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Mental preparation - returning to work

Our employers will take care of the physical safety aspects such as only going in one way and exiting another, social distancing of desks, along with rigorous cleaning but how mentally prepared are we?

Being mentally prepared for returning to work or the office after so long is a vital part of everyone’s role. As feelings of stress come from anxiety, we have some practical tips to help you be more prepared for the transition back to work or the office.

• Being prepared can prevent pitfalls and reduce feelings of stress and this comes by preparing yourself for your daily tasks. This may be doing some research to understand what’s needed or speaking to a colleague, all of which helps reduce anxiety.
• Never go to a staff meeting without having prepared in advance updates about a particular piece of work you’re undertaking and how you are going about it, what the timelines are and what the outcome is likely to be.
• Another technique is to focus on your tasks, make a real commitment to that day and if need’s be, make a list of the things that need doing which’ll provide that focus.
• Concentrating hard on your role not only helps to achieve a positive outcome but it diverts your mind by being fully absorbed.

At the end of the day, it takes time to get back into the new pattern of being office based, but these tips will help you on a daily basis.

It’s also a day to become aware of others around you. Take time to think differently about that person who you pass who would normally say hello or smile in acknowledgement but doesn’t on this occasion. Is s/he occupied with something else, or perhaps just running late and is focused on that?

Life’s incredibly busy for everyone and affects people differently. A person may just be too mentally occupied to acknowledge you as you pass so try to see things from the other person’s perspective.

There are lots of useful tools to help individuals cope with just the everyday stresses, some of which are easily accessible such as just going out for a walk however brief, it helps you mentally.

Creating a daily task list is another coping mechanism and helps garner all the outstanding issues into one place. By capturing it in a list, it makes a person feel better and in control or perhaps create an electronic list on your phone, as and when you remember something.

World Mental Health Day is about being supportive and understanding to others, as well as being a bit introspective and reflecting on the things that may be adding to your stress levels and then make a plan for dealing productively with it.

In a recent survey by LBC, the radio station, which through the Freedom of Information Act has discovered there is a greater shortfall of children receiving help for mental health issues to those that are fortunate to be able to receive some vital support. https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/lbc-investigation-childrens-mental-health-support-plummets-during-pandemic/

It is widely accepted that during this year long pandemic which on the 29th January 2020, saw the first death from COVID-19, that it has impacted all our lives in terms of travel restrictions, job losses, meeting up with friends and family or working from home which in turn has affected many people’s mental health.

Mental health issues manifest in differing ways such as people feeling isolated and lonely or it may be that a person’s got a shorter temper which can be signs to look out for in your family and friends.

Today is Time to Talk Day and so perhaps you’re feeling fine but have a think about those close to you and reach out to them. It could be as simple as a short text asking about how they’re feeling. You never know, maybe someone will send you a message or ring, as they may be thinking about you.

It’s good to know someone’s there.

Most of us regularly work from home for say, one day per week, so we can cope and are used to that. However, in these unprecedented times, for a lot of us working from home is now five days a week, this certainly puts the onus on each of us to stay motivated and focused. Here are some tips which may help give you a steer:-

Get dressed and avoid the temptation to work in your PJs. You’ll feel more motivated to work and where possible, create a work space which’ll mean it doesn’t feel like the rest of your house.

Set yourselves daily targets and this’ll also help you to prioritise better. Having a list also gives you the satisfaction of ticking off your achievements which is very gratifying.

You will have enhanced autonomy, this is wonderful opportunity for each of us to demonstrate we can be self-starters, as well as looking strategically at your role and how processes can be improved or cost savings made, or maybe identifying areas which are not being developed.

It’s important to keep connected with your colleagues. Set up regular virtual meetings and allow time for a bit of chit-chat which helps keep connections between each of us.

On a final note, just think that whilst your heating bill may increase a bit, you’ll be saving on fuel, wear and tear on your vehicle, and no lost time in your daily commute. There are some real positives.