How to Manage Stress If You’re Going Back to Work IRL

Dalgona coffee quarantine seems like it was forever ago. Also, do you remember when you binged Tiger King? In March, most jobs became remote until further notice. Numerous employees have since become accustomed to working from home, making the idea of a return back to working in-person a huge challenge.

The ongoing pandemic can add more strain for anyone that’s returning to work as you consider public transportation, interacting with coworkers, and all the ways you could catch or spread the virus. While the transition sounds stressful, it doesn’t have to be. I’m here to lend a hand and help you navigate through such a unique time.

Create a routine that brings you satisfaction.

Getting back into the groove of things can be such a struggle. I mean, for the past seven months, I was sending emails from the comfort of my couch while catching up on my shows. If I wanted to do a quick workout, I could fit it in during my lunch break. Working remotely has made it easier to run errands, do laundry, call your family and friends, and even set time for self-care.

However, there’s no need to dread going back to the office. You can still customize a routine that sparks joy. You don’t want to have a schedule or system that will make you miserable, am I right or am I right? It’s important to give yourself breaks and continue to do the things that helped you cope with the pandemic. For example, plan to work out in the morning before getting ready for the office or read your new book on the train to let your mind focus away from your job duties.

Plan in advance to minimize hassle.

TBH, procrastination is the root of stress, a feeling you really want to avoid at all costs. Luckily, this is all easily prevented by planning ahead of time. You can prepare a schedule that highlights projects and their due dates for the next few days, week, or month. It’s up to you to decide what timeframe works the best for you. If you’re a little unsure, feel free to try different ways to get organized and find the right one for you.

Organization is the key to having a successful routine. Using a planner is a great way to get started. Personally, I use a ban.do’s 17-month planner ($29), which is super cute but also practical for a working student like myself. It has three different views: year, month and week. The views allow me to pencil in important dates and include a daily to-do list. Each month has a theme that users can focus on (perfect for mindfulness).

If you prefer a digital form, Google Calendar is a helpful tool for creating a daily schedule. You can color-coordinate each event or reminder. Using Microsoft Excel is an awesome alternative, which allows you to completely customize your personal schedule. By making separate tabs, you can sort out your to-do lists, deadlines and appointments. 

Readjust accordingly by following ways that work for you.

The new norm isn’t going to be easy for everyone. While it might take one person just a few readjustments, it might take a lot more for you or vice-versa. There’s nothing wrong with either case. What works for one may not work for another. My roommate has more free time in the morning since she works later in the day and therefore, she’s able to journal. On the other hand, I have more time at night for mediation once work and classes are done.

Finding the right techniques for readapting go hand-in-hand with creating a schedule that you love. If you worked on projects with a Netflix series in the background, you can still catch up on new shows before you hit the hay or on the weekends. 

Let’s say you’ve been skipping breakfast and cooking your lunch during your break as you worked at home. Now that you’re going back to the office, you don’t want to depend on drive-thru or deliveries. Start making a light breakfast along with some coffee in the morning, so you’re not tempted to sit through the long line at the Starbucks’s drive-thru. For lunch, meal prepping will make your life so much easier as well as save you a lot of money. Don’t be afraid to try new recipes to add a little fun.

Practice speaking up when you feel uneasy.

If you haven’t been told this lately, your feelings are valid. Let yourself be heard, especially when you’re in a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable. I totally get that it’s nerve-wracking to say something about your safety in the office or resuming your to WFH. According to The Muse, perspective-taking is a great strategy to use when you’re voicing out your uneasiness or side. This tactic helps with being self-focused, as Adam Galinsky demonstrated in his TEDx talk.

Understand each side that’s involved. First, identify what’s causing the discomfort and how to go about resolving the situation. Putting yourself in the other person’s shoes is the next step to get yourself out of the self-focused state. Ask yourself the five Ws and one H if you’re in need of guidance. This process will help you gather yourself together and speak up without appearing difficult or uncooperative.

For your personal safety during the pandemic, perspective-taking will be effective for explaining to your coworkers how important is it for you to practice social distancing as well as wearing a mask. You can ask your boss what precautions your company is taking to keep their staff safe. If you notice that there’s room for improvement, offer valuable suggestions to maintain a safe working environment.

Be aware that you can’t have full control.

The thought of having no control over the outcome brought by the pandemic sounds scary, but it’s going to be okay. Micromanaging will only cause more stress and anxiety in the long run. Let things regarding health and safety fall into place on their own. You can only do so much, so don’t overwork yourself when something doesn’t go right.

Managing your time wisely by planning ahead or having a daily schedule is awesome because it helps stay organized and productive. However, realize that at any point there may be situations that arise, which you can’t prepare for beforehand. It’s definitely frustrating when something unexpected happens. Just take a deep breath first, and then, tackle the obstacle to the best of your abilities. If you need help, it’s okay to ask for it.

With the right mindset and preparation, heading back to the office can be worry-free. Plan out a schedule that suits you by motivating you to be productive but also still bringing you enjoyment. When it comes to schedules, you can try planning by month, week, or even both. Be prepared to readjust, and stand up for yourself, and let everything else fall into place.