As you gradually return to the office workplace, here are some tips to stay healthy, both physically and mentally.
Prepare Physically
Now that you will be commuting downtown for work, adjust your sleep schedule at least 1 week prior to when you have to return to the workplace so that your morning alarm will be less jarring the first day back.
Start meal planning so that it will be easy to bring a packed lunch to the office. Don’t forget the healthy mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks!
Get moving! Regular activity is beneficial for mental acuity and efficiency. Start slowly if you haven’t been regularly active the past 18 months by doing shorter or less intense workouts. If you have a long active commute, start with short bouts around your neighbourhood before you have to run or cycle all the way downtown and all the way home after a long day at work.
Hydration is important when you’re facing a change in environment or routine. Keep that water bottle within reach at your desk and in your bag.
Prepare Mentally
If you are feeling anxious about returning, take the time to reflect on what exactly is causing that stress. Are you worried about the commute, the increased traffic of people or the new protocols you will be expected to follow?
Use your commuting time to get into the right mindset using music, podcasts or meditative techniques. This also applies when heading home.
If your workplace implements specific hours or protocols that you may not have been practising at home, get into the habit at home before you return to the workplace.
Being physically active is a great way to combat stress and anxiety but if you are worried about spacing at the fitness centre, consider avoiding the rush by coming early morning or late afternoon. Having worked from home, you may find more flexibility in your work schedule so it might be more feasible to utilize the fitness centre between 8 and 10 in the morning or 1 and 4 in the afternoon when the facility is normally empty.
Everyone will be returning with different comfort levels and expectations for their workplaces. Remember, you are going to be sharing a space with both your co-workers, as well as other tenant companies; respect that some people may need more space than others in shared areas.
