With everything in the world changing faster than we can wrap our brains around, just as I start to feel like I understand what’s going on – it changes. Keeping up morale and managing stress at a time when we are all maxed out on stress and worry is hard, and here are a few ideas to help manage.
Important to note, I am not a health expert or certified in any wellness related field(s). My experience comes from a decade of managing a differently-abled body from a spinal cord injury, and focus on my mental health has shown me that my physical health benefits.
1. Give people space, not only the physical space required for social distancing, but rather the emotional space for them to be distracted. We are all going through this uncertain situation together, and it is distracting. Yes, you can absolutely expect your staff to still produce, work hard and deliver on their jobs. Also realize many of us are figuring out how to work from home … with kids, animals and a spouse pulling at our attention. Compassion for the new world we live in will take time to adjust to, let everyone make that adjustment as they need.
2. If you are able to have staff in the dealership working, allow for extra breaks to go outside to take deep breaths. The power of breath is amazing, and many of us take advantage of the power in breath. One easy-to-do, breathing activity is to take 3-5 minutes to go somewhere you will have minimal distractions (leave your phone behind) and take slow, deep inhales through your nose (2- to 4-second inhale) and slowly out through pursed lips as if you were breathing out though a straw (6- to 8-second exhale) until all the air is out. Doing this can leave you feeling calmer and more grounded – maybe even in less discomfort than before, as breath work can release tension and pain you didn’t know you were carrying.
3. Going back to the basics of caring for yourself is critically important right now. Eat well, avoid overly processed foods if you can, drink lots of water, and commit to a sleep schedule that will allow for the productivity you need and give you the most rest possible. Exercise if you can, or simply find ways to move your body with purpose. Finding 10 minutes a day to move in a way that feels good for your body can help you sleep better and have more energy.
4. Safety is the No. 1 concern for most of us right now. The best way you can empower your customers and staff is to communicate that they need to make the choices that feel best to them. Give your staff the power to decide if they can or cannot work. We are all powerless in much of this pandemic, and giving people power back where, we can, will have rewards in the future.
Really, I want to know – how are you? Give me a call (763-333-2420) or send me an email if I can help. You are not alone, we are in this together.
