WORKING AROUND THE WINTER BLUES

 

It’s that time of the year where we get to dig out our winter coats and cardigans after a bit of a hiatus. Winter roast season is here so we can finally hone those culinary skills that we have absorbed through countless hours of Masterchef series and Buzzfeed videos!

After a great weekend, we prepare ourselves for the week ahead. As we are setting our alarms to accommodate an extra snooze (or two) in our warm beds, news has it that we are facing what is one of the coldest starts to winter in 128 years! “Hang on, it’s not like we are living in Northern Europe – how cold can it get anyway?”

Unperturbed, we keep our spirits upbeat, head off to work and catch up with colleagues over coffee on what unfolded over the weekend.

However, everyone is preoccupied with increased workloads over and above the daily workflow since the new financial year is kicking off. In addition to budgeting, reporting and new performance targets; you have an integral role to play in delivering the revised organisational strategy for the upcoming year, all whilst maintaining BAU activities.

You face the challenge of juggling the above during this frantic period, dashing off to take advantage of the EOFY sale and being home in time to catch your favourite TV program while keeping healthy when everyone around you is battling a cold … All in the coldest season where daylight hours are in short supply. So, how does this all work again?!

You realise that you could start to lose motivation getting through this gloomy period. While many of us would consider this a one-off issue purely based on the weather, a persistent state of lethargy affecting heightened change of mood with symptoms of depression could be serious and might equate to Seasonal Affective Disorder. More commonly known as SAD, this is a seasonally-based form of depression that can cause anxiety, panic attacks and mood changes, as well as a lack of energy and concentration problems.

Classified as a mental health issue, SAD should not be taken lightly as at it most severe, the effects can be debilitating for the sufferers.

As an employer / manager, here are some signs that you may take notice of in a colleague who could be suffering in silence:

Drastic change of mood / behaviour

Noticing someone being anxious, short tempered, easily depressed and/or lack motivation not seen previously. A drop in participation levels or increased isolation as compared to previous months would be warning bells too.

Lack of energy

This goes beyond the regular Monday blues, evidently when one is seen struggling to complete the normal, everyday tasks that they normally blitz through. They could still be seen as lethargic or unusually slow at responding while trying to get through their day despite having their umpteenth cup of caffeine.

Concentration issues 

This is when you notice one jumping from one task to the other, unable to focus during meetings or can be seen fidgeting a lot that is uncharacteristic (and not on a Friday afternoon!).

Overeating / Comfort eating

It’s very tempting to just choose hot, warming meals over salad although watch out for the calorie count – perhaps balance out that roast or stew with soups. Seeing someone who carefully manages their diet and exercise regime starting to frequently binge on snacks and sugar could also be a telling sign.

So now that you are aware, how can you help the distressed?

Acknowledge and engage

Acknowledging the situation and having open communication would be a vital step to help someone who may be impacted. Be approachable, sensitive in your communications, engage and offer a helping hand (or sympathetic ear) in understanding their situation and their current state of mind.

Set realistic expectations / focus on the positives

Rather than putting fuel on the fire, it would be wise to set realistic expectations so they do not pile further negativity on themselves. Instead, focus on what they are best at and how they can contribute to the organisation. If they have been a great asset contributing 110% to the organisation so far, why not take a balanced, longer-term view when assessing performance if they are at 80% for the next 2 months?

Allow some flexibility in working arrangements

Flexibility for this period could help. Often, late starters suffering from irregular sleep during this cycle could work with a temporary schedule or a work from home arrangement, which in turn, could lead to better productivity.

See more light!

While it may sound straightforward enough, soaking up rays is key. As most of us normally commute to and from work in the dark during winter, try to get more rays during the work day, be it sitting closer to a window or taking walk outdoors during lunch breaks. Alternatively, a light box could be an option. Research shows that these devices simulating sunshine can actually increase serotonin which ultimately leads to improved mood levels.

**** By all means, please seek professional medical support where necessary****

While we may not be medical practitioners at Acquire, we are passionate about realising the most in individuals and organisations. So if we can be that light box for you to counter those winter blues as a start, do get in touch!

To counteract those winter blues CLICK HERE