“If they are worried, what they are experiencing is called “re-entry anxiety” and there are two forms of it” says Dr. Susan Albers, PsyD.

“The first form concerns safety. People are anxious that when they leave their house, they may unknowingly contract COVID-19 or possibly spread it. The second type is around social interactions. Over the past year, we have been socially distant and lost practice of how to meet with people in person, look them in the eyes and engage in everyday chitchat” Dr. Albers told the Cleveland clinic for an article on returning to work.

After a long period of physically not going to know yes it can be challenging to go back towards the traditional setting.

So here are three basic tips from psychologist Ms Shruti Shah on how to adjust getting back to office

1. Setting Boundaries

The first and the foremost is to start setting of boundaries, with a makeshift working desk at home, there was a blurring of boundaries. You could work at any time throughout the day or night at your convenience as far as the work is getting completed on time.

With going back to your office workspace, you can start with initiating boundaries with working hours. You can start with setting a work time, communication modes, when and where would you be available. Giving thought to what works best for you and your mental health with your employer and colleagues

2. Being Kind to Yourself & Others

The work from home stage was very sudden and affected each individual in a different manner. The shift was very quick, with loads of changes coming into place- there was uncertainty about the future, a loss of freedom filled with being scared and grief.

With constantly being at home with our computers, surrounded with virtual stimulus – it made us loose our boundaries and led to being overworked with high expectations. People were hard on themselves, so it becomes very important to recognize all you have been through in the past three years of the pandemic. Keep into mind the things that have changed and what all elements would you still like to keep.

Socializing gets important in an office set up but it can also induce anxiety, you may be worried about being socially awkward. You can prep yourself up by going out and talking to people in your neighbourhood.

Then comes in physical contact, where you start wondering if should you go for a hug ? or a Elbow bump ? Conversations regarding this aspect becomes essential for your work. Wherein your feelings about getting back to work can be anxiousness or excitement, also take into consideration everyone has gone through the pandemic in different conditions and their feelings can differ from yours.

3. Getting Realistic & Taking Care of your Mental Health

The routine you followed would need changes, with work from home you may have mastered the art on how to jump into meetings at the very last minute or multitasking with household chores. Initiate the bridging of the your current routine with the one you need to have in order for realistically meeting your work requirements.

Facing anxiousness is very normal, but free floating anxiety is worse than certain specific worries. Start with planning as to when will you go back to the office, which of transport would be included into your commute and how would you bifurcate your time now. Reaching out to individuals and creating a community can prove to be very helpful in the longer run.

Article Written by - Priya Vijayran (MA Psychology, Reiki Master & Clinical Hypnotherapist)