Anxious about returning to the ‘normal world’?

In this uncertain climate, where do you find yourself as we start the reopening process? Are you anxious about how things will play out? 

Will we be taking temperatures when we get to work? How long will masks be a required accessory when we leave our homes? Many of us are experiencing a wide spectrum of emotions, from excitement at the opportunity to resume work and our former routines to hesitation at facing the unknown in the workplace and public. 

Personally, I’ve had days where I didn’t want to go out and be close to anyone for fear of contact and exposure. It took me a while to take a deep breath, to not overthink things and to trust that I was taking the right precautions. I let the anxiety freak me out a little. Considering how calm I usually am, that was no small feat. 

Preparing for the New Workplace—and Beyond

So how do we handle the back-to-work transition?

One thing I know is that the more prepared we are, the less stressed we will feel. A good way to ease worry is to manage expectations by having a clear idea on what to expect when heading back. Open communication about new work policies is key. We’ll all likely have questions when it comes to social distancing, wearing masks, extra cleaning, etc. In addition, we won’t be sharing spaces the same way, limiting the number of people in breakrooms, conference rooms, etc. “Knowledge is power” is a great expression for a reason. More knowledge will allow us to make better decisions. 

The first step is to find out what the new normal will be at your workspace. 

Perhaps a more important question to consider is whether we are riddled with anxiety about returning to work or maybe stressing out about going out at all.

Some mental health professionals offer reassurance that anxiety is normal. It’s okay to experience grief, fear and nervousness about what we’re heading back to. According to Dr. Brene Brown, if we spend all our energy complaining about the current situation, we won’t be able to move forward. You can feel nervous and unsettled, but you also need to have some perspective. You can still be grateful for what you have, while mourning the loss of something else. 

According to the American Psychological Association, employers and leaders should set a tone that emphasizes concern for employee well-being by offering compassion, honesty and openness.

Choose Calm over Chaos

Most of us can choose to control our anxieties. We can even lead others to choose calmness in this sea of chaos. 

Anxiety is contagious. But so is calm. Knowing that we are not alone—that everyone is trying to figure things out—offers a sense of community that we’ve been missing out on for the past few months.  

A best practice for moving forward is preparedness. The more prepared you are, the less nervous you will be. One way to prepare is to consciously create and maintain your new routine.

How? Through mindful repetition. Repetition creates new habits, something we’re being asked to do right now. Some healthy new habits for the foreseeable future include the following:

• Be aware of what you are touching—elevator buttons, telephones in common rooms, bathroom door handles, etc. Avoiding these high-touch surfaces, or using an elbow when possible and practical, or will limit the spread of germs. 
• Leave space between you and those around you. Step away from each other in the elevator, limit the number of people that can share that space.
• Be respectful of one another by minding social distancing guidelines, wearing masks as recommended when in close proximity. 

Think of these new routines as a way to protect others, as well as yourself. 

We have more reason to be cautious of these days than ever before. But we will get used to the situation, and it will, indeed, become a new normal, gradually easing our anxieties as we adapt. 

And remember, when the stresses start to get to you, breathe. 

Below are some resources that may help you:  

• Coping with stress info by the CDC 
• OSHA’s Ten Steps Workplaces can take 
• CDC’s Interim Business Guidance
• OSHA’s Prevent Worker Exposure
• Meditation – Headspace
• Integras Covid-19 Resource Page