How to Cope with Returning to Work After Coronavirus

One feeling we all have in common during this COVID-19 pandemic is uncertainty. We are uncertain about what the world will look like going forward, how long the quarantine will last, and what will happen when we go back to work.

If you are one of those individuals who has been off work for any length of time during this crisis, you may be worried about what to expect when you return to work. The conflicting information that comes out each day does little to help comfort us. One thing is certain for all of us though, eventually we will return to work.

We need to try to focus on the things we can control and look at the positive sides of things. One thing you will want to do is try to protect yourself, your loved ones, and those people around you that you encounter. One way you can do that is to keep good hygiene in mind. Here are several tips you can do when you return to work to limit your exposure to potential germs.

Limit Your Exposure through Good Hygiene in the Workplace

• Frequent washing of hands and using hand sanitizer after touching anything someone else may have touched
• Thoroughly clean your workspace at the beginning and end of your shift
• Avoid physical contact with others as much as possible, turn those handshakes and high fives into verbal greetings, nods, or fist pumps
• Wearing a mask if you are close to others protects them from any of your unexpected sneezes or coughs if you may be unknowingly carrying the virus
• Stay informed without overwhelming yourself, too much media reports or even social media can leave you stressed about the crisis

Remember, there is no sense in worrying about the things that you cannot control. There are a lot of positives that have occurred because of this pandemic, try to focus on those. As a country, we have become much more aware of the needs of each other, with more and more people reaching out to help others. We have been forced to slow down and take stock of our own personal lives without the typical distractions that come with busy work and social lives. More people in society have become aware of mental health issues and have a better understanding regarding, anxiety, stress, and depression.

If you are one of those people who struggles with social interactions, you may have been much more comfortable isolated in your home these past few months. Make sure that as life gets back to normal you are not further isolating yourself from others. Stay connected to your emotional support system. Get back out doing the activities that you enjoy as soon as you are able.

Throughout this COVID0-19 crisis, Aspire Counseling Services has been here to assist you, and will continue to be here as we all transition back into the workplace. Gradually, things will return to normal and we need to adapt and change as this transition occurs. If you need help during this shift toward the “new normal”, Aspire Counseling Services is here for you, just give us a call.

Aspire Counseling Services strives to provide multiple solutions for you to explore to maintain your mental health. Drumming is just one more tool to get you back on track to a healthy mind and stress-free living. If you have more questions, give us a call.