4 steps to help you build WFH resilience.
Since the beginning of the pandemic almost 8 months ago, most of us have socially distanced ourselves at home. While each one of us might have different feelings looking back at these ‘exciting home arrest’ days, it would be worth asking yourself how quick you were to be resilient and adapt to the new normal
We all keep referring to the past freedom almost every day in regular conversations, and it would not be out of place to compare the current times with the pre-pandemic ones. Especially for white collar folks like me, who used to spend their entire day in front of a computer at their desk. Working from home has been a boon for a few fortunate ones, and some of us might have even treated this as an extended holiday! (That’s ok too, you can admit to yourself, no one is judging)
This type of ‘involuntary WFH’ has become a staple of our lifestyle now. Just like me, you might have spent the first few days trying to figure out a schedule. Social media and Netflix might have even showed up in your working hours when you had down time. Notice that a lot changed. Catching up to routine office work virtually felt different initially, but the soft skills and good/frequent communication enabled getting back on track and delivering effectiveness. Face to face meetings, hall way discussions etc. that were key to getting your points across were now replaced by zoom calls, where you have to infer other’s POV based on their voice (the spoken and the unspoken one). The frequent trips to the vending machine for your specialty latte were replaced by trips to the kitchen for bitter coffee. Along with the psychological readiness to fight the virus, we also added working from home to our subconscious mind. There were some good things too- for some of us this saved on our commute time and helped us focus better. We are at a stage now, where it seems like WFH is here to stay, even after the pandemic ends.
Given that these are some behavioral changes lately instituted in our lifestyle, why not look at the bright side. Recently in a conversation with my dad, who keeps interest in psychology, I discovered the 4 pillars of resilience.
1. Building good social relations
Keeping in touch with your friends, reaching out to people you like talking to and not being shy of offering or accepting support of any kind.
2. Fostering physical and mental wellness
Practicing mindfulness, meditation or even just being present and aware of your surroundings for at least 5 mins every day. Also taking care of your body by staying fit.
3. Finding purpose
Purpose can be anything personal or professional. Helping others, being proactive in a project etc. Be sure to set and achieve realistic goals.
4. Embracing healthy thoughts
Positivity begins by accepting changes and your current situation. This helps keep things in perspective. Also being willing to seek professional help if needed.
These are the four steps suggested by the ‘American Psychological Association’. Honestly, I’m not sure if I religiously followed each step during my transition to the new normal. I could have been better at drinking more water regularly, keeping my intended schedule of productive work, planning better for breaks to avoid burnout and keeping in touch with my social connections more. But non the less, reflecting on these 4 key steps have helped me in keeping sane and being happier with my productivity throughout the day for the past few months.
I hope this helps you too. If there are any other steps you might have taken to help your transition in the last few months, I’d be happy to read about those in the comments.
