Blog

Sunday morning and it is lovely to not rush up; however, I still reach for my iPhone to read my emails and articles on LinkedIn.  Though perhaps not the best thing to be doing, and reflecting on what is the mental impact on me about doing this??  However, I do read some great articles that give me inspiration and ideas for my blogs.  This morning was no exception!

I read two great articles by colleagues and friends - Anne Archer talking about language (a subject close to my heart) in regards to mental awareness and Karen Chamberlain of KC Development explaining that yesterday was "time to talk day" a movement encouraging people to start conversations to be more open about mental health.

My sense is that more is talked about, definitely written about, and shared.  When I think about my parents' generation when this just wasn't the case. I learned recently about adult psychologists who support older people in coming to terms with getting older, perhaps "losing their sense of purpose"; not being able to do what they once did and how this can affect their mental health, however perhaps not be aware of where or for what reason they feel frustrated; want to give up etc.

Learning to reflect on how we are feeling, both emotionally and physically can help normalise our thoughts.

If you are a leader or people manager what can you do to check-in on your teams?  To ask how others are and actively listen, picking up on what is being said and more importantly, what is not being said!  Admittedly, this may be less easy in the virtual world, so calls for even greater emphasis on getting to know all of your people on an individual basis.  More about this in a future blog - "What you know and what you don't know".  

Make sure you create time in the working day that is non-work related with members of your team.  Or do as my colleague Paul Burgess did create your own "Well-being Wednesdays" that demonstrate to people that you care - a simple message on a text; picking up the phone; giving a "shout-out", whatever it may be.

Ensure that your team members are being active, getting out into the fresh air; moving about, "breaking state" as we say in Neuro-Linguistic terms.  Doctors in Sweden are saying that sitting for long periods of time due to virtual working will be the new "smoking" in regards to peoples' health.  This third lockdown according to data has seen less people (40% compared to 60%) exercising as frequently compared to the first lockdown.

Encourage team members and colleagues to maintain their friendships with co-workers, even from a distance to help combat isolation and burnout.

Realise - that getting out and appreciating nature, can increase endorphins.  I personally love this time of year for the snowdrops.  I also have a new past-time watching the pheasants in our garden, which are a new source of entertainment and make me laugh!

Aspire - to take" time to talk"; and 

Do - check in with team members and work colleagues.  I would love to hear/know how you have nurtured your workplace friendships from a distance?  Please share your comments.

Snowdrops & Pheasants In Our Garden