The internet has changed a lot of things about life, including music tracks on demand, movie streaming, online shopping and news websites. Even work has changed in this digital era, with many companies offering completely work-from-home jobs or partially remote options. If you’re like many people, it’s easy to fall in love with the perks of remote work, setting your own schedule and avoiding daily commutes. There’s just one problem: How do you adapt if your next job requires you to be in the office from 9 to 5?
Write Down Your Worries
Don’t be surprised if having to go back to working in an office causes you some anxiety. You’re far from the only person to feel stressed about the more rigid structure of in-person work. Just like going back home after vacation, giving up a remote job can feel like you’re losing freedom and accepting a tighter schedule.
Write down exactly what you’re concerned about. Putting your fears and anxiety into writing helps you analyze them objectively. Afterward, they may not seem so overwhelming.
Everyone is different, so the things that worry you may not be the same as what a family member thinks. Maybe you miss the work-life balance and the extra time you get to spend with your kids in the morning. Perhaps it’s the social aspects of office work; it’s normal to feel out of practice with team interactions if you’ve mostly been handling jobs solo.
Stay Physically Active
Exercise is an excellent outlet for stress. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed before you start a new job, or after you go back to working in an office, making time for your favorite workout is a smart idea. Don’t feel bad if you’re a little rusty. With a few helpful tips on how to get in shape, you can learn simple exercises for stress quickly.
Why is working out such a great choice when you’re feeling anxious about work? According to Mayo Clinic, there are several reasons:
- Can create feelings of relaxation and calm
- Can produce endorphins to help with pain and stress
- Can give you a happier outlook
- Can contribute to self-confidence and self-esteem
- Can help you focus on tasks
- Can give you more energy
Plus, staying active can contribute to other aspects of a healthy lifestyle, such as helping you get a good night’s sleep and supporting your immune system.
Set a Personal Goal
You don’t need to be the employee of the month on day one. Instead of focusing on all the things you’re worried people expect of you, set a few realistic, easy-to-reach goals for yourself. Give yourself time to adapt.
This is especially important during the first few weeks of a new job. You need to feel like you’re accomplishing something important, even if you’re still getting your bearings as far as the big picture is concerned.
Get To Know at Least One Person
It’s true that the unknown is often what scares people. If you look at the people at your office as a bunch of strangers, it’s not surprising that the thought of spending eight hours a day with them gets your heart racing.
So, change that situation. Put a face to the names. Get to know your new coworkers a little more. Start to see them as friendly people and teammates.
If you have already worked with some of the people at the office, this step is easier. You can simply plan a lunch and catch up on old times, preferably before your return to the office. That way, you have at least one or two friendly faces you can feel comfortable around.
For a new place of employment, getting to know coworkers is often as simple as offering them a cup of coffee. Pick someone who inspires trust, offer a polite greeting, smile and introduce yourself. You don’t need to go into detail, just try to remember the person’s name the next day and greet them again.
