17. Managing stress and work-life balance in the era of Covid-19

A one hour Zoom workshop for everyone

The unprecedented disruption in how we work and interact caused by the Covid-19 pandemic continues to have profound consequences. In addition to changes in our long established work routines are the attendant social and psychological stresses of managing new ways of interacting and working. In this online interactive workshop we will:

•How to set boundaries and limits to balance your work and life.

•Identify stresses associated with our new remote work life.

•Review tools to help manage these stresses.

•Help you choose and apply the tools that work for you.

During the workshop we will explore what about our new work situations creates stress or tension and review what features of this new situation are the hardest to adapt to or manage.

You will learn the difference between “automatic” responses to stress, which are unhelpful or maladaptive, and “adaptive” responses which promote optimal functioning and resiliency by minimizing the negative effects of stressors.

You will learn and practice six easy to use adaptive stress strategies that you can put to use immediately to limit the impacts of stress on your work life and help keep you focused.

• Using breathing as a tool.

• The benefits of setting boundaries and limits.

• Using diet and nutrition to combat stress.

• Getting the most from good sleep.

• Eleven cognitive tools to counteract stress.

• Apps and online resources you can use.

These same tools applied to your personal life will enable you to get the most out of your personal or family time. Finally, we will explore what may be keeping you from managing your stress and what you can do about it.

Workshop leader: Suzanne L. Cohen, Ed.D.