Employees across the globe have been well adjusted to the lifestyle of working from home for a good one or two years. That is a long enough period for any individual to feel more comfortable in one’s space, and have a flexible schedule for work that revolves around things as per their convenience and resources.

Thus, going back to the office though has its own benefits, but it could cause a little anxiety here and there for people to shift schedules and move out of their comfort zones. The thought of the disruption of one’s daily routine could be rather daunting.

The question is how can one lessen the stress or the anxiety that comes with this change in routine?

Let us have a look at the brighter side, focus on the positive and prepare ourselves for a more productive routine, Coping With Getting Back To Work Post Covid Lockdowns.

Establish a New Routine
It goes without saying that when you are working from home, you are bound to work at your own pace and you are not in a rigid time-bound routine. However, it is time to go back to our old habits and it would be good if you could begin practicing that a few days before you need to start going back to the office.

Back to Setting Boundaries
While working from home, it was convenient but unthoughtful to approach one’s colleagues at any time of the day. In fact, even for yourself, it was normal to club work while eating or trying to complete household chores.

Now that you’ll be back at the office, you might as well set boundaries for yourself around your colleagues and clients. Have fixed timings at work or for someone to approach you. Keep only urgent emails or calls to respond to once you are back home. Spend time with your family now that you aren’t going to spend all your time being around them.

Realize the Importance of Reconnecting
Socialising could be a daunting task for some. However, it would be thoughtful to remember that everyone has had a different experience throughout this pandemic. While some are excited to get back to the office and reconnect with their colleagues, others are rather adamant.

The key is to be considerate and aware of the feelings of those around you and at the same time be vocal about how you feel. Do what it takes to make yourself more comfortable and give yourself time to adjust to the given routine.

Lastly, it is always good to be around friends and colleagues, it could also result in more efficiency and productivity compared to when everyone was on their own to handle their work responsibilities without any support or help when needed in urgent circumstances.

Follow the ‘Look Good, Feel Good’ Mantra
It is not a hidden fact that while we have all worked from home, we have most certainly worn some of our loose shirts and pajamas while working. Now that you are back in the office, it will be good to reorganize your wardrobe.

Studies show that what you wear to work helps in making you feel more confident and professional. It definitely would help you feel more composed and focused on your first day back in the office. Oh, and not to forget the compliments that you might gather!

Dealing With Safety Concerns
Some more than others even today are quite uncomfortable to be in open spaces or in large crowds and that is understandable. It definitely could be worrying to be working around people who have not been cautiously practicing the pandemic safety protocols.

But the key is to communicate and be vocal about your requirements. Be sure that your employer is following through with a committed regime for maintaining physical distance and other appropriate measures. Yours and everyone’s safety is a priority and you don’t have to apologize for that.

Conclusion
In the end, to conclude, it is difficult to paint one picture for everyone. The pandemic has been harsh on each one of us individually. While it is daunting for some to leave their children back home once again, others are struggling with their anxieties, etc. Therefore, we must give ourselves the time to figure out what exactly is troubling us and then chart out a plan to fit into a routine and make things work.

This kind of change indeed will be transformational but it also offers tremendous opportunities for you to reinvent yourself, get back in the game, improve your productivity and create an overall better experience for yourself.

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