Over the last 2 months (ish), much of the working public has been bound to quarantine. Now health officials are beginning to experiment with opening different businesses for public use. This is a small victory and a little bit scary for some. While quarantine has been interesting (to say the least), anxiety about returning to our posts has been noticeable for many. Here are some things to consider to manage anxiety and transition back into the office...
Acknowledge (and Respect) New Regulations
Most work places are not going to function as they did prior to closing. Health officials have created specific guidelines for different work sectors that are focused on ensuring cleanliness and meeting the appropriate health standards to prevent a resurgence of Covid-19 cases. No one wants to undo the progress that our province and communities have made. Respecting and abiding by the guidelines is a responsibility that can harbour trust within the workplace environment.
Consider and Set Your Boundaries
Think about what makes you feel safe versus uncomfortable. We will all have to abide by new safety measures to ensure health in maintained in our workplaces. If you recognize that your colleague is continuously coming too close for comfort, speak up. Kindly set a personal boundary. Feel free to kindly remind Suzy in marketing that you don’t want to look at a new picture of her kitten unless she e-mails it over to you. So, Suzy thanks and also would you mind putting a lion’s distance between us, rather than a kitty’s distance?
I have rarely been in my office, by I did have a client get in touch requesting an in-person session. She was not shy about asking about how I was maintaining health standards. Now, that’s what I’m talking about. Your voice is so important! If you are uncertain about something or you are uncomfortable, speak up or ask questions.
A Marathon, Not A Sprint
Yes, who would have thought that you would turn into a marathon runner during a pandemic? I mean if you literally have been running solo marathons, BRAVO. Here, I’m referring to more of a figurative marathon. Our government (in BC) has clearly expressed that we are going to phase back into public life. Each phase has regulations that are to be followed by workplaces and individuals alike. We are not all going to be flinging ourselves back into jam packed offices and stores. No, no, no. We are going to slowly experiment with ensuring everyone’s health and safety, and then slowly, if all is going well continue to transition slowly.
Feel free to be cautious and remember to trust regulations, other community members, and your ability to set a firm personal boundary when logical discomfort shows up.
Anxiety & Awareness
Understanding your anxiety, when it shows up, and how to work through it is important. Some have shared that they begin to panic when thinking about returning to their job. Makes sense to me, seeing as society has been completely turned on its head over the past few months. That is exactly why now, more than ever, it is important to notice your experience, and work through it effectively. Avoiding anxiety provoking situations can create a whole host of other issues, including the perpetuation of unhelpful worry and catastrophic thinking patterns.
If you identify your anxiety and you’re honest with yourself about your experience, you have every ability to change it for the better. Acknowledgement offers you more control over your experience. Gaining a few tools to help you cope with anxiety and begin to pivot toward safety rather than that underlying buzzing fear and avoidance behaviours is immensely helpful.
Finding Connection
New environment, new rules, new energy. Your workplace might feel a bit, or a lot, different when you return. This experience has offered all of us perspective, and lessons. This may be a wonderful opportunity for you and your colleagues to share your experiences related to the past few months and how you’re approaching life, or work, or parenthood differently now. Perhaps Rob in accounting also has some anxiety about returning to work. Who knows what will come up in conversation?
Anxiety can drive some people to isolate and shut down somewhat. Do your best to look at going back to work as an experience to connect, or reconnect with others. Human connection is what keeps our souls nourished.
If you feel that your anxiety is overwhelming, feel free to get in touch with a professional who can assist you in finding a sense of control again. You are never ever alone.
If you’re looking for more help and support, such as trauma therapy in Vancouver, please don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us today.