So you’re starting to finally think about heading back into the office?
Does the thought of ending your work from home have you stressing?
Are you worried about heading back into the office?
Most of us are in the same boat, we’re all a little nervous to get back to the office after a year and a half at home, but here are some ideas so you can dive back into the workplace armed with knowledge of how to be stress free.
Clean up your space. Forget spring cleaning, it’s time for summer cleaning! Whether you’re just cleaning up your work from home desk (something I desperately need to do) or tidying up your actual office space, chances are if you’re back in the office, it’s a little dusty, things are out of place, and there are things you don’t need anymore. Get rid of that clutter from your desk so you can focus on work, and add the new things that will help you feel happier while back in the office!
Wardrobe Makeover. You want to feel your best when you head back into the office, so make sure your wardrobe reflects that! You want that confidence that a killer outfit brings, so make your whole closet those killer looks! You don’t need too many pieces, just add a fun blazer, or some nice jewelry, you can work with what you already have.
And don’t be too hard on yourself. The last time you wore those work clothes was about a year and a half ago, our bodies change and your clothes should too. They might not fit right, they might be out of date, you might hate wearing actual pants (I tried on jeans for the first time in a year and a half and it was a painful experience :) ); get clothes that make you feel good and you look good in! Luckily, all those flowy clothes are in!
Find that Sleep Schedule. When you head back into the office, chances are your schedule will be more regulated by your boss or your team. Make sure you’re getting a full eight hours of sleep each night, you want to be well rested and feel less stressed when you finally get back to your office space and getting a good night’s sleep is essential for feeling your best.
List out the Positives. There’s a lot to be anxious and stressed about when heading back into the office after a year and a half, but there are also some positives. Make a list about those positives and bring it in your purse, so you have it with you and can look at it when you get a little anxious.
Some examples you could write down are: “Being able to smile at my colleagues in 3D,” “Grabbing a coffee at that place I loved near work,” “Being away from my family for a couple of hours,” “Resetting with my team on our projects,” or “Finally doing my hair!”
Self Care at your Desk. Your life has changed in a year. Bring things to your desk that make you feel good and feel calmer while sitting there.
Might I suggest a candle? I love burning a candle while I work. It feels like I’m somewhere on vacation. If you can get away with it, grab a candle with a scent that makes you feel good, I love ones that smell like pine trees, I remember my time in Yosemite with my family and it helps me relax.
Or if your office doesn’t allow candles, have some essential oils at your desk, don’t use too much so it doesn’t bother others, but put just a little on your wrists for a nice relaxing and stress-free moment! I actually interviewed Ryan Porter who owns an essential oil business for the podcast a couple of months ago, HERE SHE IS speaking to us about ways to use the oils.
Flowers or plants are essential. Grab some flowers from a stand or a small plant and take care of them at your desk. They lift your mood and give you something to do when you want to get up and stretch.
Take a moment to meditate. We actually have some quick 5 minute meditations to target stress, try them HERE.
Grab your Jubilance. Jubilance is the supplement designed to help fend off your PMS stress, but it can help in other situations as well! And if you’re PMS-ing you definitely don’t want to be stressing about that AND being in the office. Put it in your desk drawer so you remember to take it every day.
Schedule in Self Care. It’s important to schedule in that self care that you need. Your colleagues and boss don’t know what you need to feel stress free and grounded when you’re back, make sure you schedule off 5 minutes to meditate, or grab a coffee. You can take 5 minutes during the day to get your head in the right space!
Eat Healthy. Stock your desk drawers with healthy snacks. You know you’re going to munch, so why not go to Whole Foods and try some strange new healthy snacks! I also like to bring my own tea to the office. I’ll grab some fun new tea bags and so I’m drinking something with no calories that I’m excited about.
Eating healthy is so important when it comes to heading back to the office. You want to feel your best and that means getting back into the routine of healthy choices.
Implement Support Systems. Talk to your colleagues or friends outside of work about creating pods to talk about the past year and coming back into the office. You want to create a space for dialogue about what being back in the office means to you and others. Make sure you have friends to talk to about your experience and about theirs!
Review Safety Protocols. Before you head back into the office make sure you review the safety rules put out by your human resources department. They’ll let you know what you need to do when you first get back, whether you need masks, how to take the elevator, and other protocols. In any case, it can help you ease your stress to learn about all the rules put in place for your safety!
Make Sure You Feel Comfortable. Everyone has different levels of comfort and that’s ok! Check in with yourself about how you feel about going back, and when you go back, keep checking with yourself about what’s going on in your head.
Talk to Your Team. Whether you talk to your boss or a colleague, make sure you express how you feel. Maybe you have some ideas to make yourself more comfortable? Everyone is in the same boat and will most likely welcome the feedback and dialogue.
Try Something New. Schedule something fun for during the workweek so you associate work with something new and exciting! Perhaps you go to the new bar near your office after work, or try axe throwing, really it can be anything to get out of the “rut” of working from home, and getting your brain to recognize that you can do more than just be at home!
