We are quickly approaching the anniversary of the Covid-19 US lockdown. At the beginning of 2020, many felt that we were entering into the second iteration of the roaring twenties. As the year progressed we developed both positive and negative coping mechanisms to deal with challenges. As we continue to become more accustomed to this new way of existing, we must also stay diligent in protecting our overall mental health.
Work-life Balance
In order to rehabilitate our lives from the past year, we must first identify areas where we may have suppressed stress. The effects of the unemployment surge during this pandemic continue to be felt across the globe. Work-life balance is an area that many people developed an overabundance of stress. Those of us experiencing layoffs and furloughs are impacted by the uncertainty of our ability to take care of ourselves and our loved ones. Others of us who kept regular employment often feel overworked or anxious about being on the frontlines during this pandemic. Many people are now dealing with a new level of anxiety due to the job market’s increased competitiveness brought on by the pandemic. A solution to combating stress while dealing with unemployment during this pandemic is to create a strategy. Strategizing your time spent on job searching, diversifying your skill set, or starting a new career path could help you to feel less overwhelmed. For many in-office and essential workers, minimizing stress while on the clock is not possible. Developing a distressing process and incorporating it into your after-work routine could help to promote a healthy work-life balance.
Knowing Your Engagement Limit
The pandemic has tested relationships between families, couples, friends, and colleagues. People seemed to react in two major ways. The first reaction seemed to be to actively reach out and connect with others. The second reaction seemed to be to intentionally distance oneself from the outside world. Both of these decisions have positive and negative outcomes. Overactive outreach could lead to an over-reliance on others to deal with our personal issues. While secluding one’s self could prevent the opportunity for healthy comradery with one’s community. An excellent way to keep a balance in relationships is to know your engagement limit. Your engagement limit is the amount of emotional, physical, and spiritual energy you are able to provide to others without becoming drained. Creating healthy boundaries and sticking to your engagement limit is very important in protecting your mental health.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.|Matthew 11:28-30
Balancing mental health while simultaneously sustaining healthy connections is an ongoing task. At Rivers of Hope Counseling, we have a team of exceptional counselors who are ready to help you through the process.
Do you need hope for better days ahead? Contact a ROH therapist today!