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As the lockdown restrictions begin to ease, it’s understandable to have mixed feelings about returning to the office. Especially if you have been working from home for a prolonged period of time making it the ‘New Norm’.

Generally, people do not like big changes in their lives, the bigger and more sudden the change, the more difficult and longer it takes to adapt to the new circumstances.

Since the 23^rd March 2020 the United Kingdom has been in and out of lockdown changing the way we live and work. This is a long time to live with significant restrictions in our lives and, it is understandable, that people adapt and become used to these new conditions.

Due to government guidelines, a lot of people have been working from home for over a year.

With the government working towards easing lockdown restrictions there will be less emphasis on home working and businesses will be requiring their employees to return to the workplace. Just as it has been difficult to adjust to life in lockdown, for many people it will also be difficult to adjust to life after lockdown.

For some, working from home has meant no commute to work, more time with their family or being in their own environment. The thought of going back to the office may have a negative affect on their mental health.

Do you feel that you struggling to adapt to the changes brought on by the lifting of lockdown restrictions?

Are you feeling anxious about:

• Covid 19 cases rising as the lockdown eases?
• Returning to the workplace after working from home /remotely during the lockdown?
• Increased commitments in your personal life, i.e. child care or friend and family events such as birthday parties or weddings?
• You or a family member not being fully vaccinated before lockdown eases?
• A health condition that makes you or a family member more vulnerable to Covid 19?
• The possibility of a future lockdown?
• Leaving your house? Does your anxiety increase the further from your house you get?
• Going to areas which are unfamiliar or crowded such as shops, town centres, long drives, new places or places you have not been to for a long time?

If so, it could be useful to seek support to help you adjust to this new transition out of lockdown.

Click here to enquire about out Counselling services or visit our occupational health page for more details.