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Coping With Video Chat Fatigue

Jaclyn Baker
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Since most of us are working from home – it’s not uncommon to spend several hours a week on video calls.

Everything from coordinating the call to dealing with technical difficulties can be exhausting.

Participating in several video conferencing sessions in a row can be stressful and draining. 

The good news is, there are several tips and tricks that can help prevent fatigue and burnout. 

Take Short and Regular Breaks:

Some video conference calls can be as short as ten minutes or as long as 2 hours. 

Two hour-long meetings can take up a lot of brainpower – especially if you’re the one doing the majority of the talking.

Actually, walking away from the screen during a company-wide meeting can feel a little awkward, but there are ways you can work around it.

You can step out of the room for just a few minutes to prepare a cup of coffee or do some light stretching.

You may be surprised how refreshed you’ll feel afterwards. 

Try and Find Other Alternatives:

Now, video chatting is a fantastic way for large teams to connect and bounce ideas off one another. It’s also nice seeing familiar faces – especially while we are stuck at home.

However, video conferencing isn’t always necessary for a quick one on one call.

Life isn’t perfect. Sometimes we have to do things we don’t want to do. But at the same time, it’s important to listen to your body and give it what it needs within reason.

If you’re having a stressful day, don’t be afraid to ask your co-worker if your Zoom meeting can take place over the phone or via email instead.

It never hurts to ask.

Take a Step Back:

When you’re stressed out or overtired, sometimes the best thing you can do is take a mental health day or pass on a meeting. 

It’s very difficult to do a job and to do it well when you’re burned out or overwhelmed. No one is perfect. No one can do it all. Never feel guilty for taking time for yourself. Learn More

3 Ways Teachers Can Cope With COVID-19 Related Stress

Jaclyn Baker
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If you’re a teacher, this article is for you. COVID-19 has impacted almost all professions in one way or another. Teaching classes online is great – but it isn’t quite the same as being in a classroom and connecting with students.

As you know, teachers do so much more than simply read lesson plans and mark tests.

Teachers keep an eye on their students and watch them grow and thrive.

They are also there to support them and offer guidance. 

Doing all of that isn’t so easy via a computer screen. Especially since it’s difficult to read body language online.

If you’ve been experiencing any stress on the job, keep on reading. 

Pace Yourself

Teaching virtually is a marathon, not a sprint. Of course, it’s normal to want to push yourself in order to give your students the best education possible. But you can’t push yourself too hard. Doing so can lead to burnout, fatigue and stress. 

Just like when we work out, our body needs time to recover and repair itself.

Whenever you have a bad day, the best thing you can do is relax, have a healthy dinner and go to bed early.

Working well into the night will only exhaust you more. 

Don’t Hold In Your Anger

If you’re experiencing anger right now, you are not alone.

Just because you aren’t the only one feeling a certain way, doesn’t always make the situation any easier.

Sometimes we can keep our feelings in and hope they will pass on their own.

The thing is, keeping anger inside can actually intensify it.

It can also make us lash out and say things we don’t mean to the people we love the most.

There are several tried and tested methods out there that help control anger. 

1) Go on a walk.

2) Stretch.

3) Journal.

4) Take a time out.

Let People Help You

Unfortunately superheroes don’t exist. You are only human and no human is perfect.

Don’t get us wrong, it’s a great thing to set goals and try new things. But at the time, you can set unrealistic expectations.

If you’re ever feeling emotionally drained after a hard day but still have to prepare dinner and run errands, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

If there is anything your family can do to make things easier around the house, don’t be afraid to let them know.

Even if they can’t tackle an entire project on their own, they can certainly help! Learn More

Practicing Gratitude During COVID-19

Jaclyn Baker

Sometimes we can forget how lucky we are.

We may not be able to travel, go to restaurants or host parties. But we still have so much to be grateful for.

Spending More Time With Family 

Before the pandemic, most of us would spend the vast majority of our weeks at school and/or work. And let’s not forget about the commute. 

Especially during rush hour, it’s not uncommon to spend 5+ hours a week just commuting. 

Now that we are working from home and distance learning, we have so many more hours in the day to spend with family. 

Good memories last a lifetime. Even though some days may be tough, we can’t let the bad days outshine the good days.

Technology Helps Us Stay Connected

Just think how much more difficult social distancing and Coronavirus would be without technology.

