Since the coronavirus pandemic has struck the world, the traditional norms have changed. The schools are shut, businesses are closed and employees are working from home.
The new reality of self-isolating and maintaining the social distance are not just the healthcare guidelines, but also imperative for one`s health as well as others`. Many people are now working from home and struggling with the realities of juggling between professional as well as personal responsibilities.
As easier and simple it sounds, the reality is far from true. Many organizations are delegating tasks to their employees even post office hours and expect them to finish them. Apart from the work, people also have to take care of the daily chores at home that are equally essential for physical and mental well-being. The unrealistic expectations have diminished the clear line, where the work ends and personal life begins.
According to a report published in the Hindu Business line, “7 in 10 Indian working professionals (70 percent) reported having felt waves of stress during the working week regularly”.
The report also stated that the stress levels that were reported in working professionals in the Indian workforce were significantly higher than the Asia-Pacific average of 60 percent.
Another report by LinkedIn Workforce Confidence Index`s mental health edition says that 2 in 5 working professionals are experiencing increased stress and anxiety while working from home during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The combination of working from home along with taking care of other household chores plus self-isolating and the negativity that has surrounded us is the perfect recipe for stress. However, there are many techniques for stress management.
Where eating healthy food will take care of your physical being, these seven stress management tips will keep your mental well-being intact:
- Take a Break from the Current Task
Most people feel that staying focused on a single task for a longer period will help them to finish their work faster. They work overtime and agree to take on extra projects due to the fear of being in the bad books of their seniors and rarely take a break. This is one of the major reasons behind stress.
Employees who believe that they must work round-the-clock to justify their performance index and to achieve good standing in the workplace have the wrong idea. Unfortunately, Indian employees often gain this idea through employer`s attitudes.
However, we would be glad to tell you it’s the world`s biggest myth.
Chaining yourself to your laptop or your work desk is not a recipe for your success according to a report published in Forbes. The report also added that when employees avoid taking adequate breaks from work their overall productivity and mental well-being significantly reduces.
Overworked employees also suffer from chronic stress and their overall work performance begins to suffer. And if you want to watch Stress Management Strategies Motivational Video in Hindi by Vivek Bindra, watch them here:
Stepping away from the task you are working on is one of the best stress management techniques. You do not need to spend a large amount of time away from your current task. Just a few minutes can do the trick. Simply shift your focus to something else. You can read a page from your favorite book, play a game or watch a motivational video or whatever you like, and then try to get back to work.
- Move around, Walk a little!
If there is one stress management tip that you must follow blindly (after the first one), then it has to be this one. Movement is great! It is the best antidote to stress. You should and must incorporate short movement breaks into your work schedule.
As little as 5 minutes of exercise or brisk walking around your home, or on the balcony can reduce feelings of stress and frustration.
Few laps of the walk, a 10-minute yoga session, dance on your favorite songs, or anything that works when it comes to making your move and shake off the stress. Not only this little movement will help reduce stress levels, but also prevent stiffness, headaches, and strain on the eyes.
- Change your Surroundings
Sometimes, all you need is a change of surrounding to uplift your mood. But, in this time of social distancing, going out is not a viable option. So why not change your surroundings? Move to a different room or work while sitting on a balcony.
If you work while sitting on your bed throughout the day, create a corner in your home dedicated to work. You can also sit up by an open window if you don`t have any outdoor space.
- Divide Household Chores Equally
Those who are staying with families or a partner have to juggle between work and personal life. It is essential to you divide the household chores equally so that you do not have to bear the burden alone.
- Pamper yourself
Most people when are working from home end to start their day in their nightsuits. Experts suggest that even though you are working from home, it is best to get dressed as it makes you feel good about yourself.
When you look good, you feel better about yourself and perform tasks with enhanced productivity. Take proper sleep and eat healthy food. This technique of stress management can help you feel rejuvenated.
- Call a Friend
One of the worst things that have ever happened in human history due to Covid-19 is the loss of human connection. Practicing self-isolation or self-quarantine is the need of the hour to keep COVID-19 spread in control. However, it is not good for mental health. Human beings are social animals and sometimes all we need is simple a conversation with our best friend or our loved ones.
So, if you feel that the anxiety and stress are getting the better of you, pick up your phone and drop a message or dial your best friend`s number. Do audio or video call, in case texting, isn’t effective.
- Be Compassionate to yourself & others
We are living in strange times that are difficult too. The information that we are receiving during these times can be depressing and discouraging. So, it is important now more than ever to be compassionate with yourself.
It is okay to not be productive 100% of the time. Some days, just doing the absolute bare minimum that you can manage is perfectly okay. Allow yourself to feel the stress, but do not let it consume you. Sit with your thoughts, keep a journal, and practice gratitude.
Tell yourself that this too shall pass and you are strong enough to get through it. Be compassionate with yourself and talk with empathy, like you will with your loved ones.
Stress is incredibly common during these times. As the anxiety and uncertainty of the future encapsulate us, stress management techniques are more essential than ever. Stay indoors and follow the healthy guidelines during the pandemic.
We hope our tips will prove beneficial and help you to lower your stress and anxiety levels.