During COVID, many of us had to adjust to working from home. This included sharing our workspace with our families and friends. Some individuals adjusted well to this change, while others did not. Now that COVID restrictions have started to lift, some individuals have gone back to working in office, while some are doing a hybrid or are still working virtually as their workplace has decided to remain virtual. During these times, folks are navigating a host of life transitions as they adapt to the new normal.
Here are a few tips on how to adjust to being back into the office or how to adjust to continuing to work from home!
How to work from home:
1) Make your space your own!
If you have a room in your home that you can turn into your own office that is great! Make this place your own, add your own creative touch and make it a pleasant place for you to enjoying working in daily. This can include getting a comfy office chair and having your favourite mug to drink coffee out of. If you don’t have the luxury of having your own home office, you can also use a foldable desk, a laptop table, or your dining room table. Whichever one works for you! Switch up your work place some days by going to a nearby café that you enjoy! This will provide you with a change in scenery while also getting you out of the house.
2) Take breaks!
It is important to take breaks while working from home just as you would at work. As per the Ontario labour guidelines, you are entitled to a 30-minute break every 5 hours. During this time, get outside if you can! Go for a walk, go get a coffee, take your dog for a walk, or just do something that gives your mind a bit of a rest. Perhaps cook up something special for lunch!
3) Get ready!
For some of us, getting ready in the morning can help us feel more productive. Wake up, brush your teeth, wash your face, eat breakfast, put on a comfy outfit, and sit down with your favourite mug and choice of tea or coffee! Keeping a routine while working from home may help with keeping you more productive as well as potentially making the transition to going back to working from the office easier.
How to adjust to going back into the office:
1. Set boundaries!
It is important when going back to the office to set boundaries for yourself. Try not to take work home with you if you will not be working from home at all! Perhaps your work may be open to having work from home days once a month or as needed to help employees adjust going back to the office. If you have had the same employer for 6 months, you may be able to request a flexible work arrangement which can help with that work-life balance!
2. Be compassionate
All of us had to adjust to being in lock down for the majority of 2020 and 2021, so it may not be that easy or comfortable to be around others anymore. For many, mental health struggles such as anxiety or depression have been exacerbating throughout these years. Be compassionate with yourself and those around you. Going back into the office and adjusting to working a full 8-hour day may not be easy anymore – especially with other mental health concerns! Try packing your favourite snacks for when you go to work or doing some self-care when you get home such as taking a nice hot bath or shower!
3. Set a new routine
Just as you may have had a routine while working from home, make a new routine for going back to work! Setting a new routine can help get you back into the groove of things. Perhaps this can include leaving a few minutes early to grab your favourite Starbucks drink on the way to work!
4. Seek Support
Not everyone can adjust to jarring life transitions ‘seamlessly.’ If you’re struggling, you don’t have to struggle alone. Not ready for in person support? Don’t worry, online therapy in Canada is a great alternative and offers a convenient accessible way for you to get the support you need.
Adjusting to a shift in your home and work life can be a difficult transition. Find what works for you!
Rebound Total Health: Online Therapy Made Easy
If you’re looking for help navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions or other mental health struggles, we’re here to help! Rebound Total Health offers online therapy in Ontario, Canada – contact us for a free consultation to see if we’re the right fit for you!