Returning to work is going to be a challenge for all of us after the events of this year. It’s totally natural to feel stressed, worried, and unsure about the future. Whatever your field, and the safety measures in place, it’s still going to be strange trying to adjust to the new situation.
Many people are feeling anxious about interacting with others in person, taking public transport, and having to do so many things differently. Unfortunately, if you don’t learn to manage this anxiety it could have a detrimental effect. Here are some tips on how to cope with this back to work anxiety.
Figure out the Main Cause of Your Anxiety
Are you feeling nervous about traveling to work, whether you drive or take public transport? If so talk to your employer about other options. You could make an agreement with HR about a phased return, or change your start time so you don’t have to travel during rush hour.
You are not alone in feeling this kind of worry. According to a recent poll, the majority of citizens are feeling anxious about returning to work. Try to find out the main cause of your anxiety, is it do with social distancing and safety, or perhaps rooted in a problem you had before? If you have underlying issues with your job or coworkers, perhaps this is the cause of your anxiety.
Seek Professional Help
Seeking professional help is a good idea if you have anxiety. If you don’t want to travel to see a therapist you could try telepsych, and communicate with a certified professional via video conferencing. This is a much more convenient option, and cost-effective.
Talk about your concerns and put some coping strategies in place. This will help you deal with your anxiety in the long-term as well. One example many therapists use is cognitive-behavioral therapy which is great for working out solutions and learning new ways to keep on top of your mental health.
Practical Exercises
Controlling anxiety when you’re out and about is never easy, but there are some practical exercises you can try. If you are nervous waiting for public transport or entering the office, take a beat and do some breathing exercises. Focus on your breath and try to stay “body aware”.
Once you’re in your workplace, wash your hands and carry on with your breathing exercises. And try to remember that everyone else is in the same boat, and many people are probably feeling anxious as well. Be sure to maintain social distancing and hygiene according to regulations. If everybody works together, you can keep your workplace safe.
If you learn to manage your anxiety, you will feel the benefits. You’ll be more able to process new information and adapt to challenging situations. Back to work anxiety is a common problem after a break, and reaching out for help and advice is the best thing you can do. Prevent your anxiety getting in the way of the things you used to enjoy.
Leave a Reply