(LOS ANGELES) (MAY 6, 2021) With pandemic-related restrictions being lifted across the country comes the return to offices and anxiety about returning to the workplace. Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Michele Nealon has advice for easing anxiety.
“For many of us who were lucky enough to be able to work from home during the pandemic, it’s normal to feel some anxiety about going back to work in an office. It’s also normal reluctance to change the routines we have established while being at home,” said Dr. Nealon, president of The Chicago School. “It is important to separate out what you are anxious about. Are you concerned about your health? Are you disappointed that working from home has ended? Is it something else?”
Dr. Nealon believes that keeping the positive aspects of being out and about again is going to be helpful.
“Going to an office means we have reached the stage in the pandemic where that is possible again. That is something profound to celebrate. We also get to see our colleagues in person again, many of whom may also be good friends that we haven’t been able to see in person for a very long time. For so many, isolation has taken a real toll on mental health wellbeing. A sense of camaraderie virtually is no replacement for in-person interaction.”
Dr. Nealon offers the following tips to reduce return-to-work reluctance and anxiety:
Mentally prepare. Take time to understand what you’re feeling. Figure out what you’re stressed about. This can help you get ahead of what you need to prepare for while also giving you a sense of control.
Talk to your boss. Find out what the new office protocols are, and if there are things you can do to make yourself feel better about returning to the workplace. If you are concerned about your health, for example, find out if you need to bring your own hand sanitizer or wipes. Can you work from home for some part of the week while still maximizing your work efforts?
Put your routine in place. Re-establish your routine before you actually have to go back to the office. Implement a going-to-the-office sleeping and eating schedule. Start dressing in work clothes. Practice with your family.
Remember this is an uncommon situation. This is new to all of us, and we are not going to have all the answers right away. Practice patience with your employer and yourself, knowing that we’re all trying to figure things out after over a year of uncertainty
Engage in self-care. Focus on taking care of yourself so that you remain physically and emotionally strong. Do things that help you better cope with stressors.
Reach out for help. If you find that this transition back to the office is overwhelming you, it’s important to acknowledge that and contact a professional for help.
“That we can open office spaces again on such a wide scale is a sign we’re turning another corner in our efforts to beat the pandemic,” said Dr. Nealon. “That’s good for all of us.”
For resources on mental and behavioral health, go to http://www.thechicagoschool.edu/insight/.
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