“Our world is an unequal one. As COVID-19 has highlighted, some people are able to live healthier lives and have better access to health services than others – entirely due to the conditions in which they are born, grow, live, work and age.” WHO, 2021
Today we celebrate World Health Day. The significance of this day nowadays seems more prominent than ever, with most of the world now trying to come out of lockdown and prepare for the new normal that is to come. Those businesses fortunate enough to have survived the unprecedented hit to the economy caused by Covid-19 were forced to establish strategies allowing them to work from home to curb the spread of the virus.
The impact of the pandemic has been massive on employee wellbeing, with some of us losing family members and friends, being under constant pressure to produce work of the highest quality or worrying about keeping our job throughout these times etc. We were told it would be over in a few weeks. The reality paints a different picture, as over one year on we are still picking up the pieces and trying to desperately fit them together.
Days like today act as a reminder on what is really important- taking care of ourselves and the people closest to us to the best of our ability. Reflect on what you learned over the last year about self-care and keeping yourself engaged with your work and responsibilities. Try to incorporate those things in a small way into your day to really celebrate this special day!
Here are our recommendations to bring justice to World Health Day 2021:
1. Thank the NHS.
If you know any health-care workers, be it doctors, nurses, carers or dentists, make sure to thank them for continuing to work under an even more stressful and dangerous environment than they have before. If anyone would appreciate a short message of gratitude and encouragement, it’s them!
2. Spend time in nature.
If you are lucky enough to live near a park or hiking trail, go out and enjoy some time in nature. Even just sitting outside in your garden every few hours can have an enormous impact on your mood and energy levels. Take a deep breath, look around and connect with your surroundings. It always puts a smile on my face when I spot a bird or even better- a squirrel.
3. Have a virtual meeting with your team
Consider having a virtual lunch with your team members to catch up on their general wellbeing. It is important to maintain (and rekindle, in some cases) these relationships whilst we prepare to go back into the workplace.
And for when it is safe for everyone to meet and enjoy group activities, check out our Grab & Go programmes on our website.
Patrycja
Social Circle Wellbeing