Occupational Wellbeing

Research Shows Resilient Mental Health Post-Pandemic

March 28, 2023
Disha Shah
Research Shows Resilient Mental Health Post-Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has upended lives and disrupted the normal rhythm of society. It's no surprise that many people have been struggling with their mental health during these trying times. 

However, a recent study published in the peer-reviewed medical journal BMJ is shedding light on a surprising finding: in general, people's mental health has remained remarkably resilient despite the pandemic. 

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the findings of the study and explore what they mean for mental health surveillance and policy. 

So, buckle up and get ready to learn about the power of the human spirit and the resilience of our mental health during challenging times.

The Study

In the study published in BMJ, researchers assessed the impact of the pandemic on mental health by analyzing 137 studies from around the world. The findings challenge some of the commonly held assumptions about the pandemic's effects on well-being.

Breaking Down the Data

The study analyzed various mental health indicators, including general mental health, anxiety, and depression symptoms. The researchers compared outcomes assessed from January 2018 to December 2019 with those assessed from January 2020 and beyond, with a focus on any changes that may have occurred.

Contrary to Popular Belief

Contrary to what many people might believe, the report suggests that the pandemic's overall impact on mental health has been relatively minor. In fact, the vast majority of analyses showed no significant changes in general mental health, anxiety, or depression symptoms.

The Nuances of Mental Health

While there were some small negative changes in mental health among certain subgroups, such as women and parents, the overall picture painted by the data is one of resilience rather than crisis.

The Importance of Continued Monitoring

While the report's findings are encouraging, they are by no means a reason to become complacent. The pandemic's impact on mental health is a complex and evolving issue, and continued monitoring and support will be essential in the months and years to come.

A New Perspective

As a whole, this report challenges our assumptions about the pandemic's impact on mental health. It highlights the need not to underestimate the capacity of people to recover after a crisis. As HR professionals continue to navigate these unprecedented times, it is important to keep this new perspective in mind and to continue providing the support that employees need to thrive.

Implications for HRs

Research Shows Resilient Mental Health Post-Pandemic
Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, HR professionals have faced unprecedented challenges in maintaining the well-being of their workforce. 

The BMJ study's findings offer valuable insights for HRs looking to create a supportive and resilient workplace culture. Here are some key implications of the study that HRs should keep in mind to support the mental health of their workforce.

Prioritize Mental Health Support

While the study shows that most people have been resilient in terms of mental health during the pandemic, it's important to remember that certain groups, such as women, parents, and those in the LGBTQ+ community, experienced small to medium negative changes. 

HRs should prioritize providing mental health support to employees, especially those in vulnerable groups.

Foster a Resilient Workplace Culture

The study's findings also suggest that people are generally resilient in the face of adversity. HRs can foster a resilient workplace culture by providing resources and support for employees to cope with stress and challenges. 

Access to counseling services, mental health days, and flexible work arrangements are all examples of how this can be done.

Continue Mental Health Surveillance

The study highlights the need for continued mental health surveillance, especially during times of crisis. HRs should work with management and employees to monitor the mental health of the workforce and address any concerns in a timely manner. 

Employee check-ins, anonymous feedback mechanisms, and mental health training for managers can all contribute to this.

Closing Thoughts

The BMJ study provides a nuanced understanding of the impact of the pandemic on people's mental health. HR professionals can use this information to support their employees better and create a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture.

At The Wellness Tribe, we understand the importance of creating a holistic approach to employee wellness, including mental health. Our corporate wellness solutions are tailored to meet the unique needs of your organization and can help you promote a healthy and supportive work environment. 

If you need any assistance in implementing employee wellness programs or resources, don't hesitate to reach out to us today. Together, we can prioritize the mental health and well-being of your workforce.

Emotional Wellness

Embracing Change: The Shift from IQ to Adaptability Quotient

November 16, 2022
Aakriti Agarwal
Embracing Change: The Shift from IQ to Adaptability Quotient

One of the most famous phrases attributed to Albert Einstein is, "The measure of genius is the ability to change." It is more accurate than ever in today's swiftly changing world.

Change is unavoidable, and we must be prepared to navigate it successfully. And, like so many other things, change may travel in both positive and harmful directions. We are practically sure to experience disaster and failure if we fail to manage the stormy seas of change in the proper way.