For starters, you would not be reading this article, and it would be very difficult to keep in touch with loved ones.

Before social media and email were popular, we would either communicate in person or on the phone.

Meeting up with friends in person is not recommended right now, and talking on the phone (especially long-distance) can be tricky.

Thanks to the internet, we can instant message anyone in the world in a matter of seconds.

As we said earlier, so many of us use social media on a daily basis. And when we use something so often, we can forget to appreciate it. 

The Ability To Work From Home

Of course, not all jobs allow us to work from home – but many of them do.

Teachers are conducting their classes, doctors are seeing patients and consultants are connecting with clients from the comfort of home. 

We are all different. Some of us love working from home, and some of us prefer going into the office.

Even if working from home isn’t your favourite thing, there are still plenty of benefits. For instance, you can sleep in a little later, wear casual clothing, and save money on transportation.

Learn More

Changing The Way You Look At Fear

Jaclyn Baker

Remember this. You are in control of your fears. Your fears are not in control of you. If you’re ready to change the way you look at fear, you are in the right place. Keep on reading to learn more.

Commitment:

Facing a fear is something you need to commit to. Once you’ve committed to it, there is no turning back.

Keep in mind; you don’t have to completely overcome your fear today, this week, or even this year. All you have to do is put one foot in front of the other. Every small step is one step in the right direction. 

Here’s an example. Let’s say you are afraid of dogs and are ready to overcome your fear. 

Chances are, you wouldn’t want to walk into a pet store and start petting dogs today.

But you can visit a local dog park and stand outside the fence for a few minutes a day. Once you get comfortable with that, you can set another goal for yourself. 

Play Out Your Fears:

When we’re afraid of something, it’s very normal to exaggerate and jump to unrealistic worst-case scenarios.

Writing down worst-case scenarios can help us put things in perspective and look at the facts instead of focusing on negative feelings. 

This exercise can also help you realize that your fears aren’t as scary as you played them out to be in your mind. 

Change The Situation:

Fear doesn’t have a set definition. We all think about, and experience fear in our own way. Some of us see fear as this scary thing that gets in our way. While others see fear as a learning opportunity. Feelings are not facts, and you have the power to change the way you look at fear. Learn More

Distance Learning Advice For Parents

Jaclyn Baker

Distance learning doesn’t only impact kids. It also impacts parents. Right now, so many parents are working from home and watching their children at the same time.

We know it’s hard. We know it’s stressful. But the best thing you can do is take it one day a time and remind yourself that you are doing the best you can. 

Reach Out To Other Parents:

We know you’ve likely heard this hundreds of times. 

But we are going to repeat it because it’s true! Millions of parents all over the world are in the exact same boat as you. Everything from school emails to help with homework can be a lot to take on by yourself. 

In fact, it’s more than a lot. It’s exhausting. Reaching out to other parents and bouncing ideas off one another can be extremely helpful. It’s always nice to talk to someone who knows what you’re going through. 

Laugh:

Have you ever felt guilty about laughing or having fun when times are tough? It’s very normal to feel that way. But the truth is, laughing is not a bad thing. Laugher can help decrease blood pressure, soothe tension and release endorphins. Exactly what everyone needs during times of stress. 

Say Goodbye To Perfectionism:

If you aren’t careful, it’s easy to fall into the “I’m not good enough trap.” 

Parenting is not easy, and there is no ultimate secret handbook. So many parenting lessons are made through trial and error. There is no such thing as a perfect parent. There will always be things you wish you could improve upon.

But you can’t forget to celebrate all the victories. Give yourself credit where it’s due. Learn More

These Techniques Can Help You Cope With Work-Related Stress

Jaclyn Baker
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Just because the vast majority of us are working from home now, doesn’t make the workday any less stressful.

Deadlines still need to met, customers still need support, and proposals have to be approved. 

Even though stress can keep us motivated and on top of our game, no one wants to constantly feel stressed.

Here are a few techniques that can help you cope with work-related stress.

Start Your Day Right:

Our morning sets the tone of the entire day. Feeling rushed in the morning is not a pleasant feeling. Everything from making breakfast to checking homework can be a lot.

Waking up just 20 minutes early and relaxing can help you start your day on a positive note.

Stay Organized:

Have you ever had one of those days where you just couldn’t find any important documents or emails? 

You know it’s on your computer somewhere, you just can’t remember where. 

