“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
This quote sounds very much like the world we’ve been living in for the past two years.
For most of us, it has been a time of conflicting thoughts, feelings and experiences as we’ve tried to manoeuvre our way through the ups and downs of COVID, while continuing to provide critical services for women and their children.
I’m thinking many of us envisioned 2021 as a year where we would get relief from constant negative COVID news. That we’d be done with the relentless rollercoaster ride of emotions expanding between fear, sadness, loss, hope, the joy of technology mixed with resentment for the same, exhaustion, overwhelm and the awkward and often uninspiring, Zoom meetings.
I’ve heard a lot from individuals working in the VAW sector about the challenges of managing stress and burnout for themselves and staff.
Some have used creative ideas to ease COVID fatigue and exhaustion in ways that encourage a “recall to life”. (Another term from “A Tale of Two Cities” that I think Charles D. got right.) “Recalled to Life” makes reference to a sense of rebirth of mind and body - working towards restoring both mental and physical health of someone’s life.
So now that it’s the lazy, hazy days of summer, I thought I’d share a few ideas to help with a “recall to life” as we move forward to a future that most of us are inventing as we go.
Initiate an organizational “day of rest”.
We all love long weekends, so what about designating some impromptu “recall to life” days - an unexpected day off for yourself and staff to recharge and relax? Of course those of you who provide face-to-face and 24/7 services, would need to do a bit more planning, so it might not be so impromptu. Beyond regularly scheduled holidays or vacation time, these days can prove to be just what is needed to take a breath and come back rejuvenated, refocused and ready to continue on.
Free from meetings Fridays
Combat Zoom fatigue and restore some of those positive “It’s Friday!” vibes and energy, by encouraging staff to not book meetings on Fridays. Of course you’ll need to use judgement for what that looks like for your teams and meetings with clients etc.
For the health of it
We all know good mental health and wellness is critical for staff and helps to create positive workplace morale. Providing resources and time for employees to learn more ways to prioritize mental health at work, is just one way to help everyone become more conscious of their mental and physical health.
When things have been extra busy, hectic or stressful in the office (or remotely), look for ways to inject some relief and fun into the workday. Emily Madill, author and Editor-at-Large for Thrive Global, suggests 5 Ways to Inject More Fun Into Your Work as possible stress relievers in the workplace.
I hope these few suggestions inspire ideas for improving the best and worst of COVID times and help strengthen your resolve for whatever comes next.
How do you promote health, wellness and time for what Stephen R. Covey calls sharpening the saw?
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#recalltolife #taleoftwocities #COVIDfatiigue #workplacehealth #loveshshouldnthurt #endVAW #happydaysatworkagain
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