Reduced productivity under prolonged stress is a natural reaction of the body
Due to the prolonged war, Ukrainians should lower their productivity expectations and switch to an 'energy-saving mode'. Experts emphasize the importance of sleep, live communication, and maintaining a stable routine for adaptation. This was reported by Ukrinform, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
Social and military psychologist Oleh Pokalchuk notes that during a prolonged war, one should not demand from themselves to function with the same efficiency as before. This state, where a decline in cognitive abilities or memory is observed, is a normal consequence of prolonged stress, to which the body adapts by switching off secondary options.
Stress adaptation mechanisms
Many Ukrainians feel the current situation acutely due to constant comparisons of their lives with the peaceful past. The psychologist emphasizes that expectations of rapid cyclical changes in reality that do not materialize only exacerbate negative experiences and emotional burnout.
“We cannot do anything about our emotions in principle, but we can change our assessment and attitude towards them,” Oleh Pokalchuk remarked. The specialist compares attempts to work with previous intensity until resources are exhausted to a computer running out of battery due to excessive workloads.
Restoring internal resources
For effective stabilization, the psychologist recommends focusing on basic needs: sufficient sleep and interaction with people. Furthermore, an important strategy is following a clear daily routine and concentrating on events “here and now,” which prevents the feeling of emotional drowning.
The main task for an individual in the current circumstances is not returning to the pace of life from twenty years ago, but the ability to move forward with available resources. According to Pokalchuk, realizing that calm movement is more effective than attempts to demonstrate perfect productivity is the key to maintaining mental balance.
Photo: Ukrinform
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