How to cope with continued or new lockdown restrictions

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The effects from multiple waves of social distancing, coupled with the 6 pm dining ban are particularly risky in causing people to overeat or consume a little too much alcohol. Over-reliance on (typically not so healthy) takeout meals and a dip in motivation to cook are culpable subjects to blame.

It sounds as simple as common sense, but leading a balanced lifestyle is the key to improving your mental state. The first step to healing from within requires you to get moving on the outside. Per Bupa Global’s Executive Wellbeing Index, it was found that 32 percent of high-net-worth individuals who have turned to exercise as a daily pandemic-stress alleviation ritual have shown improvements in mental health concerns. Executive leadership coach Alister Gray adds to this by reiterating the important habit that we shouldn’t forget to adopt: “Be kind to yourself. Become aware of the words and language you use today and set the intention to be a little kinder to yourself with every thought and word you speak.”

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Several common issues that arise in a work-from-home setting include the lack of motivation, as well as a constant feeling of being on the edge—as if you are on-call twenty-four-seven. A blurring of the lines between our typical home versus work distinction causes this kind of heightened anxiety and burnout. We never truly feel like we have left the office, as it has now firmly overridden our resting space it seems.

In agreement, Doctor Pablo Vandenabeele suggests that leaders should take the initiative to create structured guidelines around their teams’ hours, allowing a switch between working time and offline time to be spent with family and loved ones. He also encourages employees to establish boundaries that work for them, asserting that “the word ‘no’ can be incredibly effective when used correctly. Spreading yourself too thinly or allowing work issues to consistently creep into your home life can often lead you to breaking point.” Boundaries are important, and should be outlined clearly.

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Bouncing off the previous point on asking for help, many of us take for granted the tools that we are able to draw upon when in times of need. When feelings of doubt and concern start to rise, breathe deeply, and take a step back to evaluate who you can call to for assistance. Customers of Bupa Global have the right to access their Healthline service, which covers access to general medical information regarding Covid-19 as well as other medical conditions.

Referrals to health professionals for advice and a second opinion are also available. Bupa Global’s global virtual care (GVC) service allows customers to make virtual appointments with their network of doctors, at any time of day in almost any language. Find out more on how to access the GVC service by visiting the Bupa Global Covid-19 information hub.

Similarly, members of companies providing Bupa Global through the employee assistance programme (EAP) are also entitled to everyday resources provided. Policyholders can receive guidance and care in the realm of mental health via online appointments from worldwide health professionals at any time and in multiple different languages also. Sessions that are part of the GVC and EAP services all remain confidential of course.

*Global Virtual Care is provided by Advance Medical, a Teladoc Health Company, and Everyday Resources is provided by Workplace Options LLC who are both service providers for Bupa Global. Bupa Global is not responsible for any actions or omissions carried out by these third parties in the provision of these services.