--- title: How to Find Your New Routine When Returning Back to the Office description: Transitioning back to working in an office can be an emotionally taxing experience, even if you’re looking forward to it. image: https://blog.solomonpage.com/hubfs/Blog-01%20(1).png --- - [Home](https://solomonpage.com) - Divisions - Functional Divisions - [Accounting & Finance](https://solomonpage.com/accounting-finance/) - [Administrative & Support](https://solomonpage.com/administrative-support/) - [Creative & Marketing](https://solomonpage.com/creative-marketing/) - [Human Resources](https://solomonpage.com/humanresources/) - [Legal Services](https://solomonpage.com/legal-services/) - [Scientific & Engineering](https://solomonpage.com/scientific-engineering/) - [Technology](https://solomonpage.com/technology/) - Industry Divisions - [Clinical Resource Network](https://solomonpage.com/crn/) - [Fashion & Beauty](https://solomonpage.com/fashion-beauty/) - [Financial Services](https://solomonpage.com/financialservices/) - [Healthcare & Life Sciences](https://solomonpage.com/healthcare-lifesciences/) - [Healthcare Staffing](https://solomonpage.com/healthcare-staffing/) - [Hospitality](https://solomonpage.com/hospitality/) - [Media, Education & Publishing](https://solomonpage.com/digitalmedia-publishing/) - [Specialty Financial Services](https://solomonpage.com/specialtyfinance/) - [Locations](https://solomonpage.com/locations/) - [Contact](https://info.solomonpage.com/contact-us?_gl=1*ffwfay*_gcl_au*MTc3NTM1NDM3MC4xNzI4NjczOTcw) - [Blog](https://blog.solomonpage.com) [![SP_Corporate Global_horiz_lockup_positive_DIGITAL_HIGH](https://blog.solomonpage.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SP_Corporate%20Global_horiz_lockup_positive_DIGITAL_HIGH.png?width=294&name=SP_Corporate%20Global_horiz_lockup_positive_DIGITAL_HIGH.png)](https://solomonpage.com) - [WHAT WE DO](https://www.solomonpage.com/service-offerings) - [AREAS OF EXPERTISE](https://www.solomonpage.com/areas-of-expertise) - [ABOUT](https://www.solomonpage.com/about) - [JOB OPPORTUNITIES](https://opportunities.solomonpage.com) ## Blog # How to Find Your New Routine When Returning Back to the Office July 06, 2021 Filed Under: [Productivity](https://blog.solomonpage.com/tag/productivity), [Success](https://blog.solomonpage.com/tag/success), [Remote Work](https://blog.solomonpage.com/tag/remote-work) ![Businessman Commuting on Bike](https://blog.solomonpage.com/hubfs/Blog-01%20(1).png) - [mailto:?body=https://blog.solomonpage.com/how-to-find-your-new-routine-when-returning-back-to-the-office](mailto:?body=https://blog.solomonpage.com/how-to-find-your-new-routine-when-returning-back-to-the-office) - - - By [Stephanie Vozza](https://www.fastcompany.com/user/stephanie-vozza) Photo Credit: Halfpoint/iStock Going back to the office after working remotely for 16 months is going to be a shock to the system. It seems like we just got used to a new normal, [connecting virtually](https://blog.solomonpage.com/5-times-when-you-should-use-a-video-call-instead-of-chat) and [blurring the lines between work and home](https://blog.solomonpage.com/culture-change-needed-for-lgbtq-employees-to-feel-at-home-at-work). But as workplaces reopen and we start to get back out into the world, it will be time to find another new normal. And going back to the way things were isn’t possible, says Reena B. Patel, psychologist and author of *Winnie & Her Worries*. “Many of us have learned that we can be [efficient](https://blog.solomonpage.com/5-strategies-for-salvaging-an-unproductive-day) and enjoy being at home,” she says. “But stepping away from isolation and re-engaging with coworkers offers benefits for your mental health.” The first step is to accept that there will be an emotional change, says Patel. “We’ve been working from home and isolated for almost a year and a half,” she says. “Going back into a physical workplace will be a transition. Know and be aware that you will have valid concerns and feelings. We’re not going to wake up and go back to what was pre-pandemic. Too much has happened.” How We Changed Even if the pandemic didn’t affect you as much as others, you’ve probably developed secondary trauma, says Patel. “You may not have lost a loved one or gotten COVID, but you watched the world around you suffer,” she says. “We all have altruistic genes and feeling helpless and hopeless can weigh on you. Stressors and pile up and cause a lot of uneasiness.” You also became accustomed to a new schedule and routine, which have been in place for more than a year. “We’re used to Zoom meetings and being able to multitask while not physically being present, like texting below the computer screen,” says Patel. A year of isolation has also created a sense of interim agoraphobia because there hasn’t been opportunities to physical engage with others. “We have to relearn some of those social skills,” says Patel. “Although it was missed, it can cause anxiety in the beginning.” How to Find a New Normal Many of us have created a dependence on being home where we feel safe from outside stressors. We got used to taking precautions to protect ourselves and leaving them behind can create an internal conflict. If you will be going back to an office environment, start small, Patel suggests. Ask to start with a half day return to the office, or  transition back to work in the fall, especially if you must figure out childcare. “A transition period will provide you with a process of adjusting,” says Patel. “Allow yourself time. And talk to your employer to learn what mitigations have been put in place. It’s okay to ask what is being done to keep employees safe.” The day before your first day back may bring feelings of uneasiness and difficulty sleeping. “Coming back will feel like the first day of a new job even if you’ve been working there for many years,” says Patel. “Know that the more you prepare, the less stress and anxiety feel. Create consistency to establish a new norm.” Patel suggests doing a practice commute, driving by your office to refresh your memory on the route. Also, bring a piece of home with you, such as a scented sandal or a framed picture of your family or pet. Also, on your first day back plan activities that allow you to care for yourself. Patel recommends taking breaks and getting outside, which can positively impact mental wellness. “Take a true lunch break to reset,” she suggests. “We became used to working through the lunch hour and staying on our screens. I highly recommend stepping away and eating outside if possible. The sun boosts overall wellness. Go to a separate location for lunch.” Also look for opportunities for engage with others. “You may have forgotten how to initiate conversations, but it will come back,” says Patel. “People are resilient. When it comes to social interaction, it may feel uneasy at first, but the skillset will snap back into place.” While every individual is different, Patel says it may take about two weeks before you feel back into the swing of things. “Don’t be hard on yourself during this time,” she says. “Make sure to focus on core habits, such as eating right, getting enough sleep, and limiting screen time. You may feel a sense of loss going back to the workplace since you’re used to being around loved ones. But if you anticipate these feelings, you can be more prepared to deal with them.” For the original article, visit: [Fast Company.](http://fastcompany.com) ### related Posts [![](https://blog.solomonpage.