We will surely grow more clever, insightful, and adaptable as we learn to maneuver through life's changes. To thrive in life and conquer the challenges that come your way, you'll need perception, assessment, and adaptability. When presented with a difference, intelligence is tested by making adjustments and changing subsequent actions accordingly.

When we change, we develop and become wiser in the process. Humans generally thrive on change and expansion, but they might have many inner or outward factors to change.

Trying to maintain everything the same is not only unhealthy but also impossible. You are misinterpreting human traits and thriving if you avoid change.

Adaptability and Workplace

Embracing Change: The Shift from IQ to Adaptability Quotient
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

The way we work, live, and interact with one another is changing dramatically. Unprecedented rates of change have emerged from extraordinary technological developments in automation and artificial intelligence, disruptive innovation, and globalisation. As a result, leaders in the business sector are continually rethinking how their companies create value and stay relevant in an unpredictable climate. 

Furthermore, the future of employment is continuously evolving. Technological improvements have decreased the expiry date of staff talents to the point where a typical corporate capability is only relevant for 4.2 years, down from 30 years in 1984. According to the World Economic Forum, 65 per cent of present employment will be obsolete by the time today's primary school students reach the workforce.

What is the adaptability Quotient?

The capacity to decide what is relevant, discard obsolete information, overcome hurdles, and respond to change in real-time is known as the Adaptability Quotient (AQ). Those with a high AQ exhibit the following characteristics:

  • Open-mindedness. They actively manage their unconscious prejudices to remain receptive to new ideas.
  • They go out of their way to perceive things from other people's viewpoints.
  • They place a high value on acquiring new skills and investing in their education to better prepare themselves for an unpredictable future.

Adaptable leaders and staff are better suited to meet their company's changing and growing demands – and they're in great demand.

"Adaptability is the quality that distinguishes the survivor from the perished." - Charles Darwin

How can adaptability be developed?

Years of practice responding carefully to problems as they emerge are required for adaptability. You have the power to influence your team and propel your company ahead as a leader. Adaptability, like emotional intelligence, may be increased and enhanced.

  • Model the high-AQ behaviour you want your workers to emulate. For example, leaders who adopt the pacesetting leadership style may increase their team's AQ by displaying flexibility and encouraging team members to alter and update their abilities. This will aid in the creation of a stress-resilient and change-adaptive environment.
  • Take charge of your educational path. Recognise the importance of continuing your education. Assume responsibility for your education, and you will increase marketability for years to come.
  • Decide which positions you want to pursue depending on how much you can learn. Then, make future opportunities to learn critical new skills a priority.

What is agile, and how is it more effective in bringing adaptability to you?

The three pillars of Agile are quality, speed, and value. It encourages people to risk discovering new ideas and developing them with the least amount of danger possible. It's a cycle that starts with an idea and ends with a worthwhile result. It encourages people to take the risk of generating new ideas and developing them with the slightest danger of failure. 

A group of people may work together to develop an idea, correct errors, and make it worthwhile. The possibilities are designed, and duties are shared after the concept is conceived. As a result, more than one team would be working on the idea, each with their skill level in a specific area. If a mistake occurs, only the team assigned to it will reprogram it, saving time and energy for the others.

Three tips to help you develop the mindset to adapt to change: 

Three tips to help you develop the mindset to adapt to change
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich

Recognise change

One of the most challenging aspects of the process is recognising and embracing change—one of the first things we do as humans are to deny reality. As a result, we frequently ignore the shift to avoid dealing with it, or so we believe. But, on the other hand, denying or postponing this problem may make it worse and more unpleasant than just embracing it from the outset. 

It's critical to acknowledge that change is occurring and to attempt to emotionally and, if possible, physically prepare ourselves for it! Recognising and embracing change is a crucial part of the transformation process.

Maintain a positive attitude

Consider the change in a good light. Rather than focusing solely on the bad, write or speak about why this change could benefit you and any other benefits that may result from it. In times of despair, being optimistic is crucial and an excellent tactic. In any scenario, there are positives, and it is up to you to locate them. 

Ignore your negative feelings about the shift and concentrate on the good, even if only for a short while. This upbeat outlook can assist you in getting through it!

Talk about it

Make a phone call to your best buddy. Speak with a member of your family. Speak with a therapist. It doesn't matter who you talk to, as long as you find someone you can trust and tell them everything. It's critical to express your feelings and discuss them with someone you can trust and rely on. It is a sign of strength, not weakness; to know yourself well enough to recognise that you require support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

This support system may also provide the tools you need to overcome or better adjust to the shift. They can also bring a fresh viewpoint to the problem, which may or may not be beneficial, which is also OK!

