10 Wellbeing Tips on Returning to Work After Being Furloughed

I wanted to write this blog post because after seven months of being furloughed I am back at work. SEVEN months, kids. That’s seven months of not logging in to my laptop, seven months of no routine, no work colleague chats over coffee and biscuits, and seven whole (wonderful) months of not having to kick the office printer.

Minus the printer, I missed my work. I’m one of the lucky ones, I love my job and my employer looks after us, but even so, my anxiety was at an all time high when I returned and that’s never a good platform to dive from.

Returning to work and navigating reopening a cinema during a global pandemic as a small team, is a lot to take on. So it wasn’t a surprise that my sleep and stress levels got worse and I got poorly within a week of being back.

However, over the past week, despite some personal setbacks, I’ve gained a little clarity and I hope my well-being tips might help others when returning to the 9-5 after being furloughed.

1. Speak with your employer about any worries you might have. Are you worried about travelling to work? Working from home? Childcare? Family issues? Money?There are so many things that the pandemic has affected. Keep the line of communications open with management or HR, not just on the day you return to work. A good employer will have your back.
2. Empty your brain at the end of each day. I find it more useful having a list for the day written the night before. This helps me not worry about work as much during the evening and makes me feel prepared for work in the morning. P.S Here lies my permission for you to buy a new planner and a notebook.
3. Plan your breakfast for the following day – something to look forward to. My current fave is porridge with almond flakes and blueberries. On a even better day it’s French toast with caramelised banana. Oh my.
4. Schedule breaks no matter what, and step outside. Even if you just stand on the doorstep with a brew in hand. If you are working on your laptop all day, screen-free time is even more important.
5. Snack on foods that make you feel good (that means chocolate as well as fruit – no room for food-shaming here!).
6. Make your working environment (even if it’s the sofa) a relaxing place for you to work in. I make sure I can see plants in every direction. *Why hello, Mr. Monstera.*
7. Check-in with your work colleagues to see how they are doing. Send virtual hugs.
8. Try being active for at least 10 mins before you start your day. I know it’s difficult for some but I promise, when I have made the effort it really does get you motivated. Hello endorphins.
9. Batch cook. You’ve got enough on your plate without having to worry about what to have for tea tonight. Try to have some ready prepared homemade meals in the freezer or fridge. Now that there is two of us working from home, this has been a game changer for us and helps with lunches too.
10. Share your accomplishments. You are doing great! Write down things that have made you proud, and give feedback to others who are doing fantastic work under very difficulty circumstances too.

Thanks for reading and take care all! x