However, every cloud has a silver lining and the OnePoll market research experts decided to ask the nation about their experiences of working through the pandemic with surprisingly positive results!
It turns out that working through these testing times has made Brits more resilient to changes in their working environment, with 65% agreeing that this has been their experience. Furthermore, 76% feel that the pandemic has been positive for them in key ways, with 56% celebrating a reduction in the need to travel, 52% embracing additional time with their families and 50% indulging in more 'ME' time.
Dealing with stress was also a positive story with 91% of Brits rating their ability to manage stress as fair, good or very good.
Stress management has played a key role in this with nearly half of Brits (45%), deploying specific methods to deal with stress during the pandemic. Taking time to engage with a relaxing hobby tops the list of methods at 55% with self-care activities (49%) and mindfulness (36%) coming in second and third. Meditation (34%), yoga/pilates (31%) and getting professional help (25%) round out the top six and the great news is that 86% of those that used these methods, noted that they were effective or very effective at helping to manage stress.
In life, with all things being equal, there were a few negatives worth noting. Whilst many felt that working from home has positively impacted their work/life balance (46%) and positivity (31%), 42% reported a negative impact on their mental health from working from home, 41% felt their physical health had declined and 36% felt less emotionally stable.
Work based stress can have a directly detrimental effect on these areas so what can we do to improve them whilst actually at work? Mind, the mental health charity identify stress at work as a significant contributor to either developing or exacerbating mental health issues. Their article on being mentally healthy at work, highlights depression and anxiety as possible outcomes of work based stress.
Whilst, people are aware of the bigger conditions surrounding mental health, often people let early signs pass them by, yet this is where a big difference can be made and the ability to deploy stress management early and in the moment is crucial. Whilst it would be lovely to be in a position to stop work and indulge in a little hobby-based relaxation or self-care, it's not terribly practical when you're working on a project with a deadline approaching. This is where mindfulness can be your stress reduction friend.
Mind identify some of the early signs of stress as muscle tension, headaches, teeth grinding, increased heart rate and mood swings. Deploying mindful methods as part of stress management is particularly useful here, as at the heart of mindfulness is the art of being present and noticing your physiological and emotional state.
We've consulted with MindfulnessUKatWork who specialise in work place wellbeing management, particularly in relation to stress and anxiety. Vera Dubrovina-Thompson, Director at MindfulnessUKatWork agrees, "The practice of mindfulness is multidimensional and deeply rooted in over 50 years of a research based approach that was originally designed by Jon Kabat-Zinn to reduce stress. Whilst it is recommended that you start learning the practice through a structured programme, once embedded in your daily life, you can use its simple and effective ways to support your everyday challenges and with a little committed practice, the results on reducing stress can be remarkable. What is particularly good about the practice is that it carries lasting long-term benefits; helping to improve mental health, reduce mental distress, increase the ability to cope with stress, develop a positive outlook and decrease anxiety".
So, what makes mindfulness so perfect as a starting point for work-based stress management? Firstly, it's something that anyone can do, anytime and anywhere. Secondly, it's completely free so costs don't pose a barrier. Lastly, people can personally invest in mindfulness at a level that suits them and their stress management needs, scaling up and down according to higher and lower stressful periods of time.
What are the benefits of taking up mindfulness as a practice? Obviously, the aim is to reduce stress and anxiety in the workplace, but mindfulness also aids a person’s ability to cope; building resilience, optimism and generating more positive outlooks. With that comes improved relationship building, a better awareness of your own choices in dealing with stressful situations and increased focus & productivity. A more complete explanation can be found in the MindfulnessUKatWork article 'How mindfulness at work can help you, your business and employees'.
Getting started is really easy, why not try this 3 minute simple practice designed to make you more aware of your five senses. It's incredible to realise how much information our senses take in that we don't notice unless we're really paying attention!
For those, thinking that mindfulness is simply a nonsense-based buzzword, take a look at the evidence that MindfulnessUKatWork has on why it's such a practical solution. Who knows it might be just the solution to stress that you were looking for?
Discover more mindfulness tips and techniques here.
Insights produced by Celia Kershaw, Research Director at OnePoll.