Office life has its perks, but also comes with its challenges. After working from home during the pandemic, many of us are preparing to return to work in an office setting, and this change may bring about stress.
If you have a return-to-work date coming up, you might be dealing with mixed emotions around ‘getting back to normal’.
Here are 5 tips to help ease the transition back into the in-person work environment.
1. Mentally prepare for the return
Planning is key in many aspects of life, and this situation is no different. Take time to think about your job and your situation. What does your new day-to-day life look like? If there are any changes you want to make, be sure to discuss them with your colleagues and employer to get their support.
Dress for your video meetings in the clothing you would normally wear to the office. This can help shift your mindset back to the more formal office environment, so when the time comes, it’s less of a shock.
2. Establish a better sleep schedule early
Without the everyday commute, it’s been easier to hit that snooze button. This habit can be difficult to break, so it's smart to follow a more regular sleep schedule in advance to make the morning wake-ups smoother.
Seven to nine hours of sleep is recommended for most adults. Getting the required amount of sleep can also help you handle your new work schedule and pressure more easily.
3. Take a hybrid approach
This may not be an option for everyone, but if it's available to you, it can be a good compromise. It can be hard to give up the flexibility of working from home, but there are definitely some unique advantages of returning to the office, such as:
- Social connections
- Fewer distractions
- Firm boundary between work and home life
- Sense of normalcy
Just a few days a week in the office can be the perfect balance to benefit from the structure of office life, and the flexibility working remotely can provide.
4. Practice self-care
Start by getting into the routine of a regular workday a week before you go back. It can help with the transition. Plan for timely meals, a consistent sleep schedule, and make time for physical activity as well as for relaxation. It’s also very important to be mindful of these signs of stress:
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Heaviness in your chest
- Increased heart rate
- Body aches
If you're feeling these symptoms of stress, look for ways to reduce them. Try deep breathing. Go for a walk or run. Take a mental break. Do some stretching or yoga. Practicing stress reduction is the basis of good self care.
5. Ask questions
It's important to acknowledge and speak up about any concerns about returning to the workplace. If you have questions, be sure to bring them to your employer. Generally, employers are eager to help and and to ensure a safe and comfortable return to work for you.
Now is the time to assess the options available to you, and make requests that could alleviate any uneasiness you may have. Consider a gradual return to the office, and inquire about what health and safety protocols will be in place.