Conclusion

Remember, change is unavoidable, and it affects everyone! What distinguishes it is how you respond to the change. And don't be concerned if it takes you longer than someone else; you're all on your road! It takes time to adjust, but if you stay optimistic and open-minded, you will succeed.

Personal Wellbeing

The best foods for your heart — Tips from a cardiologist.

November 25, 2022
The Wellness Tribe Team
The best foods for your heart — Tips from a cardiologist.

The holidays are just around the corner, and it can be challenging to survive this hectic season; this becomes even more challenging if you are a person with diabetes. During this time of year, food and alcohol are abundant, and temptations are no doubt great, but maintaining good lifestyle habits requires daily mindfulness and preparation. 

To help you have a great party season without having to worry about heart disease, we asked a cardiologist expert to share some heart healthy food tips. 

Go Green With Your Diet

Food for your heart — Tips from a cardiologist.
Photo by Vitalii Pavlyshynets on Unsplash

The first step you can take is to increase your dietary fibre intake. Eat foods such as carrots, broccoli, whole grain cereals and grains, peas, lentils, melons, oranges, and pears. An individual fruit contains more fibre than three to four whole fruits used for making fruit juice.

Those with diabetes should avoid eating too many fruits. Choosing whole fruit and vegetables will increase your fibre intake and other nutrients. Instead, choose fruits that are low in sugar and rich in fibre, such as strawberries, oranges, sweet limes, apples, and pears.

Every meal should include a salad. You can get more nutrition by adding raw vegetables to a salad. Vegetables are a fantastic source of nutrients. In order to complete a full supper, you need a substantial amount of sprout-filled salad and vegetables. As sprouts are high in proteins and fibre, you should eat two daily servings.

Methi (fenugreek) seeds can be added to your meals. Its ingredients reduce cholesterol and are heart-healthy, making it an excellent source of soluble fibre.

In addition, people with diabetes and cardiac issues may benefit from adding raw methi seeds to curries, dals, or curd.

Let's say goodbye to salt and oil.

Let's say goodbye to salt and oil. Food for your heart — Tips from a cardiologist.
Photo by Matthijs Smit on Unsplash

We are not asking you to stop consuming oil and salt entirely but rather to limit their consumption. A daily salt intake of 5-6 grams is recommended for healthy people. However, if you have been treated for heart disease or had heart surgery, the daily salt consumption should be at most 2 grams or roughly half a teaspoon.

"The food you eat can either be the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison." - Ann Wigmore 

The commercial marketplace also offers a wide variety of heart-healthy oils, including rice bran oil, mustard oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, and groundnut oil. Using more than one cooking oil per month can provide additional benefits.

Be mindful of both quality and quantity.

Keep an eye on the amount of frying oil. It's essential to monitor the quantity of cooking oil you use, no matter what kind you use. The amount should be at most 15 ml (or three teaspoons) per day. 

You can use ghee in addition to cooking oils; however, you should not consume more than 15 ml per day. Consider taking one teaspoon of ghee and two teaspoons of oil instead of three teaspoons of oil a day.

In case you are uncertain about portions and types and want expert advice, you can approach HR at work about a corporate wellness program where an expert nutritionist will guide you through healthy heart dos and dont's.

Maintain a portion control policy. Spread your meals out over the day and consume small portions. A person who eats three full courses in one sitting may strain their heart, other organs, and stomach. 

It is best to eat six small meals throughout the day or two meals followed by pauses for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks mid-afternoon snacks. In addition, simple, light foods should be served at supper. Avoid fatty and gas-producing meals at dinner, such as beans and cauliflower.

The nuttier, the better

There is no doubt that nuts are heart-healthy. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for maintaining the health of your heart, and they supply the highest amount. The benefits of this include maintaining blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels, lowering triglycerides, reducing inflammation, and preventing heart disease. In addition, there is a lot of PUFA in almonds and walnuts, which makes them excellent for the heart.

Consider your snack choices carefully. Incorporate light snacks such as sprouts chaat, vegetable chaat, boiling corn chaat, puffed rice (kurmura), or bhel into your menu. 

When it comes down to it, it is always a good idea to keep a close eye on your consumption and speak with a nutritionist if you are particularly mindful.

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