November 4, 2022
Mental Health Awareness Week is upon us and this year it comes at a time where mental health awareness is almost united amidst the global pandemic. As much as there are growing concerns about the mental health of our global population, perhaps this year we can find some comfort in that we are all in this together.</p>
Mental Health Awareness Week is upon us and this year it comes at a time where mental health awareness is almost united amidst the global pandemic. As much as there are growing concerns about the mental health of our global population, perhaps this year we can find some comfort in that we are all in this together - we are here to support one another as we share the challenges surrounding us as we face Covid-19.
Here at EvolveYou HQ (albeit virtual at present), we asked the team how they are staying mentally and emotionally positive as we adjust to a ‘new normal’, working from home. We are a growing team and one which has been developing rapidly in lockdown. We are also a key player in the health and wellbeing sphere and therefore MHAW is very special to us and a cause that is close to our hearts.
There is so much useful information out there and rather than provide you with facts, statistics and things you could just Google, we thought we’d give you a genuine insight into how members of our team are navigating their way through lockdown and taking care of themselves too:
I have tried to implement structure to my day, replacing my daily commute with 20mins in my garden having a coffee before I start my working day (weather permitting of course!).
Going for daily walks during lunch breaks helps me step away and come back to what I am working on with fresh ideas. Emotionally I have good and bad days. I try to accept bad days will come, but they will also pass. I’m a very social person so I miss working with a team. By default email and Slack are always the go to get in touch with people when WFH. However, I now call and speak to my colleagues. It’s a boost when you can have a laugh and talk like you would in an office environment - plus it saves a lot of screen time!
My home has become my workplace, gym and the place to relax. Now and again I walk to the park and do my EvolveYou workouts there - it marks the end of my day.
Sarah, PA and Events Manager
I’ve managed to keep myself sane by thinking about the short-term and immediate future ahead of me instead of the long term. Rather than letting my anxiety build by overthinking the next few (uncertain) months, I’ve been focusing on the things I can control now. This has helped me ease any mental woes and helped me stabilise my home life during lockdown, providing me with a goal to achieve each day.
Andrew, Digital Comms Manager
Lockdown has been particularly challenging with a 14 month old toddler. It’s safe to say that there are many days I feel like I’m failing and falling behind. Communication with the team has helped settle my worries and anxieties, whilst ensuring my workflow is adapted to suit the current situation - it’s important to be honest with yourself and those around you. I’ve adapted my working pattern, meaning I don’t stick to the average 9-5, which means I can schedule a routine to suit me and my family. I also keep a journal; every evening I make a note of a few things that have gone well and things I am grateful for. It helps end my day on a positive note and reminds me that tomorrow is a new day!
Zahara, Brand Manager
I’m generally an introvert, so staying at home and enjoying my own company is something that I’m used to. However to show my friends and family that I love and miss them I have been delivering homemade treats to their doorstep. Baking is something that makes me happy and calm, so doing something I love at least once a week has given me something to look forward to, something to occupy myself with and it puts a smile on my friends and families face too
Aria, Social Media Marketing Executive
I try to follow the same morning routine as before, rather than waking up and going straight to my desk in pyjamas. Staying active: I think this is key. You suddenly have all this extra time on weekends and you could be tempted to just stay in bed and watch Netflix all day long, which I guess is nice from time to time, but I realised the less active I was, the more lazy I get. My morale is definitely lower when I have nothing to do or to be excited about. For the past two months, I've been working out almost every day (Thank you EvolveYou).
I LOVE cooking (and eating) so I’ve been cooking a lot (even baked my first French Brioche). I’ve finally found time to play guitar. I stay in touch with my family and friends, we have all the necessary tools to do so. If I find myself feeling anxious or overthinking the current situation, I tend to switch off and stop watching the news for a bit. Instead, I turn my mind to books, positive social media to shift my mindset. It really helps!
Andrea, Business Operations Manager
I guess I’ve just been focusing on the positives that there are:
We’re all in the same boat (no FOMO)
Chance to save lots of money
Less alcohol and nights out - a chance to be healthier
Our planet has some time to breathe
Chance to do things you’d normally feel guilty for doing, like binging on TV shows!
Plus it’s very clear that we’re in a fortunate position at T&S where we can really help people keep fit and healthy at home. I don’t see any point in looking at the negatives, they’re not within our control, we can put our feet up and let the government decide what we do and trust that it is in our best interest!
Andy, Product Manager
