Rambling Rich – Christmas 2020
When we were writing our latest newsletter, I was given strict instructions from my team to not mention that “tricky little virus” beginning with the letter “C”…so I didn’t. Instead, I thought this “ramble” would cover off the importance of wellness and how we need to look after ourselves and others at a time of increased change and volatility.
These periods of change and volatility have been termed VUCA, a term first used in 1987 to describe or reflect on the volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity of general conditions and situations…and boy have we been in a VUCA period if ever, and I still haven’t mentioned the word I am not allowed to mention!
When we enter these VUCA periods human instinct can manifest in many different behaviours. For example, we can run away and hide, we can stay and fight (yes VUCA is used in the armed forces), we can become creative, we can become resistant to change…and there are many, many different behaviours, all of them real to the people who are experiencing VUCA times.
The big downside of VUCA periods is the impact they have on our wellness. Again this impact on wellness can be significant and when we are faced with repeated VUCA periods, such as repeat lockdowns, our wellness presentation can be different. These presentations are often to do with how we survived the previous VUCA period and whether we “thrived or dived,” and whether we learned from that previous period.
So, a major part of coping and maintaining wellness is being mindful. We must reflect on our own wellness and health, and that of our whānau, friends, and colleagues. Reflecting is an important part of building our emotional intelligence and resilience. In a busy world this can be difficult, but should it take a long period of time? It may be a meeting with a friend over coffee, or sitting somewhere quiet and taking a few notes about how you feel, what is making you feel this way, and what you can do about it. It can also help to take time out and really notice your surroundings.
It’s important to not do this on your own if you are finding it hard to cope. Consider counselling, coaching, or talking things through with a friend, partner, or trusted colleague.
Other keys to wellness involve physical activity. Increasing physical activity has all sorts of good biological effects on our body, that also improve our mental wellbeing. There are many apps available to help with looking after our wellness – for example, try www.mentemia.com.
Most of all, we need to be kind in these difficult times.
So, take care, enjoy the holidays, and have a wonderful Christmas.
(See how I didn’t mention the thing I was not allowed to mention through the whole article?!)
This article was first published in our newsletter – Waipuna Connections, issue 75.
