Sharing the Positives: New Perspectives in Uncertain Times

It can be hard to think of positives in challenging times like these but Beth Farrar our Marketing Recruitment Consultant has put together some positives she has observed at this time.

Many are facing contrasting experiences during this challenging time. Are you finally finding that much needed time to spend with your family? Or maybe you are one of those working tirelessly on the frontline to support our communities. However, what can unify us all is the chance to look past material things; to not go for that expensive meal; to not get annoyed at the top you misplaced; and really think about what is important. In a time where we are stripped from our luxuries, we are compelled to take a step back and consider what we believe to be important to us. 

We are all trying to adjust to the new ‘normal’ which has seen supermarkets go from selling out of toilet roll amidst the initial panic buying, to selling out of cake ingredients as we see a surge in quarantined folk taking up baking. Never have so many people enjoyed the outdoors quite like they do right now, looking forward to their one hour, government approved, daily dose of fresh air. For those quarantining, there has been a shift in perspective and I'm sure this will continue to adjust in the coming weeks.

Time
For a lot of people this period has brought time. Many have been furloughed, wondering how to fill their days, whilst some are still working from home, attempting to adjust to the work-life balance where both now happen in the same place. This time may be used to get stuck into a new book, cook inventive recipes with whatever you can find in the back of your cupboard, binge watch your favourite box sets or become the next Mrs Hinch. However, if you don’t do any of these things, it’s important to remember that’s also OK.

Being not doing
Some might be writing extensive daily to-do lists, doing regular workouts or utilising their long-forgotten cookbooks. You might be wondering how they’ve got their life together at a time like this? But remember, you don’t have to achieve a million and one things, even if all you do in a day is cook yourself dinner, be proud of yourself. Don’t use this time to compare yourself to other people and how productive they’re being. Many have been left feeling anxious at the uncertainty of the future, or fearful for their health, and that’s normal to feel this way. Meditation and yoga can really help – you can see our Senior Recruitment Consultant Sophie’s blog on our recent companywide yoga session that took place over Zoom.

Mental Health
It is as important as ever to look after your wellbeing. If you are able to do so, I'd really recommend getting out for your one walk a day – it really helps to break up the day and can give a fresh perspective if you’re feeling down. A good routine whilst incorporating staying active will also do wonders for your mindset. Try to keep in contact with friends and family as much as possible and remember that you are not alone!

Family
I’m sure a lot of people are facing the struggles of being apart from your loved ones. Where you can, try and make use of technology as those weekly Facetime calls to isolated family members can make a world of difference. I recently saw a post shared on social media where families with young children were making a pot of ‘I wishes’ so every time they wished they could go to their Grandma’s for tea or visit the park with their cousins, they would write it on a piece of paper and add it to the jar, with the intention to go through them one by one once restrictions are lifted. Use this time to appreciate those close to you and look forward to a time where you can be together again.

There is no denying that each and every one of us has seen a shift in the way we go about our daily lives. Routines disrupted, mealtimes out the window and that weekly coffee meetup with friends a distant memory. Take this time to connect with colleagues, embrace new working practices and remember we are all in this together!