Irish survey reveals key tools that will be used as step back into a less restricted world

Resilience and self-care will be key tools as people remerge back into our new less restricted world, a recent Irish survey has concluded.

While 40% of respondents are excited to get back into a more ‘normal’ world, over a third said they are ‘a bit anxious’.  Interestingly, there is a high level of resilience too, with half of those questioned (52%) saying that, although the past year has taken a toll, they will ‘bounce back’.

The research was carried out by Kathleen Fanning and Niall Heenan, creators of the online programme, Revive, Renew and Restart 2, which is designed to support people adapting to the impact of the pandemic on their lives.

The majority of those surveyed said they would benefit from support and learning in strategies for the future, including managing time and setting goals, as they return to a more normalised world.

40% reported that their focus on self-care was strong, however.  This suggests there has been a high level of awareness around the need for self-care and positive mental health practices over the last 15 months, according to Kathleen Fanning, who is an accredited resilience and wellbeing coach.

“It comes as no surprise that many of us are experiencing a range of emotions and expectation regarding our next steps.  The area of self-care is a primary focus in our daily work as Coaches and Trainers, because it strengthens wellbeing, confidence and decision-making capacity”.

The award-winning Coaches work with individuals and organisations looking to be more effective and strategic, with a particular focus on personal development and wellness.

In response to the needs identified in their research, and drawing on their vast experience, Kathleen Fanning and Niall Heenan are launching a new online programme this autumn, Revive, Renew and Restart 2.

Beginning on September 27 next, six weekly sessions will equip participants with the tools needed to navigate this new environment and to identify any stumbling blocks.

In the wellbeing survey, a quarter of respondents said they were looking for a supportive network, or a community in which to share challenges and experiences, Niall Heenan explains.

“An online community is a great start, allowing people to be part of an informal network, maybe with virtual coffee meet-ups that allow for connection and less isolation”, he says.

For anyone looking for a supportive and challenging programme to help maintain a positive, future focus at this time, bookings for Revive, Renew and Restart 2 can be made at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/revive-renew-and-restart-2-tickets-164659800897.  There is an early bird offer of €399 available until 30th August.  Numbers are intentionally small to allow for interaction and building community, as many alluded to in the pair’s research findings.

Personal Wellbeing Strategies

For those anticipating a return to workplaces and the challenges of rebuilding community, Kathleen and Niall suggest these strategies to move forward, focussed on a desired direction.

1. Reflect on what you really want in your life and begin to set goals to make it happen!

• Make sure the goal is something you really want – not just something that sounds good.
• Develop goals in different areas of your life to ensure balance and then prioritise them.
• Write your goal out in complete detail.

2. Consider how you currently Manage your Time!

Reflect on your current time management and your daily habits. What are the things that you are you doing that are useful and helping you make the most of each day and what are the things that are getting in your way?

This can help you to identify those aspects of your time management that:

• You handle well
• You need to improve

Each evening, make a note of the most important things that you need to do tomorrow and number them in importance. The next day do the most important thing on that list and then work through that list, giving each item a chunk of time.  Don’t forget the power of rewards so  allow yourself a small reward, especially when you do the hardest tasks!  You will enjoy that coffee all the more if you feel you have earned it!

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