COVID-weary? COVID-tired? COVID-fatigued? A recent Morneau Shepell report, surveyed 3,000 Canadians noting that;
- 34% of respondents found it more difficult to concentrate on work than before the pandemic
- 39% felt more mentally and/or physically exhausted at the end of the workday
- 36% found it more difficult to feel motivated to work than before the pandemic
The pandemic isn’t going away anytime soon. So, what things can we do for ourselves and each other to not just survive but thrive through the next few months?
In Salvatore Maddi’s book Hardiness – Turning Stressful Circumstance into Resilient Growth, Maddi states that hardiness is a pattern of attitudes that can give us the courage and skills needed to become more resilient by turning disasters, like a pandemic, into growth opportunities and personal fulfillment.
So, what does it mean to be hardy and how does hardiness help us overcome COVID fatigue? Hardiness is the ability to manage and respond constructively to stressful life experiences. Simply put, it is the ability to endure through difficult times.
Maddi characterizes hardiness as three attitudes we can use in dealing with stressful events. These are commitment, control, and challenge, which together help us muster the courage and motivation needed to turn stressful circumstances into opportunities for growth.
- People who demonstrate commitment have purpose which motivates them to persevere such as a commitment to keep residents and each other safe during COVID
- Control is something that comes from within us. By focusing on what you have control over and not worrying about things you don’t, you can focus on your own behaviors such as participating in low risk activities outside of work
- See the pandemic as a challenge that can be overcome; stay positive and remember we are not alone in this crisis so we can maintain our high standards and keep our residents and each other safe
Challenge yourself to think about the good that regularly occurs. Pick a time to reflect on the positive events in your day for the next week or month. Science has proven that if you are intentional about such a plan, you will feel more upbeat about your day-to-day, and that will perhaps combat your potential for COVID fatigue.For more information, please contact:
Lesley MacKinnon
Manager, Safety
Lesley.Mackinnon@BethanySeniors.com
Or
Site OHS Committee Chair or RepresentativeBe an advocate for mental health. Educate yourself on mental health. Support others struggling with mental health by guiding them to the appropriate resources.LifeWorks supports employee health and well-being.
Bethany employees have access to a wide range of resources such as:
- LifeWorks Blog
- Webinars and Events
- 24/7 Specialist Counselling
Link:
Bethanycaresociety.lifeworks.com
username: bcs
Password: eap
Phone: 1-877-207-8833
Phone App: LifeWorks WorkAngelAdditional resources:
Headversity’s Dr. Ryan Todd – Getting Right with our Mental Health
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