Although 2020 was a tough year, it turned out to be surprisingly good for self-care. Working from home amidst all the uncertainty led many of us to try new activities to lift our spirits. We learned to meditate, wrote in gratitude journals, and even started using weighted eye masks at night. These small but impactful rituals helped us stay grounded and emphasized the importance of prioritizing ourselves.
As we transition back to the office, it’s easy to revert to old habits and put everyone’s needs before our own. But why not bring some of those self-care practices to work with us?
Here are eight self-care tips to ease your return to the office and reduce stress.
During the lockdown, many found that working from home was more productive. Now that we’re heading back to the office, there’s a worry that creativity and focus might dip. One solution could be making a playlist filled with feel-good, upbeat music. A 2017 study in PLOS ONE found that happy music could boost creativity, helping you come up with unique solutions to tough problems. So, before your next meeting, take a quick walk and listen to your favorite tracks to get your creative juices flowing.
Staying hydrated is essential for everything from increasing energy to flushing out toxins. But it’s easy to forget to drink water when you’re busy with emails and client calls. To stay hydrated, you could get yourself a new water bottle and bring it to work. Struggling to drink enough water? Try adding slices of lemon or lime for a refreshing twist.
Weighted blankets were a big hit in 2020, providing comfort in a stressful year. If going back to the office is making you anxious, consider taking a weighted throw blanket to work. Keep it under your desk and pull it out when you feel stressed. Your coworkers might even think it’s a brilliant idea and start bringing their own comfort items to the office.
Finding time to exercise was easier with a flexible home schedule. Now, you’ll need to make fitness a priority again. If early morning workouts aren’t for you, incorporate small activities throughout your day. Take the stairs, park a little farther from the office, or arrange walking meetings with colleagues. Every bit of movement counts!
Returning to a dull office after working from home can feel disheartening. Before your first day back, visit your office and add personal touches to make it cozy. Hang up family photos, adjust the lighting, and maybe use a wax warmer for a homely scent. Houseplants like aloe vera or snake plants can also boost your mood.
One of the perks of working from home was the zero commute time. Now, long drives and traffic are back. Making your commute less stressful could be as simple as practicing meditation on the way to work. The next time you hit traffic, take deep breaths and try to empathize with other drivers. You’ll arrive at work feeling much more relaxed.
While comfy, those salsa-stained sweatshirts and leggings might not boost your confidence. Research suggests that clothing affects our confidence and mood. Before heading back to the office, consider donating old clothes and investing in some new, high-quality workwear. Looking sharp can naturally make you feel more confident.
When you first started working from home, setting boundaries was essential to avoid burnout. Now that you’re heading back to the office, be ready to set new boundaries to align with your current needs. If you have to listen to music to manage office noise, let your boss know. If you need to skip social events because you’re not comfortable, that’s fine too. Take your time to adjust.
Those are some tips to help you ease back into office life smoothly. Any other ideas for making this transition easier?