Simple Ways to Beat Back-to-Work Stress and be Happy

Whether it’s a long weekend, your annual holidays, or returning after COVID-19 restrictions, the idea of going back to work can bring on stress and even anxiety. It might be the thought of the mountain of work you need to catch up. You may be worried about the safety measures your company has in place. Whatever is causing your worries, back-to-work stress is a real thing.

As governments worldwide start to reopen businesses, millions of people will start their daily commute again. For example, in the United Kingdom, there was heightened anxiety among children who returned to school after COVID-19 restrictions. One study found that 65 percent of British workers are anxious about going back to work.

Employers will be working hard to make sure that they comply with new health and safety guidelines. But there are still things you can be doing to help. If you’ve been on an extended vacation or are heading back to the office after COVID-19, here is how you can beat the dread that is already building up.

5 Ways to Beat Back-to-Work Stress

1. Get back into a routine

Your new routine may have been getting up at 8.50 a.m. to start at 9 a.m. in your pyjamas. You may have been finishing work later and going to bed later. Breaks and lunchtimes could be all out of whack, just like your sleeping patterns.

Before the first day in the office, start getting yourself back into your routine. Go to bed earlier and get up earlier. Shower and get dressed before you start your daily tasks. Write to-do lists so that your day begins to have more structure. In the first few days of returning to work, leave a little earlier than usual. This will prevent you from feeling the stress of the commute and possibly arriving late.

2. Be realistic with your planning

Because you feel the pressure of all that needs to be done, it is easy to over plan for the first few days. This can leave you feeling overwhelmed at work. And more often than not, more fear of the next day.

Organise all that you need to do in order of priority. This should be based on your priorities and not other people’s. Of course, the boss has ten things that are all urgent, but it’s you who knows your responsibilities best. Consider how long each task will realistically take. Don’t forget that there should be some enjoyable tasks on your list too.

3. Plan for the long-term

Everybody has been through some very significant changes. Returning to work is another one. Many people fear change. But it would help if you remember these changes are short-term and you will soon get used to the new normal.

Your primary focus will be on ‘surviving’ the first week, but you should also start looking at the long-term. See this as a positive chance to reassess your goals. Think about new skills you might want to learn or ways that you can advance your career. Make positive plans for the future.

4. Look after yourself

The holidays are often when we may have the extra glass of wine and not the healthiest diet. You aren’t alone if your alcohol and caffeine intake has increased due to lockdowns. It’s time to cut back again!

A healthy diet and exercise can significantly help reduce stress and anxiety. Your body will start producing more happy hormones that will help you to see things more positively. You will also find you will be able to sleep better.

5. Never be scared or ashamed to ask for help

If you find adjusting back to work challenging, speak with your boss or HR. You may be surprised to find out how understanding they can be, especially if they share your feelings. They may have some solutions to help you with your workload.

You can also contact health professionals who are trained to assist people with work-related stress. Your doctor can advise or direct you to professionals you can talk to and even recommend supplements or medication you could take.