Have you fully healed from the stress of the Covid pandemic?

Recently, the World Health Organization officially declared the end of the Covid global emergency.

There are several ways that Covid interrupted our regularly scheduled programming, including a tremendous amount of loss for so many of us. In the workplace, however, it might have changed things for the better. We know at Digital Mountaineers, we prioritize our wellbeing as well as our clients’. 

As the threat of a pandemic finally comes to a close and our physical health is no longer in danger, we can’t help but ask, are we emotionally okay? We think it’s okay to not be okay. After experiencing a collective trauma, we all deserve time to actually process the last 3 years.

Here are a few ways to cope from the stress of the Covid pandemic:

Take time off when you need it

We can all be guilty of this at times, but when work feels overwhelming, it is hard to utilize PTO because it feels like there is just too much work to do. And that – is precisely when you should take time off. It feels counter-intuitive but the times when you feel like there is no time for a break is when you need a break the most. Paid time off is an important part of a work life balance. Because when you’re revving your work engine, something has got to give, and usually that something is your mental health. No job should have you sacrifice your well being to meet a deadline. Do you have PTO just sitting there? Use it. It helps everyone around you. 

Talk about your concerns with coworkers/managers 

Work places work best when employees are happy. In order to have to have a healthy work culture, you have to talk about what’s working and what’s not working. Set time aside to check in with your employees and make sure they are doing okay, mentally and physically. Perhaps you could spearhead mental health initiatives or lessen work loads by starting “no-meeting-Fridays” like many orgs have done, with very popular feedback about it.  

Talk through your post covid pandemic stress with a counselor 

According to data, nearly 60% of employees report feeling stressed at their jobs everyday, and that number is far higher than it was at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. Stress and anxiety can lead to burnout and overall unhappiness at work. You can read our previous blog about how to prevent burnout at your organization by clicking here. If your organization offers counseling resources, utilize them! None of us is alone in processing this crisis, and we owe it to one another to help ourselves get through this period in a healthy and productive way. 

Participate in volunteer activities with co-workers

The pandemic taught us that isolation can feel scary. Now that we are out of that time period, participating in activities that “do good” for the world can be a healing experience. Whether it’s volunteering at a soup kitchen or a beach clean up day, remembering that we are alive and have survived a difficult period together can be affirming. 

No matter how you decide to process your feelings, know that you are not alone. We care for one another by caring for ourselves first. If you or your positive impact organization need more tips or resources, feel free to reach out to us. 

GET YOUR FREE RESOURCES HERE

Share this post!

Scroll to Top