Shawnee Love   •   April 17, 2020

Stress brings out the best and worst of us.

Weaknesses become more evident and even strengths can be overused to the point they irritate and annoy others.

As we enter 4 weeks of physical distancing and staying home, I am becoming more concerned that the isolation is getting to us.

Tempers are shortening, fears are swirling amidst the uncertainty, and we all have a bit more time to think.

In our good moments, we can think about what we are grateful for, but in our frustrated, stressed, squirrel brain moments, how annoying, ineffective, or inefficient our colleague or family member is can also become a point of focus.

In general, we judge ourselves by our intentions and context, but we judge others by what we observe, and right now most aren’t their best selves.

As pandemic measures continue, please practice:

• Empathy for Others– everyone is fighting battles you can’t see or hear
• Most Respectful Intent– look for the best possible intentions or reasons why people do things instead of the potential worst
• Self Care- because you can’t pour from an empty cup or give grace to others if you can’t give it to yourself.

There are good online tools to help with self care as well. Take a look at:

1. https://bouncebackbc.ca/
2. https://www.workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com/
3. https://letstalk.bell.ca/en/covid-19

We remain here to help guide, advise and support too.  Be safe and well!