8 Tips for Returning to Work Stress-Free

The numbers are crawling. They are crawling slowly. Nonetheless, unemployment numbers are moving in the desired direction: down! My personal experience illustrates this, as I see clients and friends going back to work after being engaged in a job search for months -- even years. Recently, a concern that I have been hearing a lot, as a result, is how to successfully transition back into a full-time, structured work schedule after not having one for so long
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Below, I've outlined some tips here on how to make this transition a graceful one:


Go To Bed
I've noticed people frequently develop erratic sleeping patterns when structure and schedule are fluid and flexible. If you're moving into a position that is going to require you being at an office at an early morning hour, I strongly urge you to start shifting your sleep pattern. More than likely you will want to start getting to bed earlier and setting an alarm for an early hour. Some tips to do this include preparing for sleep time an hour prior to getting into bed. This includes turning off your computer, dimming lights, engaging in your bedtime rituals (this can be as simple as setting the alarm on your coffee pot and flossing).


Get Your Clothes Ready
If your formal, work shirts have been rolled up in a laundry bag since your last day on your last job, it is time to grab the bag and drop it off at the dry cleaner. Also, do yourself the favor of pulling your clothes out the night before, when you go to bed.


Take Care Of Yourself
Make sure you eat healthy, drink enough water, take necessary breaks and keep exercising. It may be very easy to get swept into the whirlwind of a hectic work environment when you go back to work. You may even think this is the way to impress your boss and new colleagues. However, if you're not taking care of yourself, and end up calling out sick sooner than desired or are unable to function optimally, then who, may I ask, does that impress? (See my article: "6 Tips to Recharge at the Office.")


Leave Work At Work
Before leaving the office for the day, make a list of the things that you think might plague your mind when you go home or move on to the next day or evening's event. Then tear it up! After tearing up the list, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and say to yourself, "Breathe in love, breathe out peace." After a few of these breaths, envision leaving all of your work concerns and stress behind, as you walk through your office door and turn to lock it.

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Jason Mannino is an Executive Talent Acquisition Consultant and Coach. For inquiries, e-mail info@jmannino.com.

 

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