Two years into this pandemic, we find ourselves living in a time of economic insecurity, prolonged uncertainty, existential sorrow, isolation, and universal grief. This has produced immense stress for everybody. The constant emphasis on safety and security has for some become a barrier to doing those things that created meaning and joy in our lives. In response we seek structure to cope with uncertainty, in routine, connection and setting up of boundaries. Ester Perel shares some strategies for achieving all three.
However, resilient as we are, we have managed to cope with all these changes. We learned to create things out of nothing, see life abound in whatever ways we can, and regain our sense of self.
“An abnormal reaction to an abnormal situation is normal behavior.”
– Victor Frankl
Stress is multidimensional that is why the only way to deal with it is to break it down into parts to make it manageable. Here are some ways to cope with stress, according to Ester Perel.
Routine, Connection, and Boundaries
First, we create routines or activities that allow us to separate the different aspects of ourselves, roles, and responsibilities. Next is to create a connection to some sacred time and space which allows us to rediscover a sense of community and collective support. And the third, we set boundaries that create delineation or borders around our multiple realities. These create groundedness and structure that allows us to integrate homelife with work.
Surprisingly though, in the face of uncertainty, we have learned to be more productive by maintaining our connection. With mutual resilience and a deep sense of interdependence, we got through tough times as a community.
The Future of Work
The future of work is holistic and authentic. We bring our whole self to work and we bring work to our personal world. Both employees and employers emphasise mental health and wellness. They believe that empathy, trust, and psychological safety should be present in the organisation. Relational intelligence in the workplace is important because it encourages deepened connections and fosters resilience.
Work is a place where we seek belongingness, purpose, and development; way beyond just putting food on the table. Rather, work becomes a means to address our existential and psychological needs.