Return To Office doesn’t have to mean a return to unhealthy habits
After several false starts over the last year, more and more companies are setting dates for employees to return to the office this spring.
And that means a return to being out in the world.
To commuting.
To meeting in-person.
To packing a lunch.
To wearing real pants.
To fighting with the copier.
To putting on make-up everyday.
To joining happy hours.
To small talk at the coffee machine.
To hosting surprise birthday parties in conference rooms.
Many of these things that we used to do without thinking anything of, now seem so foreign. We’re all a little out of practice, after all. And it’s going to take some time to readjust to our new-new normal. It’s likely going to be uncomfortable, at least for some of us.
Whenever I’m in a time of transition, my brain likes to find all the reasons why it’s going to be horrible and terrible and why I should do everything I can to avoid whatever change is coming my way. I’ve spent much of the pandemic relishing in the work from home lifestyle – and just as much plotting ways I could avoid returning to the office ever again. It’s not just the stretchy pants and lack of commute that made working from home so wonderful (though both of those things are great). It was also the ability to take care of myself so easily and immediately.
Over the last two years, I’ve really tuned into my mental, physical, and emotional needs throughout the day. When I’m feeling stressed, I’ll find a meditation to clear my head or take five minutes to snuggle with my dog. When my neck is aching from being at the computer for too long, I’ll take a yoga break to stretch out. And when I’m feeling lonely or overwhelmed, I’ll call someone for a quick chat that immediately re-centers me.
These actions may not be revolutionary, but the fact that I honored my needs in the moment is. And I took comfort in being able to take care of myself without worrying about being the weirdo in the corner doing downward dog next to the Xerox machine.
“Wellness is not a state of being, but a state of action”
- Burnout: The Secret To Unlocking The Stress Cycle
Now that we’re going back, I’ve been thinking a lot about how to manage my energy and readjust to the new normal without leaving behind the nourishing habits I’ve created, and I was wondering if others were grappling with the same question. I know I’m going to have to be even more diligent about self-care after returning to the office - now that I’ll be competing with a commute, sitting in all-day meetings, and rushing off to daycare, there’s simply less time for me. In the past I’ve really let my wellness take a backseat to work, and I can’t do it again.
So this Sunday at 7pm CST, I’m hosting a free workshop — Creating Your Self-Care Toolkit — to help us all think through it. We’ll explore energy — what drains it and what charges it. And then we’ll each create a toolkit of exercises, practices, habits, activities that nourish us, so that we can return to “normal” armed with all the things that we need to feel like our best selves. Finally, we’ll discuss how to proactively manage our energy with these toolkits so you don’t find yourself totally depleted at the end of your first day back. So join us — and bring a friend — your future self will thank you!
Stephanie Kelly is a certified life coach who is committed to helping people recover from burnout, reclaim their lives, and redesign their world so it never happens again. She helps her clients navigate the unknown, empowering them to move towards their goals with clarity, confidence, and conviction. As a former workaholic, Stephanie believes that with the right tools and support, harmony between work and life is possible. Interested in working together to create the life you want? Book a free Discovery Call today.
