“It has been one hell of a ride!” The consistent message I'm hearing from everybody about the last year (and obviously the one before). Uncertainty, hope, despair, frustration, celebration, freedom, restrictions have all been mixed into an exotic and heady brew that we swig from every day. The whole drama has been intoxicating. And now here we are again sipping from a pint of confusion.
Such emotional instability has a huge impact on our system. So many people are living with this constant stress response unsure of what today's news will hold. Being flooded with cortisol and adrenaline is not our natural state, and therefore the cracks are beginning to show. But for once Christmas can truly be our saviour.
Often the festive season brings more stress because we have more people to please, all of whom have their own crazy little expectations as to what they need at this time of year.
But this year it feels different. This year we can see loved ones. And I for one I am extremely grateful.
Although the official Christmas holiday for many is short the reality is this year it will be incredibly long. Most people will be able to put their feet up for a good two weeks and although they will need lots of energy within their homes it's taxing in an altogether different way from work. As they say - a change is as good as a rest - and I totally agree. But it is therefore important for us to properly disconnect. We need to switch off from work and rest that muscle.
My mind feels tired. My emotions are quite fried. The ups and downs of the last two years need to calm. I know full well that I will be a different person in two weeks’ time. Slightly more rotund; but also hungry for adventure - excited as to what will come.
Give your team some space this Christmas. Boy they've earned it. And when they come back with the bit between their teeth; 2022 will be one hell of a ride.
As Bowie once said, “I don't know where we're going from here, but I promise it won't be boring”.
Photo by Rodion Kutsaev on Unsplash
