FEELING STRESSED? GRAB A MASK

Picture this: Auckland is down to Level 1 and your workplace is back to ‘new normal’. But there’s an invisible threat making its way through the team. So what do you do to stop the spread of stress?

Turns out, preventing the spread of stress in the workplace is a lot like wearing a mask. Here’s what we can learn from it.

1. Don’t share with others

You’d never share your mask with someone else. Same goes for stress. You can still feel all the feels, but no ‘stresspassing’. Acknowledge how you’re feeling and how to handle it before infecting your coworkers.

2. Change every 2-3 hours

Just like you switch up your mask to keep it fresh, check in on how you’re feeling every few hours. Give yourself a chance to reset and think about what you need to feel better. Let’s call it a ‘vibe check.’

3. Uncomfortable? Find some space

Sure, masks are hot and itchy. But we can’t unmask in public just because we’re uncomfortable. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, find a private place to take a few deep breaths. You’ll feel better every time.

4. Show some personality

A mask doesn’t have to look dull and surgical. So you don’t have to ‘switch off’ when you start feeling a surge of stress at work. Lead with your floral-print personality and it will help pick up the energy around you.

5. You do it for others

It’s a common misconception that we’re wearing masks to protect ourselves. But actually, it’s to protect those around us. Same goes for keeping our stress in check. When we stop the spread, everyone wins.