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Just%20Play.png?width=861&upsize=true&name=Just%20Play.png)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/solomon-page-places-sara-taylor-as-svp-sales-emea-at-just-play) ### [Solomon Page Places Sara Taylor as SVP-Sales, EMEA at Just Play  ](https://blog.solomonpage.com/solomon-page-places-sara-taylor-as-svp-sales-emea-at-just-play) August 04 , 2025 [![](https://blog.solomonpage.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Echo%20Design%20Group%20(2).png?width=861&upsize=true&name=Echo%20Design%20Group%20(2).png)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/solomon-page-places-patrizia-ciccarelli-as-managing-director-of-echo-design-group) ### [Solomon Page Places Patrizia Ciccarelli as Managing Director of Echo Design Group  ](https://blog.solomonpage.com/solomon-page-places-patrizia-ciccarelli-as-managing-director-of-echo-design-group) July 07 , 2025 ### Subscribe Here! ### ARCHIVES - [November 2020 (18)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2020/11) - [December 2020 (18)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2020/12) - [February 2021 (16)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2021/02) - [March 2021 (16)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2021/03) - [October 2020 (15)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2020/10) - [January 2021 (12)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2021/01) - [April 2021 (12)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2021/04) - [July 2013 (10)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2013/07) - [August 2013 (10)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2013/08) - [December 2013 (10)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2013/12) - [November 2014 (10)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2014/11) - [September 2013 (9)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2013/09) - [October 2013 (9)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2013/10) - [January 2014 (9)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2014/01) - [March 2014 (9)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2014/03) - [June 2014 (9)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2014/06) - [July 2014 (9)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2014/07) - [December 2014 (9)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2014/12) - [July 2015 (9)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2015/07) - [October 2015 (9)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2015/10) - [March 2020 (9)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2020/03) - [August 2020 (9)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2020/08) - [July 2021 (9)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2021/07) - [April 2022 (9)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2022/04) - [May 2013 (8)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2013/05) - [November 2013 (8)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2013/11) - [February 2014 (8)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2014/02) - [April 2014 (8)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2014/04) - [May 2014 (8)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2014/05) - [August 2014 (8)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2014/08) - [September 2014 (8)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2014/09) - [October 2014 (8)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2014/10) - [January 2015 (8)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2015/01) - [February 2015 (8)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2015/02) - [March 2015 (8)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2015/03) - [May 2015 (8)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2015/05) - [June 2015 (8)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2015/06) - [August 2015 (8)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2015/08) - [September 2015 (8)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2015/09) - [August 2016 (8)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2016/08) - [April 2020 (8)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2020/04) - [June 2021 (8)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2021/06) - [October 2021 (8)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2021/10) - [March 2022 (8)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2022/03) - [May 2023 (8)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2023/05) - [June 2013 (7)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2013/06) - [April 2015 (7)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2015/04) - [November 2015 (7)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2015/11) - [February 2016 (7)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2016/02) - [July 2016 (7)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2016/07) - [September 2016 (7)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2016/09) - [July 2020 (7)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2020/07) - [May 2021 (7)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2021/05) - [August 2021 (7)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2021/08) - [April 2013 (6)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2013/04) - [December 2015 (6)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2015/12) - [January 2016 (6)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2016/01) - [May 2020 (6)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2020/05) - [September 2020 (6)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2020/09) - [March 2023 (6)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2023/03) - [January 2025 (6)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2025/01) - [June 2016 (5)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2016/06) - [May 2017 (5)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2017/05) - [July 2018 (5)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2018/07) - [August 2018 (5)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2018/08) - [February 2024 (5)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2024/02) - [March 2024 (5)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2024/03) - [November 2024 (5)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2024/11) - [March 2025 (5)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2025/03) - [May 