Navigating the new normal
As restrictions ease, things won’t necessarily be easy for all of us.
While many of us are relieved that COVID-19 restrictions are lifting, moving back into more “normal” patterns comes with new stresses and anxieties.
We asked Elizabeth Rimmer, CEO at LawCare, for some tips to help you make a smoother transition:
Rebuild healthy barriers. For the past 18 months or so, many of us have not been working from home; we have been living at work. Our four walls have become classrooms, social spaces and offices.
You may not have the break you need between activities to provide a transition from work time to leisure time, or even understand the difference between the two.
Give yourself a period between work and a leisure activity to get yourself into the proper mindset to get the most from both.
Feed your focus. Legal work requires focus, concentration and mental acuity, which is why self-care is crucial.
For example: eat and drink appropriately; get back into a routine, including exercise and social or creative time; and take a lunch break, whether you’re working from home or in an office.
Don’t give up on good habits. Stick with any positive changes you may have made over the time when activities were more restricted.
Value and maintain the new hobbies, regular walks, experimental cooking and the like. Continue to enjoy those things that make you feel energised.
Amp up your empathy. For some people, particularly those with a disability such as dyslexia or dyspraxia, requirements to wear masks or the need to return to public transport can be sources of anxiety.
In the meantime, the return of commuting to the daily routine can be difficult for those who are managing caring responsibilities and now have to add another element to their busy timetables.
Be attuned to the way these changes might affect all of your colleagues and support them where you can.
Say no – it’s OK. Avoid the tendency to say yes to too many things in the excitement to be able to do new things again. First, ask yourself: “Is taking on this new responsibility manageable?” And go at your own pace.
When it comes to the new normal, one size does not fit all. If you’re feeling concerned about resuming an old pattern, for example attending a social event, don’t feel pressure to do so.
Locate your support. Your firm may have mental health champions and employee assistance resources, but you can also turn to charities such as Jonathan’s Voice for advice.
Fit for Law (fitforlaw.org.uk) is also a source of online learning about understanding emotions and stress. It offers bite-sized activities that are evidence-based and is backed by the Open University.
LawCare’s Legal Mind podcast is another place to find detailed resources around managing stress from a legal perspective.
Elizabeth participated in an IP Inclusive stress management webinar in April in which she touched on these subjects.
Access the recording via the IP Ability section at ipinclusive.org.uk. Find out more and access help from LawCare at lawcare.org.uk or via its free helpline 0800 279 6888.
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