Properly labelling files and having some sort of an email system can prevent several problems down the line. 

Embrace Imperfection:

We are all human mistakes do happen.

Instructions get misunderstood, important emails get lost, presentations have typos, the list goes on.

The next time you make a mistake, don’t panic! Instead, take a step back and remind yourself that you are only human and even though you made a mistake you are doing the best you can.

You have two choices. You can either look at your mistakes as setbacks or learning opportunities. It is all about perspective. Learn More

How To Become More Resilient And Embrace The New Normal

Jaclyn Baker
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Adjusting to the new normal is definitely easier than done. The new normal is constantly changing and our days are full of uncertainty.

Everything from school to work to home life is like something we’ve never experienced before. When life is so uncertain, it’s normal to experience stress, exhaustion or burnout. 

Now, you may be wondering how you can adjust to an ever-changing situation. Keep on reading to learn more. 

Accept That Life is Different Right Now:

It’s no secret that 2020 has been far different than 2019, and so many things that used to be easy, now feel so hard.

Remember, accepting a tough situation does not mean you are giving up. It simply means you are accepting reality instead of fighting it.

Do What You Love:

When life gets busy, sometimes we can forget to take the time to do what we love. Even though we may not be able to go to restaurants or spend time with friends, that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun at home.

Instead of attending your favourite restaurant on Friday night, you can order takeout and dress up.

Instead of going out with your friends on Saturday night, you can have a group zoom call.

It may not be the exact same, but it is much better than nothing.

Build a Resilience Bank Account:

You are so much more resilient than you give yourself credit for. You just may not know it yet. 

It is never too late to start implementing resilience-building habits. Getting enough sleep, eating right, exercising and practicing compassion are all great places to start. 

You also don’t have to make significant changes in one day. You can start slow and work your way up. Starting slowly is far better than not starting at all. Learn More

How To Survive a Family Members Suicide

Jaclyn Baker
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Losing a friend or family member to suicide can be extremely painful. It can bring on guilt, shame, anger, depression or anxiety.

We all deal with loss in our own way, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Losing someone you love is never easy. However, losing someone you love to suicide can be a little more challenging.

It may take you some time, but you will get through the pain. Here are some tips that can help you cope with your loss. 

Find A Support System:

Losing someone you love is extremely painful. But you don’t need to experience the pain alone.

Opening up to a friend, family member or mental health professional can be very therapeutic. Talking about our feelings can help us better understand them and feel less alone.

You can also do some research and see if there any support groups in your area. Even though you may feel alone, you are not!

Be Patient:

Some days may be harder than others, and that’s okay. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself to feel. 

It’s Okay to Laugh And Cry:

You know what they say – laughter is the best medicine. Participating in fun activities with friends and family can act as a healthy distraction and help take your mind off the pain. 

Every day is a new day. And every day will get a little bit easier.

If you or someone you love are struggling with thoughts about harming themselves or others, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

You can also text the Crisis Text Line at: 741741

Text Line is free and available 24/7 to support those in crisis anywhere in the U.S.

Learn More

Preventing Suicide In Older Adults

Jaclyn Baker
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Social distancing is designed to keep us and our community safe. However, social distancing is increasing loneliness for people all over the world – especially in older adults. Older adults who are disconnected from others do have a greater risk for committing suicide. 

However, there are plenty of tools and resources out there that can help us prevent suicide in older adults.

Understand The Risk Factors:

Several studies show that the following factors can contribute to suicide in older adults.

1) Mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression.

2) Being alone for long periods.

3) Pain.

4) Illness.

Warning Signs:

If you think someone you love may be contemplating suicide, here are a handful of warning signs you should look out for.

1) Significant life changes, such as the death of a loved one.

2) Preparing for death. 

3) Isolating from friends and family.

Afraid To Say The Wrong Thing?

Talking about suicide can be scary. So many people are afraid to say the wrong thing, so they don’t say anything at all.

It may be scary, but talking about our feelings can help us better understand them.  If you’re not sure what to say, here are a few questions that can help you get started:

1) How often are you alone?

2) Have you had thoughts about harming yourself?

3) Do you ever feel like just giving up?

If you or someone you love are struggling with thoughts about harming themselves or others, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

You can also text the Crisis Text Line at: 741741

Text Line is free and available 24/7 to support those in crisis anywhere in the U.S. 

Learn More