A Pep Talk And Tips For Working Parents Overwhelmed About Going Back to the Office Post-Covid

By: Rebekah Nanfria, Associate Certified Coach at 3Be Coaching

And we’re back…to the office, that is! Last time we talked about two possibly overlooked factors that accompany going back to the office: Sensory overload and rediscovering connection Today let’s consider mindset and energy.

The pandemic is still happening. Yes, covid case volume has been dropping, things are opening back up, but we know it isn’t all over. Even if it were, we’ve spent the last year training our brains to be hyper-aware of a deadly risk.

“We can’t just shut that off,” says Detroit-based psychotherapist Stefani Goerlich

It’s been a traumatic time. Our minds were locked into survival mode and now we’re being asked to adjust. Let’s remember to be gentle with ourselves and those around us. Covid has impacted everyone differently. We haven’t fully processed the mental, emotional, financial, and physical impact of the past year. The feelings and attitudes about being back at the office will vary greatly so let’s drop any assumptions about others' experiences. Some will be thrilled to be out of numbing quarantine. Others will be longing for the comfort of home. New parents who’ve enjoyed extra time with their babies may be experiencing loss. Maybe only one spouse is returning to the workplace, requiring new systems for managing schedules. Certainly, everyone will be navigating the logistics of switching back to the workplace, commuting, and potential business travel. There may still be deep fear of the virus itself. It’s a great time to create understanding and respect, by opening up honest conversations about what people are wrestling with and what kind of support is needed.

The demands on our energy will skyrocket. Getting up, dressed and out the door on time; fighting traffic or waiting on public transportation; even just walking! A lot of us did much less moving during quarantine. Smiling and saying “Good Morning” while absorbing the energy of countless people throughout the day could demand more energy. Take a moment and consider the ways your energy will be tapped and know it won’t stay exhausting forever. Like training to run a mile, eventually it gets easy. The key: Pace Yourself! Look for ways to conserve energy and to replenish it.

Tip: Clarify what “gives energy” vs. “drains energy”

A simple exercise: Make two columns on a piece of paper. Label one column “gives energy” and the other “drains energy.” Next, write the people, places, habits and thoughts that feed both sides. For example, if a certain restaurant feels loud and demanding but another one keeps you calm, then you know where to choose to have lunch. Maybe your pre-pandemic habit was to listen to talk radio during your commute, but perhaps now some fun music or silence would support your energy. A gentle walk around the block before going into the house after work might fuel you. Get creative with managing your energy. We often think of time as our greatest commodity but it’s actually energy. Be gentle with yourself and remember to take things slowly. Walk before you run. This is about self-care. For more on Self Care check out 3Be Coaching’s “You’ve Got This!” audio course.

3Be Coaching’s “Back to the Office” series are meant to reflect working parents’ real life experiences post-covid. Want to share your own “Back to the Office” post-covid experience? Drop us a note at info@3becoaching.com

Categories: Working Parents