As discussions ramp up about how and when we might come out of lockdown you can’t help but begin to consider what our ‘new normal’ might look like.
What would you like it to look like?
Are there elements of it you’ve enjoyed?
If there is anything I think it has taught us over the last few weeks, it’s not to take the simple things for granted and that’s something I’d encourage us all to consider as we look forward to a ‘new normal’ whatever and whenever that might be.
So many things have become our staple to help us get through these challenging times but my point is that there are some that should remain a big part of our lifestyles moving forwards and not get back put to one side as and when the hustle and bustle of work life resumes.
Making time for Exercise: Never before has an hour’s exercise been so much the focal point of everyone’s day. An opportunity to get outdoors in the fresh air and/or just seek a change of scenery. Were you already getting your exercise in or were you guilty of putting it off until ‘tomorrow’. Listen there will be a time (hopefully not too far away) where things will challenge and compete for your time again. The trick here will be to keep exercise at the top of the list for you AND your team, no matter how big or small, whether at the beginning, middle or the end of the day the physical and mental health of your employees could depend upon it.
Simple 5-15 minute energisers can see a surge in productivity, a boost in morale and a positive shift in energy in just a matter of minutes. Opportunities for Stillness: Our more recent slower pace of life has caused us all to spend a little more time in our own heads. What have you been telling yourself? Have you enjoyed the moments of calm or have you found yourself uncomfortable, anxious and unsure, you may well have experienced them all. In those moments do you take the time to become aware of how you’re feeling or do you try to fill the void with another Netflix series, a scroll on social media or find something ‘more important’ to do?
I don’t think there’s any doubt that more of us have become aware of our mental health and the conversations we have with ourselves during this period and that can only be a good thing.
I think we all agree that a return to work will not see an end to the continued uncertainty and anxiety around our evolving situation and with that comes a huge opportunity if not a responsibility for business owners to show an empathy and understanding towards employees.
The trick now is not to go back to burying our heads in the sand using our busy work and/or personal schedules as an excuse, give yourself AND your employees an opportunity to become comfortable with their own thoughts, express their feelings and seek expert advice when necessary.