Im a classic extrovert.
I get energy from being around people.
I simply missed humans.
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Unlike most people I know, I was excited to finally go back to at leastsomeamount of in-person work.
Even just that one day a week seeing patients without a screen as a barrier between us was exciting.
But there are so many other things about work that have changed.
My office is new.
I have towear a mask.
There are protocols for entering the building.
Its not the same by any means, which is undoubtedly a source of stress.
I am not the same either.
That is what makes this disaster different from anything else we’ve ever known.
There isn’t anyone whos immune.
Honestly, its incredibly hard to have concrete answers about such a moving target.
Youre worried about getting exposed to COVID-19.
This is a valid and increasingly common concern.
This can help ease some of the anxiety about being back in the workplace.
If your anxiety gets worse, do not hesitate to ask for help.
Youre worried about returning to a more rigid work schedule.
Some people have truly thrived with the newfound flexibility ofworking remotely, Hubbard says.
Hubbard recommends first making a list of your concerns about returning to a rigid routine.
and What does my mind say wont work well?
These answers can then help guide the strategies for what comes next.
For example, you might be less-than-thrilled about resuming your hour-long commute.
It wont solve everything, but it may help.
Youre worried youll lose the work-life balance you finally have.
Now, many of us have gotten a taste of better balance and arent ready to give it up.
Start by asking yourself how you define balance and self-care, Hubbard says.
Is it by certain activities, the number of activities, or the quality of them?
Then, work as many as you’re free to into your routine.
This also means doing your absolute best to cut out things that dont serve you.
Youre worried about getting exhausted from socializing.
and Am I standing too close?
The key to rebuilding your social stamina is to go slowly.
Just check that tobe patient with yourselfand know that your first day back may not be your best.
Boundaries are invaluable too.
Youre worried that microaggressions at work will worsen your mental health.
She points out thatmicroaggressionsfactor into why some people of color dont want to go back to the workplace.
Dr. Anderson recommends advocating for a new work setup if doing so feels safe and feasible.
Ask to continue working remotely if you like doing it and can make a good case for it productivity-wise.
It also might be time to rethink your workplace altogether.
But if its something you might do, it may be worth considering.
Youre worried about how your doomscrolling will affect your workday.
Returning to the workplace may actually make it easier to disconnect, Dr. Brendel points out.
(Its much harder to discreetly check Twitter if youre sitting in a conference room with other people.)
Dr. Anderson suggests turning off notifications on your phone or even just physically moving it away from you.
(Hey, if it works it works!)
(you might read more about how to do that here.)
Understanding why you scroll in the first place can also make it easier to stop.
You’re worried about not feeling like part of the team because you started remotely.
But there is also a positive way to view the experience of being new in a role right now.
Youre worried about balancing productivity and the mental health of your workforce as a manager.
It can also benefit the company.
Of course, employers can be supportive and still have goals for their employees.
Its also important to define what productivity really means and looks like.
at Work Trainingor, at least download the return-to-the workplace guidehere.
Youre worried you wont like your job anymore.
The truth is we are different people now and might want different things than we did pre-pandemic.
Think: How can I create a new normal that makes my job feel right for me?
Similarly, take time to note all the potential positives of returning to the workplace.
Many experts emphasized justhow common and understandable it is to just feel off right now.
It can sap our motivation and lead us to a place where we may feel sad.
But feeling sad isnt necessarily bad.
This method, calledbehavioral activation, is a skill often taught in psychotherapy.
It teaches you how changing your behaviors can influence your mood.
Maybe even forcing it if the end goal is ultimately a positive one.
Even if you dont feel particularly interested in doing it.
No one has an instruction manual for returning to work in a global pandemic.
As Dr. Bernstein says, Perfect is the enemy of the good.
In these circumstances, its okay to do your best and accept that sometimes good enough is good enough.
Sometimes we do better than at other times, and that’s okay because we’re human.
