You mentioned your anxiety, which has come up quite often, especially with the growing number of people dealing with anxiety about returning to the office. This is a big source of stress for many. What can we do to feel better about going back to work and minimize the stress level as we transition to this new normal of being back in the office?
First, it’s important to acknowledge that experiencing symptoms of anxiety is a normal response to the chronic stress we’ve all been under in the past couple of years. Many of us have had to constantly pivot, working remotely or in hybrid models. As most companies are now transitioning back to a hybrid or full office model, this represents yet another change, and any transition can be stressful.
To manage this, I recommend getting ahead of it by planning. Take some time to think about your schedule and how you will shift to working in the office. Consider your sleep routine, prioritize rest, and ensure you’re maintaining healthy habits like working out and planning your meals. If you have dependent care responsibilities, like pets or children, make sure to think through logistics—such as who will walk your pet or pick up your kids after school—and set up the necessary support systems in advance.
