At Watchpoint Logistics, Inc., employee and customer satisfaction is our highest priority. While this certainly relates to business, Watchpoint cares about the well-being of its employees and customers on a much broader scale. As the COVID-19 pandemic spiraled the entire globe into shared crisis, businesses and individuals face many unique and unprecedented challenges. It’s not surprising that many view personal satisfaction and well-being as an unreachable goal during such difficult circumstances.
Faced with various stages of crises and phases of closings, the underlying sense of distress has remained a constant. Concern for loved ones and the threat of personal illness are two obvious concerns, but other stressors are at an all-time high as well. Isolation and uncertainty have added to individual malaise. Furthermore, businesses and employees have experienced staffing shortages, supply chain issues, and workplace uncertainty. With the world in crisis, many find themselves battling worry and anxiety.
“Paralysis by Analysis”
Worry attempts to manage and predict the unknown, planning for every “what if” scenario. Instead of managing crisis situations, however, worry leads to a cascade of physical and emotional symptoms- draining energy and ultimately creating a sense of powerlessness. This process is often referred to as “paralysis by analysis”. Thoughts spin, anxiety takes over, and positive action feels nearly impossible.
Relaxation as a First Step
It is possible, however, to reclaim a sense of clarity and calm, even in the midst of the storm. Relaxing may sound simple enough. However, achieving relaxation in times of crisis requires tremendous grit and discipline. The intentional use of proven relaxation techniques can help you achieve a sense of inner well-being, regardless of circumstances. Such techniques, like meditation and deep breathing, offer immediate and long-term benefits. Research shows intentional relaxation can actually change your brain. New thinking pathways create better coping skills and reduce anxiety. Practicing relaxation techniques can also develop what psychologists refer to as resilience. Resilience allows you to bounce back from crises and trauma, large or small.
How to Move Forward
Humans crave certainty and safety, but the future is uncertain by definition. Mindset, in the face of uncertainty, is the one truly controlled variable. By challenging anxious thoughts and distinguishing between solvable and unsolvable problems, people in crisis can move towards positive action. When you meet your next challenge, consider the following:
· Evaluate the situation.
· Write down potential solutions.
· Ask- What’s the next reasonable step?
· And the next?
· And so on.
If the situation still feels unsolvable, embrace the temporary uncertainty. Acceptance can settle the mind, so your thoughts are clear, and solutions become more apparent.
Communicating Effectively
Effective communication in a time of acute stress is not always easy. Stress physiologically changes the body. Therefore, the way we share information should be adjusted accordingly. Dr. Vincent Covello, a leading expert in the practice of risk and crisis communication, offers several helpful communication principles to use with people who are experiencing high stress. Try practicing a few the next time you need to communicate with someone in crisis.
As we navigate this unprecedented time of crisis and uncertainty together, please remember- Every person you meet is probably experiencing acute and chronic stress as well as personal and collective strain. The tools mentioned above may help you reclaim your sense of well-being and satisfaction, even in the midst of trying times.
Watchpoint Logistics, Inc. would love to hear from you. In the past two years, what techniques or practices have helped you relieve pandemic-induced stress? Let us know!