Back to Work? Tips to help cope with work-life after Lock-down!

How are you all feeling right now? I hope you are all doing well! It has been an extremely tough year for everyone in so many different ways. With things looking on the up and normal life slowly on the horizon. As much as it can feel great for restrictions to be eased, It can also feel extremely daunting returning back to normality, especially some social situations, going to your favorite bar with your friends, going to a restaurant and of course going back to work! I feel that the biggest challenge is going to be people going back to work. Many including myself have had support from the furlough scheme enforced by the government, many have been working from home (myself included) others have not been able to work since early March and others sadly have lost their jobs. Now in the restrictions slowly being eased I think it would be a good idea to help you all with some helpful tips for going back to work now or the upcoming weeks or months.

#1 Don't put yourself under any pressure

It is so easy to put yourself up on such a high level of exception after being out of work for so long. You need to remember that once you are out of a routine it can be extremely tough to get back into the swing on things. Putting yourself under pressure is more likely to cause you a hell of a lot more stress which is when your mind can run away and cause more errors within your work. Your employer and colleagues will be in the same boat as you (It is vital to remember this!) and will completely understand that getting back to your 100 percent will not just happen overnight, just like with them. We are all human and have all experienced a lot over the past through months. Ease yourself into your work and you will gradually be back to your working best! I can guarantee it!

#2 Self Care

Self care is always important when it comes to yourself. Getting back into work can be very mentally and physically exhausting so it is more vital than ever to make sure that you are looking after you and that does not change! Never forget that self care is not you being selfish, it is about you taking care of yourself to keep your mind at peace. If you have had a rough day at work, make sure you do something for you. this could be anything that makes you feel better! For some this could include doing a workout or some form of exercise. For me, football is always a great way to help me switch off while keeping myself active. Visit a place that you have a good memory of from the past to help ease your mind. Even treating yourself to a purchase online in some cases or even getting a takeaway, spending time with friends or family. Sometimes (not always) even just enjoying your own company is a good way to keep yourself happy and calm, never feel guilty for enjoying time on your own. It can be a lot more helpful and healing than you think. There are so many different ways for different people but I feel these examples are ones that help me best. Sometimes the simple things help the most.

#3 Open up about how you are feeling - Don't keep them bottled up!

This can be hard I know, some may be rolling their eyes at this one but honestly this is so helpful. Being up in general is vital to keep the mind clear and in a safe space, as much as it can be tough (trust me I know!) opening up really can do you the world of good. With regards to work, if you are worried that you can't keep on top of what you have been asked to do or you can feel in yourself that you are struggling. In times like this this might be because your are stressed that your job is not safe, you feel you cannot cope with the current work load, even that you just do not feel ready to go back to work. All these feelings are completely understandable. Talk to someone. This could be explaining to your manager that you are struggling with work at the moment, All employers have a duty of care for you! Even speaking to a friend or family member about what is on your mind regarding work can be such a relief for you, it is always good to talk and also get another perspective with regards to your work situation. Not bottle things up!!!

#4 We are all in this together!

This can be so easy to forget, our minds really can go through some dark thoughts that make us feel like we are on our own. It is essential to remember that like the fantastic picture above says, "We are all in this together" People will understand if you are finding things extra difficult. Support is always around you. Together we will get to were we need and want to be. Normal life is closer than ever. Working life will feel good and normal again soon. I wish you all a great afternoon. Stay safe!