3 Things To Consider As We Go “Back To Normal”
As you prepare for work travel, gatherings, and more, there are many decisions to be made.
We’ve been here before, feeling optimistic about a return to activities that we have abstained from the last two years. With many companies returning their workforce to the office, masking practices changing, and other restrictions being lifted, we are beginning to consider what life will be like when we are back to doing the social activities we did before the pandemic.
As you prepare for work travel, dinner with friends, birthday parties, and networking activities in person, there are many decisions to be made. If you are in the privileged position to have your health and be protected against COVID-19 and it’s variants, here are a few ways you can ease into this period of the pandemic.
Remember your values
Being clear about what is most important to you, will help you to navigate the decisions of where to spend your time. Are relationships with friends and family a top priority? Are you looking to build new relationships? Participate in community in another way? Whatever is most important to you right now should be reflected in the decisions you make each day.
Create An Awareness Tool
Certain activities will give you energy and others will deplete it. It is helpful to know which is which in order for you to decide, intentionally, about what, where, and with whom you want to spend your time. Keeping track via app, notes on your phone, or a journal can help you look back on your time and what boosted you when you needed it and what left you feeling bleh.
Build in downtime
Even if you love being around people, you may need extra downtime to defrag after so much time alone. Traveling, late nights out, and larger gatherings can both give you energy and leave you needing a nap. It is ok if you need to do nothing after the first week back in the office, wearing real clothes (ugh!) Know what you need to recharge if being out depletes you.
