NEW ORLEANS — For the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to work stress. Learning to work from home and dealing with an unpredictable situation left many feeling anxious. Now, for those who are returning to work in an office setting, that transition can also bring stress. Some are wondering if they still know how to manage day-to-day interactions with colleagues at the office, but it’s helpful to know that others at their company may also be feeling the same way.
In a survey by the American Psychological Association, roughly half of adults reported being uneasy about returning to in-person interactions. If managing these stressors is turning into a daily issue, it may be something more that requires help. Addressing stress is important, because left unresolved, it may lead to physical and mental health issues.
Here are five tips that may help with reducing stress in your transition back to the workplace:
- Manage your time – When the pandemic began, your day-to-day schedule may have shifted. Before things shift back, think about making a list of all you’ll need to do to be ready for each day. A detailed schedule may help you feel less overwhelmed.
- Focus on lifestyle choices – Is how you lived during the pandemic playing a role in the stress you’re feeling? Things like prioritizing sleep, eating healthy meals, drinking plenty of water and limiting alcohol may all help with managing your anxiety around a return to the workplace.
- Get moving – Exercise and the feel-good endorphins it creates can be an important part of stress reduction and overall health. Consider adding regular workouts to your schedule. Also, look for easy ways to add movement to your day, such as standing for phone calls or using the stairs instead of the elevators.
- Try meditation – Focused meditation and deep breathing may help ease your bouts with stress and can have lasting health benefits. Think about taking time in the morning or scheduling breaks during the day to practice meditation and other mindfulness techniques.
- Consider an app – You may have access to digital health tools that can be useful for managing worry or stress. For example, eligible UnitedHealthcare members can download the Sanvello app for on-demand help with mental health issues. The app includes daily mood tracking, a variety of coping tools, weekly check-ins to track personalized progress and peer community support.
There are things workers can do to help protect themselves and others if they’re stressed about going back to the office due to the risk of contracting COVID-19. Consider talking with your manager about your concerns and some possible solutions, including staggering your work hours to avoid high-traffic entry and exit points or increasing space between your workspace and others.
Dr. Kevin U. Stephens is the chief medical officer of UnitedHealthcare-Louisiana
