As the summer of 2020 draws to close, our team has learned an incredible amount of helpful information, skills, and tactics for dealing with the massive changes we’ve seen in our professional and personal lives due to the upheaval and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the quarantine. Now our team would like to share some of the things we’ve learned with you, so that you might be better prepared as we enter into this next phase of working while dealing with a worldwide crisis. Advanced Hires as a whole has been able to keep our heads above water, and we were even recognized as award-winners for being able to Pivot Not Panic when COVID threw new challenges our way.
We asked our employees to write a few thoughts, tips, and tricks they used during quarantine that they would want to share with other professionals that they believed might help them. The responses we got were so thorough and well-thought out, we decided to create a new series! Today are some suggestions from Marketing and Administrative Executive Saratoga Schaefer:
“It took me a long time to get used to quarantine and I think myself, and many others, are still in process of adjusting even months later. Early on I realized the importance of taking the time to make sure I wasn’t railroading my mental health in favor of things like deadlines or internal personal pressure. As someone who knows firsthand the dangers of what happens when you neglect your mental health, I had to make sure that I was treating myself with care and kindness; even while at work.
One of the ways I did this was by creating a routine, especially one that involved exercise. Whether it was a run, rock climbing, or strength training in my bedroom, I realized it was crucial for me to be able to get a workout in over my lunch period. This helps me stay fit and healthy, but it also really benefits my mental health because of all the endorphins activities like these release.
“It’s very important to recognize that these aren’t normal times and we must be gentle and flexible with ourselves.”
Something else I do for my mental health is try to remember to take frequent breaks. I can sit at my desk and stare at my computer screen for hours without stopping or looking away, which is terrible for your eyes and health. I have learned to step away for 5-10 minutes every so often and walk around, go to the restroom, get water, or generally just let my eyes adjust to not staring at a blue screen for a few minutes.
Finally, I paid attention to my moods and emotions. I realized a few weeks ago that I was getting really burnout and feeling anxious and stressed, mostly from all the pressure I was putting on myself in every aspect of my life. Normally I would have taken a short vacation over the summer months, but with the restrictions and dangers of COVID, I wasn’t able to do that this year. Missing those days off to unwind and relax really made me struggle, so I decided to take half a week off anyway for a staycation. A lot of people feel like if they’re not going anywhere, they shouldn’t use vacation days or PTO, but it’s very important to recognize that these aren’t normal times and we must be gentle and flexible with ourselves. Taking a mental health break is absolutely necessary and can rejuvenate your spirit and work productivity. “
