Check list to easing the transition back to the Office, 7 tips.

Whether you’re returning to the office full time or just a few days per week, the disruption to your daily routine can feel daunting. All of a sudden, you’ll be interacting with far more people than usual, and you’ll probably need to adjust your schedule to accommodate your commute. How can you lessen the stress that comes with this change in your work?

Start by?focussing on the positive?that can come with going back to the office.

It is difficult to give up the flexibility and ease of working from home, however, there are several advantages of resuming work in an office that the home environment lacks.

The benefits may include rebuilding social connections and curbing the loneliness many experienced during lockdown, fewer distractions that reduce your productivity, and a firmer boundary between your work and home life.

It’s totally normal to feel some?social anxiety when thinking about going back to the office and interacting with a group of co-workers.

1)???Start getting into the routine of a regular workday a week beforehand to allow a smoother transition. Follow a healthy routine with timely meals, consistent sleep timings, adequate physical activity, and relaxation time.

2)??Gradual approach to socializing can help ease the transition. Start connecting with individuals or smaller groups of people first before moving on to interactions with an entire team.

3)??Set aside breaks at work at regular intervals to destress and rejuvenate yourself during work hours.

4)??Stock your desk with things that can relieve stress, such as a stress ball, a calming?essential oil diffuser, a favorite snack, or framed photos of your loved ones.

5)??Start building your support network at work again and specifically prioritize spending time with coworkers who are supportive and get along well with you. Offer to have a socially distanced meeting in person outside of work or a casual coffee break while working to connect with them.

6)??Keep in mind that the safety precautions of the pandemic upended social norms, like shaking hands. Figuring out what feels comfortable to you now and developing a plan to respect your?personal boundaries can help you feel safer.

7)??Reminding yourself that, just like working remotely, going back to the office will eventually feel like a normal part of life—one that comes with advantages, as well as some challenges, that will help you strengthen resilience against the stress of change.

Even as you work to make the transition easier, returning to the office may feel overwhelming at times. Practicing self-care can help you cope with the stress of change.

Just how long the transition takes can vary from person to person. The adjustment period might last anywhere from three weeks to three months, on average.

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