world. We felt that you, our valued clients, would benefit from tips to assist with the evolving realities of the pandemic.
As employers, there are significant and unique challenges in supporting a workforce newly working from home or dealing with the public during a time of heightened risk. The difficulties include maintaining team morale and easing feelings of fear and isolation. My Workplace Health is a free site with extensive support materials, including podcasts and other video files dealing with the unique challenges faced by employers during these difficult times. Here is the link for easy access: https://www.workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com/.
Your Mental Health is as important as your physical well-being
With the constant barrage of information regarding COVID-19 on all media platforms, it’s easy to become anxious about the scale of the situation.
If you’re feeling nervous about the coronavirus, you’re not alone. The widespread concern and anxiety is aggravated by uncertainty surrounding the global health crisis. It’s not uncommon to feel distressed and that can impact concentration, productivity and disrupt sleep patterns.
The Chief Neuroscience Officer at Telus recommends the following steps for coping in these difficult times:
- Maintain a routine
- Exercise
- Go outside
- Schedule fun time into the day
- Learn how to be more mindful
- When in doubt, check it out
Exercise is a great way to deal with social distancing
Exercise is important to your physical and mental well-being and is a key component to self-care during this turbulent time. While many of us are encouraged to stay home and practice social distancing, there are still great options available to us to keep active and stay healthy. Many yoga and dance studios, as well as other recreational and athletic organizations, are giving virtual classes. Online meditation apps exist with a multitude of different video and audio options.
Community Connection
Finding new ways to connect and engage with our community is essential to coping with ongoing social distancing. Several online platforms, such as Skype, allow virtual visits, team game playing and date nights in a time when physical distance is strongly encouraged. Apps, like MeetUp, have created virtual events where attendees can join through online connections.
How to manage calm in the midst of the pandemic
- Stick to the facts as communicated by public-health agencies or medical professionals. If you’re concerned, sites that include accurate information include the World Health Organization, the Public Health Agency of Canada; the US Centers for Disease Control (USCDC); the Australian Chief Medical Officer, and the UK government.
- Try and keep it in perspective. Social media can amplify misinformation. Keep in mind that there’s a concerted global effort to contain this virus, and the World Health Organization is maintaining a webpage with answers to common questions.
- Stay healthy. Washing your hands often, and properly is the single most effective way to stop the spread of disease. Hand hygiene is the first and most important line of defence.
Employee Assistance Programs
If your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program now is the time to reach out and avail yourself of services offered, both for yourself and your family. The LifeWorks EAP offers webinars that address the reality of the present situation, including strategies to boost resilience through thought and daily habits. This is in addition to their usual counselling and traumatic event support.
Please know that we are all adjusting to a new way of finding balance in these troubling times. You are not alone. We encourage you to reach out to any of the above resources for support, engagement and advice.
Be Safe and Stay Healthy!
