The last few months have been stressful at best for all of us. Even if we took aside the fear of health risk, the side effects of the necessary social distancing are tangible. We have all and altered our working arrangements are lifestyle to accommodate life-saving precautions.
Especially taking into account the build-up of the last few months, we are all dealing with stress in different ways. On one hand, so many people are determined to power through and achieve great things in trying times. On the other, as highly social creatures, some feel more anxious and depressed when deprived of a basic need.
While businesses, industries and employees are all struggling on a financial and economical level, the quarantine is also a golden opportunity for mental issues to develop. My personal opinion on the matter is that this is not only an expected, but natural reaction, that we all need to respect as a part of the process. And then proceed to address the issue responsibly. But how do we notice it?
Falling behind on work
As far as performing in the midst of a quarantine, I have heard conflicting opinions. I have colleagues who are experiencing a burst in motivation and productivity and seem to be thriving in the comfort of their own homes. On the flip side there are many who are thrown off when main pillars of their daily routines are yanked from under their feet.
Not to mention that working from home at all times with loved ones can create an entirely different set of distractions and chaotic mess of a working process.
You may fall behind on work and that is ok. It is a sure sign that your mental health is taking a hit and beating yourself up over it additionally will help no one. The best thing to do is to communicate the difficulties you have with your manager and consider taking some time to rest.
The effect that a few work-free days can have is underrated, and it is often neglected.
Low motivation and productivity
For some, in the grand scheme of things some menial tasks may seem unimportant. And inherently lose motivation to perform and strive for excellence in areas that would normally be tackled with passion and dedication. As well as struggling with the current workload, many have run into the issue of rethinking their life-decisions and the path they are on. For some, this will result in making attempts to change the work field. For others it may be taking a deeper look at the personal relationships in life.
Dealing with a high-risk, high-stakes situation as the one we are collectively up against is bound to cause some turmoil and changes on personal, community and organizational level.
Loneliness and a sense of unfulfillment
Humans need interaction. We get emotionally changed when we are a part of a community that shares in each other’s success and provides support in the low times. But as invaluable as zoom and social media is to close the distance, it cannot replace human face to face communication or even hope to hold off the need for such for extended periods of time.
Taking a step back
When we feel overwhelmed or that we are falling behind what we are supposed to be doing it is so easy to dig ourself in a hole of self-loathing. We are increasingly more disappointed in ourselves, yet we keep pushing forward beyond our ability to cope. Which only deepens our sense of failure when we fall behind on our self-assigned goals and high expectations.
From my experience working in a custom software development company, as long as you communicate your needs and difficulties with your superiors you can reach a mutually beneficial solution. The company can go on without you, and you can take the time to get back on your feet and back on top performance.
So taking a step back is ok. Taking a few days off os ok. And making a conscious effort to be more forgiving is not only okay but encouraged.
Evaluating priorities, goals and demands
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