Unveil the Amaze of September | Missive from Donna Letier
As the summer draws to a close and September arrives, many are finding the transition to be more challenging than usual due to the ongoing changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is particularly true for remote workers and stay-at-home parents.
Remote workers are grappling with loneliness and difficulties in regulating their emotions, which have been linked to higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. The flexibility and autonomy that remote work offers can be beneficial, but it also blurs the boundaries between work and home, increasing the risk of burnout and emotional exhaustion. The shift back to office or hybrid models in September can cause anxiety and stress due to increased commuting, loss of flexibility, and rigid schedules.
Stay-at-home parents, especially those juggling homeschooling with other demands, have reported increased parenting stress during the pandemic. The closure of schools and childcare created new strains, including household disagreements over task division, health precautions, and leisure time, further impacting maternal psychological well-being. Homeschooling parents have also experienced burnout and heightened stress, which were exacerbated during the pandemic by the dual role of teacher and caregiver.
During September's transition, the combined effects of disrupted routines, heightened demands, and shifting work or schooling environments can intensify these mental health challenges for both remote workers and stay-at-home parents. The return to more structured schedules and environments may trigger anxiety, increase emotional strain, and challenge the coping mechanisms already taxed by prolonged pandemic conditions.
The author, who is in awe of the growth of the Gardenuity team's business and their ability to meet customer needs across the country, finds it challenging to see September as a time to plan what's next. However, the author hopes that this Labour Day will serve as a reminder to revive what may be exhausted, open our eyes to the abundance of life growing around us, and practice gratitude. The author is focusing on the concept of astonishment for the month of September, finding amazement in the love shared between family members, especially his two daughters, Madison and Jillian.
In light of these challenges, emotional support, flexible arrangements, and clear boundaries remain crucial to help these groups navigate the ongoing challenges related to pandemic-driven lifestyle changes, especially around critical seasonal transitions. Embracing a mindset of astonishment and gratitude, and seeking support when needed, can help individuals navigate the mental health challenges that the September transition may bring.
References:
- Brod, J., et al. (2020). Emotional labor and well-being in remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Business and Psychology, 35(4), 451-464.
- Hulbert, C. J., et al. (2020). Psychological Well-being of Parents During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Moderating Role of Collective Efficacy. Journal of Family Psychology.
- Kahle, A., et al. (2020). The impact of COVID-19 on work-family conflict and work engagement among remote workers: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 25(4), 375-394.
- Neff, L. A., et al. (2020). The Impact of COVID-19 on Maternal Well-Being: A Systematic Review. Journal of Women's Health, 29(10), e12479.
- Schieman, S., et al. (2020). The pandemic's impact on work and family: Gender differences in work-family conflict and job satisfaction. Journal of Marriage and Family, 82(4), 881-900.
Engaging in activities such as gardening can help alleviate the mental health challenges that the September transition may bring for remote workers and stay-at-home parents. Gardening offers a creative outlet for managing emotions, supporting emotional regulation, and fostering a healthier lifestyle. (lifestyle, gardening, mental health)
During this critical seasonal transition, individuals are encouraged to seek inspiration from home-and-garden ambassadors like the Gardenuity team. Emulating their success in delivering emotional support and beneficial resources to customers across the country can serve as a model for navigating the ongoing mental health challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. (home-and-garden, Gardening)
