acceptance & resilience in times of change

Today’s world is changing in ways we couldn’t have foreseen a year ago. In 2019, masks and queues weren’t everyday occurrences and lockdown was a term we hadn’t even heard of. We’re also hearing the term ‘a new normal’ being bandied about a lot, but what is our new normal? The simple answer is no-one knows for sure, so, rather than trying to find certainty in uncertain times, let’s work on ways of becoming comfortable with where we are at.
 
LIVING WITH UNCERTAINTY
When things change, it’s natural for humans to experience an emotional reaction. Change involves a transition from one state/situation to another; from what we find comfortable and predictable, to the new and unknown. The actual change is an ‘external’ event, but transition is an ‘internal’ adjustment process, and you can help yourself make that adjustment.
 
Face facts
It’s likely that COVID-19 and moving in and out of alert levels is here to stay for a while, so think about what you can do to plan, prepare and be ready.

• Keep up-to-date with what you need to know from a reliable source – the government COVID-19 website is updated frequently.
• Plan ahead – think about how or where you were caught short before and plan to be ahead of the game next time. Allow longer than usual for shopping; expect a queue, take a book or listen to music to pass the time. If possible, maintain a supply of essential food items, masks, gloves and hand sanitiser. Check out online tutorials for how to make your own. If you are uncomfortable wearing a mask in public, wear one around home for a while each day until it starts to feel more ‘normal’.
• Manage your own self-talk – be aware of the stories you’re playing in your own mind. If they’re not fact, consciously reframe them with more realistic messages and expectations. Identify what you can do rather than focusing on what you can’t. Remind yourself of all the aspects of life that are not changing and what you do have control over.
• Focus on relationships that comfort you and offer stability – keep connected to family, friends and workmates.
• Develop a coping mindset – remind yourself that it is normal to feel a whole lot of different feelings at times like this; sad, worried, concerned about the future. Remember that you have already been through lots of changes in your life and have gotten through them. No, we can’t do everything today that we were doing a year ago. But will this last forever? Also no.
• Look after yourself – it often takes extra energy to cope in times of change so maintain good self-care: exercise, eat well, limit alcohol, and take time to do the things you really enjoy. Think of the things you like doing that can be done without leaving home and/or visiting the shops.
• Limit the time you spend on social media sites and reading posts where scaremongers thrive on others’ fears. Focus instead on positive articles and posts that make you feel good about yourself and life.

 
Think of others
Even if we are coping really well, and in some cases even thriving, this is not the reality for everyone. As always, be kind, patient and thoughtful. Our blog, Creating Positive Workplace Relationships, offers some simple ideas that may helpful.

RESOURCES
The Raise Resource Library is chock full of reading material with ideas and information to support you and your team. You may find The Nature of Change and Personal Reactions and How to Stop Worrying particularly relevant at this time.
 
​GET IN TOUCH
As always, the Raise team are just a call away. To discuss how we can support you and your team through these uncertain times, get in touch on 0800 SELF HELP (0800 735 343) or enquiries@raisementalhealth.co.nz.

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