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HEALTH+SAFETY
RAILSTAFF MAY/JUNE 2020
HOW TO TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF
'WORKING FROM HOME' WHETHER WORKING FROM HOME OR BEING FURLOUGHED, THE COMBINATION OF LONELINESS AND FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN MAKES THIS A STRESSFUL TIME
L
ooking after our mental health is as important as our physical wellbeing. Polly Rivers has been talking with colleagues, both in the industry and outside, about what we need to do to combat the anxieties and concerns that are only natural at this time. Maintaining health is something we are all taking very seriously at the moment. Whether it is doing laps of the garden (and raising millions in the process) or reaching for the fruit bowl rather than the Jaffa Cakes, keeping an eye on our physical health is a top priority. However, with more and more pressure piling on from all angles, keeping our mental health in top condition is also high on the list. But what do we need to be considering to ensure that we are managing our mental health needs, and those of our nearest and dearest, during this tricky time?
ESTABLISH A DAILY ROUTINE Most of us are creatures of habit, with a standard routine that keeps us ticking over day-to-day. So, when this is thrown in the air, it can shake the foundations, and leave us feeling confused and uneasy. Keeping some routine to our days is really useful to ensuring that we keep on track. Late nights and lazy mornings are far from helpful when it comes to establishing a routine – they can cause real problems with maintaining healthy sleep patterns. Parents of teenagers may recognise this issue, with many teenagers seemingly becoming nocturnal at the moment! Whilst tricky to implement, heading to bed and getting up at similar times every day will regulate the body clock, helping it recognise when it is meant to be sleeping, and lead to far fewer frustrated nights spent staring at the ceiling. Many of us are using our daily exercise as a way of keeping some structure. When we exercise, our bodies release feel-good
chemicals called endorphins – great news if you are in need of a pick-me-up. With gyms closed and team sports out of the window, it can be difficult to feel like we are making a dent in our exercise regimes. However, don’t underestimate the benefits of even a little moderate exercise every day. It may not be the workout you’re used to, but a brisk walk out in the open air, a free online workout, or even a race around the house with the hoover will all get the blood pumping, improve energy levels, and promote better sleep.
MANAGE EXPECTATIONS As we settle into a new working from home routine, many of us find that the ‘to do’ list doesn’t stop with our own work… For many, the added pressure of homeschooling has added another dimension, and it is no surprise that this situation can create a pressure cooker of emotions, for all family members. Claudia Graham, assistant headteacher at Meopham School in Kent shared her thoughts on the pressures many parents and children are facing with regards to tackling home-schooling. “Teachers understand the pressures that families are under to juggle the complex situation we all find ourselves in. Trying to manage everything is a nigh-on impossible task. Your children will be scared, missing RAILSTAFF.CO.UK | @RAIL_STAFF | FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF
