How to deal with pandemic anger

Ongoing restrictions and lockdowns are fuelling anger and frustration, which might be impacting employees’ performance at work.   

Anti-lockdown rallies around the country and resentment towards anti-vaxxers failing to “do their part” show emotions are running high as the fallout from the pandemic drags on.  

It means some employees might need specific strategies to cope, Ai Group’s National Manager - Work Health Safety Consulting Services Trinette Jaeschke said. 

Being mindful is a good place to start.    

“These growing feelings of anger and frustration can be due to a few different factors,” Ms Jaeschke said. 

“People affected by restrictions no longer have access to the resources that they would normally use to de-stress. 

“Maybe they’ve lost social connections and can no longer meet friends for dinner after work. 

“Those who are used to working out at gyms have had to make do with exercising at home without the equipment that they are used to.  

“Others might simply need time out from immediate family to get a break from those around them 24/7.” 

Fear also drove anger and frustration, Ms Jaeschke said.  

“There's the fear of further restrictions, fear of contracting COVID, fear they may lose their job or financial security, fear for the future and fear of the unknown. 

“Fear can be a limiting belief which raises a variety of emotions.  

“Interestingly, there are some emotions which can be triggered by past experiences, values and epigenetics (a new science about how genes from past generations can be passed on to us from past trauma that we didn't even experience ourselves).  

“Our unconscious mind doesn't even register that we have these thoughts, beliefs or experiences that are impacting and triggering us negatively.  

“So, we unconsciously react without even realising where they are coming from.  

“Our unconscious mind is really powerful. In my experience, I'm finding when people are fearful of say, COVID vaccinations, they will find fear in everything else around them. 

“It's like when you buy a red car, and you end up seeing red cars everywhere.  

“If someone believes and feels COVID restrictions are 'heavy' or 'too much to handle', they'll unconsciously find evidence to prove they are right.”  

The key to calm is being present.  

“There are a variety of 'in the moment' strategies you can do to manage the chronic emotions,” Ms Jaeschke said. 

“However, first you need to be aware and mindful of your emotional state.  

“Often when we automatically react — due to our unconscious — and we're emotional, the lights turn off in the front of our brain where we make our ‘logical’ and ‘strategic’ decisions. 

“Instead, the lights are on in the back of our brain. Studies show we are literally dumber when we're highly emotional. 

“We can become aware by using mindfulness techniques such as stopping to breathe, getting outside and enjoying nature and taking in the world around us.  

“Mindfulness, meditation, breath work or swimming — anything that gets you into the 'flow' — can help to bring you back to understanding how you are feeling.  

“Once you are aware, then you can make changes around yourself to make your situation more positive.  

“Change your environment, how you behave or your activity levels.  

“This is why dancing, yoga or cleaning out your cupboards can make you feel so great. 

"Sharing these tips with members of your team who are struggling at the moment may be extremely beneficial. 

“If, however, things become too much, it's always a great idea to chat to a health professional. These emotions could be suppressed and require a closer look to help you heal.”