When the pandemic hit, a majority of jobs switched to remote working full-time. We were given the luxury of keeping our jobs while now being able to work in the comfort of our own homes, wearing whatever we wanted, eating whenever we wanted, and being able to do small tasks in between our workdays. When this idea first started, it seemed like a huge transition that many had to make accommodations for, including, crafting a home office and mastering motivation in your own space while living through a global pandemic. As CDC begins to lift guidelines as vaccinations become readily available, you may be or may have already been asked to start working in the office again.
While this does provide hope for returning to ‘normal’, the thought of working back at the company office may come with a lot of anxiety. Rush hour, having to get ready every day (and put on real clothes), being away from our beloved pets or kids, we all have reasons to not be so excited for this new routine returned.
However, there are things we can do to prepare us for returning to the workplace that can ease stress and anxiety!
Transitioning into the officeInstead of going full force and working in the office 5 days a week, why not see if you can work out a schedule with your supervisor that allows you to slowly transition into the office? This past year hasn’t been easy for anyone, and chances are that no one in the office will be ready to give up working from home cold turkey. Consider an ideal schedule for you (whether that be working from home 2 or 3 days a week) and see if it’s possible with your company.
Keeping your new work-life balanceWe all know working from home allowed us to pick up new hobbies, activities, and time to do things that we love. Write down the things that are now a must in your weekly routine since working from home and consider how you can reason with your boss to keep these things. Companies are understanding more than ever how the quality of life can improve an employer’s work performance. Present a plan to your supervisor with ideas and solutions to keep your weekly activities, in the best interest of both you and your company.
Implementing a new self-care routineSelf-care awareness has become very widespread online along with free resources, ideas, and advice on how to implement self-care. The past year has taken a heavy toll on everyone’s mental health and it has been crucial to prioritize self-care to minimize anxiety, depression, mental clarity, and etc. Don’t let your new work routine stop that! Find new ways to implement self-care in your new work environment. Prioritize breaks into your day for meditation, stretches, or walks outside.
Transitioning routines will always be a little difficult, especially when it involves a heavier mental toll. Be sure to continue to take care of yourself, stay hydrated, continue to do things you love, and give yourself a break when you need one. Together, we will get through this.
If you struggle with mental health, book a free consultation with our health experts to learn if ketamine infusion therapy is right for you.