Returning To The Office After 5 Years WFH

Working from home (WFH) has its perks and I have definitely benefited from it over the last five years. From saving money, time and energy from commutes to spending more time on passion projects. When I went 100% remote in 2020, I was definitely against it. I felt that the lines between personal and professional were blurring too closely together for me. Over the years, I was able to create a clear separation from those two worlds within my space. I welcomed and appreciated WFH more than I realised. In the last few years we have seen many returning to the office mandates pop up in multiple countries. Of course, these mandates have come with backlash.

For those of us who are returning to the office either on a hybrid or full time system, it does bring additional stress. This stress can manifest itself in the additional decision making and the routine changes. It can also manifest itself into our health. Firstly, this isn’t about whether returning to the office is good or bad. This is for those of you who are currently going through the adjustment period or will be in the future.

Secondly, these are some of my tips to help you maintain your wellness routines while returning to the office. It’s no secret that these routines were consistently at risk prior to the pandemic. You are not trying to go back to that state. You want to preserve your energy during the day to maintain your life outside of work. No one wants to feel like they are on a hamster wheel with no way to get off.

Thoughts On Returning To The Office

I have been back to the office on a hybrid system for nearly two months and boy, was it a change! It has completely disrupted my evening routine, especially when it comes to time allocated to my passion projects. I can probably count the number of days on one hand where I have been able to work on a project. Within the last two months, I feel that I am slowly getting into a new routine that allows me to maintain energy, get more daily steps and have substantial time for my projects.

I’ve accepted that going back to the office is something that I cannot control. However, what I can control is everything in between and my reaction to it. For us corporate girlies and the girls that enjoy having a 9 to 5, this is the opportunity to romanticise it to its fullest — from dusk to dawn.

Your Morning Routine Begins The Night Before

A successful morning routine begins the night before. Developing an evening routine that preps me for bed and returning to the office means that I don’t have to rush in the mornings. My gym bag is packed and workout clothes are laid out. All my food for the day is prepped and stored together in the fridge. My outfit for work (I still don’t have a work wardrobe yet) is more or less planned out in one section of my wardrobe.

For me, one of my non-negotiables before I sleep is to tidy up my space so when I wake up in the morning, I can dedicate that time for me before the world demands my attention. That time is dedicated to training. You may prefer to exercise after work or during your lunch break. Regardless of your time preferences, I would recommend packing your gym bag and taking it to work with you. That way the temptation of skipping your workout is minimised.

Create A ‘Returning To The Office’ Uniform

I don’t know about you, but I barely had and still have any clothes that are suitable for the workplace. Luckily, I did get some custom made suits made while I was in Vietnam last year. I’m so grateful that the tailor encouraged me to get them made because they have saved me for this adjustment period.

Curating a returning to the office work uniform or work wardrobe is going to help you save time during the work week. It doesn’t have to be boring. There is currently a strange shift to neutrals in clothing. Think about beige, white, black and maybe a bit of navy. Personally, I love all white and black look. The former gives me a boss babe vibe and I love wearing it from time to time. However, I am a colourful babe. I like my work outfits to reflect my personal style and be an extended expression of myself.

Create a Pinterest board that inspires you to build a work wardrobe that reflects your style and/or the style that you want to convey in the workplace. Think of different accessories that will make you stand out professionally such as ties, jewellery, sunglasses, shoes etc. but also make you feel confident as you’re returning to the office. While you are curating and building your work wardrobe, don’t forget to add colour and different textures. Buy versatile pieces that you can wear to events, conferences, dinners whether it is work related or not. Transitional pieces that you can wear from day to night and smart casual to casual.

Take Breaks During The Day

When I worked in the office full time, I only took a lunch break and a morning break. Once I got situated into my WFH life, I was taking 20 to 30 minutes breaks regularly. Those breaks were for my health, making sure that I stretched my muscles, encouraging blood flow as I moved around doing other tasks at home i.e. doing laundry. Lastly, my brain gets a break after my 90 minute sprint.

Since I’ve been back in the office, I’ve kept that same break routine. One mini morning break, a lunch break and an afternoon break. Luckily, it’s summer outside so I use my 30 minute breaks and part of my lunch break to stroll outside, get some Vitamin D and fresh air. Taking more breaks throughout the day has helped me embrace healthier habits in the workplace. I have breaks where I can prioritise my wellness such as enjoying my lunch break and eating nutritious prepped meals. There’s no temptation to buy store bought meals or snack on things because I’m stressed.

Taking regular breaks during the work day is such a simple change that makes a huge difference. You are going to be more satisfied and renewed with energy. If you don’t believe me, try it.

Prioritise Your Mental Health

Outside of all the other tips, this one is the most important one. If you don’t prioritise your mental health while returning to the office, the other tips can easily break down. Some of us are lucky to work in environments where there is support, opportunities for development and people that look like you. Others may not have those safeguards in their work environments. Regardless of whether you fall in the former or the latter, prioritise your mental health by creating a healthy work-life balance. If you don’t get paid overtime, clock out when your day is done. Set boundaries between your professional and personal life.

Take mental health days. More and more companies are starting to offer these separate from your annual leave and sick days. Take advantage of these days to recuperate, do some self-care, sleep etc. If the offer isn’t available at your company, allocate a part of your annual leave days for them.

Black Women Mental Health

For my Black corporate women, who are the only or one of few Black woman in the workspace, I urge you to take these mental health days seriously. The psychological toll of being in that position can eventually lead you into becoming a shell of yourself. It is critical that you take those days off, talk to your support network and put yourself first always.

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I took a creative break that lasted longer than expected. Getting back into the routine of writing was a bit of a struggle, I’m not going to lie. This is the time to start and continuing to put yourself first. If you are returning to the office on a hybrid or a full time system, take these tips into consideration as you prepare for that. Give yourself grace as you adjust. It didn’t take a day to build your WFH routine, so your new work routine will take longer. Make sure to hit that subscribe button to join the community and never miss out on a post. Find me on Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok for more powerlifting and wellness content.

Until next time,

Folakemi