Supporting mental well-being during COVID-19: IWBI staff voices

As humans, we are wired to crave stability and pattern, to be social and stay connected. Yet now, regardless of who you are or where you are from, it’s likely that you are living in a new reality — one that may feel deeply foreign and unnatural to you and your family.

In the face of unprecedented change and uncertainty, our minds, bodies and spirits are being put to the test. It’s normal to feel stress, anxiety or fear in ways you have never experienced before.

While we all look for security and comfort in this time, we must remember that people are remarkably resilient and capable of adapting in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Now, perhaps more than ever before, it is necessary to focus on supporting this foundation of resiliency with intention and purpose by adopting strategies both novel and practiced.

In an effort to support our global community and further mobilize the discussion of mental health during this moment, the IWBI team came together to share how we’ve been maintaining our mental well-being while adjusting to this “new normal.” We hope that some of these strategies find their way into your life or inspire your own self-care practices as we navigate these uncharted waters together.

Staying socially connected while physically apart

For many, isolation and loneliness will be the most intense feelings associated with this period. We’re a social species and thrive in environments that allow for collaboration, togetherness and communication. Although we are physically separated, we can still nourish our innate need to connect.

“I’ve found video hangouts to be the best antidote. In fact, I feel closer to many people than I ever have before and have come to realize that this is just temporary physical distancing. By video conferencing with coworkers, joining virtual happy hours with my friends and making dinner together over FaceTime with my family, I have been able to stay connected with my support network. It’s made all the difference to my mental health!” - Jessica Cooper, Commercial

“I have been having video calls with families and friends in different time zones since everyone is going through a version of the same reality. My dog met my friend’s 2 year old on a video call recently and it was awesome!” - Gayathri Unnikrishnan, Standard Development

“For me, I’ve found it’s really important to stay connected to family. We have a virtual diary going where everyone in our extended family reports out on their daily activities, insights, frustrations, hopes, etc. The rambling email chain brightens my day and makes us all feel connected to each other — even though many of us live in California — which in some ways has never felt so far away.” - Lindsay Jacobs, Marketing and Education

Embrace new ways to challenge the mind

Our brains need to be stimulated and challenged, but that can prove difficult when we are occupying the same environment for an extended period. Exploring activities that challenge the mind or allow for creative expression can help combat feelings of monotony or boredom.

“I have finally found my yearning for a meditation practice. I’ve always turned to movement for my relief but am now feeling, more than ever, that sitting still is what I need in this moment. I joined our company Headspace account and am doing my best to practice daily. Since I’m a newbie, I started with their basic courses to learn the ropes and am already in love with how accessible the app is. It’s judgement-free, approachable and includes very cheery animations.” - Vienna McLeod, Standard Development

“I cook my own meals everyday in order to get active and creative, started a 1000-piece puzzle depicting Iceland to keep challenging my brain, and am reading the same novel with my mum (who lives far away in Greece) — we have catch up calls and talk about it.” - Eleftherios Zacharakis, Commercial

“I’ve found cooking and baking to be a welcome distraction during this time. There’s something comforting about the simplicity of following a recipe and getting an outcome in the form of tasty food that is a helpful counter to the unknowns we’re experiencing in the world right now. Previously, between work and caring for my daughter and all the business of life, I rarely felt like I had the time to really embrace cooking. With so much we’re being deprived of right now, I’m happy to have some small joys from food.” - Kate Rube, Commercial

Support your community from inside your home

Ripple effects of the coronavirus are impacting our communities far and wide, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by a crisis of this scale. Finding ways to help your local community can help alleviate that feeling of powerlessness and boost morale, while also providing vital support to those in need.

“In lieu of supporting others in-person, I was inspired by @MichelleObama on ways to show up for my community virtually, for example donating to my local food bank which I know is struggling.” - Kristen Coco, Communications

Practice gratitude for things big and small

It’s normal to feel grief or sadness over the loss of our routines and patterns. Taking this time to reflect on what you’re grateful for can lessen these feelings and recenter the mind into a positive framework.

“I start every morning by verbalizing something I’m grateful for. In trying times like this, I notice my mental health is strongest when I continue to challenge myself to recognize the beauty around me even when it’s hard to see. Sometimes that’s as simple as being grateful for one small thing to remind me that there is good today, and more good to come tomorrow.” - Kalli Solby, Commercial

“When my son was a little boy, I learned that when he played with water, it had a calming effect on him. To manage my stress, when I wash my hands, I focus that time on thoughts of gratitude. What am I grateful for in this moment? When I am washing the dishes, I am doing the same.” - Gianna Kemp, Operations

“Making time to call my mom, who lives across the country in a senior living community, everyday. It’s important to accept that we can’t control everything - especially during a time of so much uncertainty. Hearing her voice helps me focus on the present and feel grateful for each day she’s in good health.” - Jennifer Easton, Marketing and Education

Lean into daily movement

Movement has a powerful impact on the body and mind. Thankfully, you don’t need an abundance of equipment or time to experience the benefits. Just a few minutes of movement can help you recharge and reduce the anxiety or stress you’re experiencing right now.

“Maintaining a regular morning workout schedule using virtual classes is more important now than ever before to support my mental well-being during the workday. I find that I’m increasingly gravitating more toward workouts that incorporate mindfulness, such as yoga, for that extra sense of calm that helps mitigate stress and anxiety. - Rose Winer, Standard Development

“As a busy working mom of 3, it’s been hard to prioritize fitness over the years. With no commuting or shuttling of kids, I am finally getting an exercise routine into my schedule - a combo of strength and calming exercises (aligns with my mental mantra: calm and strength!). When they have their screen time, I get my workout!” - Allison Kim, Commercial

“I’m so grateful for my yoga practice these days. I hit the mat every morning before dawn. Right now I’m doing 30 days of agni namaskar. The practice involves 4 flowing cycles, each with a different intention, and a total of 108 yoga push-ups throughout for building mental and physical strength.” - Rachel Gutter, IWBI President

Stay connected to nature

Being able to step outside, feel the fresh air and connect to nature can offer powerful benefits to our mood and overall mental well-being. Going outside - safely - provides an opportunity to disconnect from our screens and experience the natural beauty around us.

“I have been taking morning “commute” walks with my wife and son to get some exercise, fresh air, and sun! It’s been a great way to start the day on a positive note and return home to the “office” ready to work.” - Peter Smith, Commercial

“In the morning, I wake as early as possible to hear the birds, take my bike into the empty streets and park, and ride as far and fast as I can until it’s time to come back and begin another day.” - Susan Illman, Workplace Wellness

“I’m relying on the biophilic rush of spring to keep me hopeful. It’s gorgeous here, and either sitting on the deck in the wonder of the wildflowers blooming by the creek and the visits from the hawks and the bluebirds, or on the walks around the neighborhood as the crabapples and peach trees and sweet shrub and azaleas burst forth, it’s easy to get lost in the beauty of Mother Nature, and for a few blessed minutes be heartened by the cycles of rebirth and renewal.” - Judith Webb, Communications

View the recording of our recent webcast for more on best practices for taking care of your mental health - and register for updates on our complete webcast series dedicated to prevention and preparedness, resilience and recovery in relation to COVID-19.