2025 (5)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2025/05) - [June 2025 (5)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2025/06) - [April 2026 (5)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2026/04) - [March 2016 (4)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2016/03) - [April 2017 (4)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2017/04) - [October 2018 (4)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2018/10) - [January 2019 (4)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2019/01) - [March 2019 (4)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2019/03) - [June 2022 (4)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2022/06) - [May 2024 (4)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2024/05) - [October 2016 (3)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2016/10) - [May 2018 (3)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2018/05) - [June 2018 (3)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2018/06) - [September 2018 (3)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2018/09) - [December 2018 (3)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2018/12) - [November 2019 (3)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2019/11) - [January 2020 (3)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2020/01) - [September 2021 (3)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2021/09) - [February 2022 (3)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2022/02) - [July 2022 (3)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2022/07) - [June 2023 (3)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2023/06) - [August 2023 (3)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2023/08) - [October 2023 (3)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2023/10) - [December 2023 (3)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2023/12) - [October 2024 (3)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2024/10) - [December 2024 (3)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2024/12) - [February 2025 (3)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2025/02) - [July 2025 (3)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2025/07) - [August 2025 (3)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2025/08) - [May 2026 (3)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2026/05) - [July 2017 (2)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2017/07) - [August 2017 (2)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2017/08) - [October 2017 (2)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2017/10) - [November 2017 (2)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2017/11) - [April 2018 (2)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2018/04) - [November 2018 (2)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2018/11) - [December 2019 (2)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2019/12) - [February 2020 (2)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2020/02) - [June 2020 (2)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2020/06) - [November 2021 (2)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2021/11) - [May 2022 (2)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2022/05) - [August 2022 (2)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2022/08) - [November 2022 (2)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2022/11) - [December 2022 (2)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2022/12) - [April 2023 (2)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2023/04) - [November 2023 (2)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2023/11) - [January 2024 (2)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2024/01) - [July 2024 (2)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2024/07) - [September 2025 (2)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2025/09) - [October 2025 (2)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2025/10) - [March 2026 (2)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2026/03) - [February 2017 (1)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2017/02) - [March 2017 (1)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2017/03) - [December 2017 (1)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2017/12) - [February 2018 (1)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2018/02) - [February 2019 (1)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2019/02) - [May 2019 (1)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2019/05) - [June 2019 (1)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2019/06) - [July 2019 (1)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2019/07) - [August 2019 (1)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2019/08) - [October 2019 (1)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2019/10) - [December 2021 (1)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2021/12) - [October 2022 (1)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2022/10) - [January 2023 (1)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2023/01) - [April 2024 (1)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2024/04) - [June 2024 (1)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2024/06) - [August 2024 (1)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2024/08) - [April 2025 (1)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2025/04) - [December 2025 (1)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2025/12) - [January 2026 (1)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2026/01) - [June 2026 (1)](https://blog.solomonpage.com/archive/2026/06) See all SEARCH ### Most Popular Posts - Solomon Page - [Home](https://solomonpage.com/) - [Service Offerings](https://solomonpage.com/service-offerings/) - [Areas of Expertise](https://solomonpage.com/areas-of-expertise/) - [About](https://solomonpage.com/about/) - [Opportunities](http://opportunities.solomonpage.com/) - Our Divisions - [Accounting & Finance](https://solomonpage.com/accounting-finance) - [Administrative & Support](https://solomonpage.com/administrative-support) - [Clinical Resource Network](https://solomonpage.com/crn) - [Creative & Marketing](https://solomonpage.com/creative-marketing) - [Fashion & Beauty](https://solomonpage.com/fashion-beauty) - [Financial Services](https://solomonpage.com/financialservices) - [Healthcare](https://solomonpage.com/healthcare-lifesciences) - [Hospitality](https://solomonpage.com/hospitality) - [Human Resources](https://solomonpage.com/humanresources) - [Legal Services](https://solomonpage.com/legal-services) - [Media, Education & Publishing](https://solomonpage.com/digitalmedia-publishing) - [Scientific & Engineering](https://solomonpage.com/scientific-engineering) - [Specialty Financial Services](https://solomonpage.com/specialtyfinance) - [Technology](https://solomonpage.com/technology) - Employment Tools - [Search Jobs](http://opportunities.solomonpage.com/) - [Submit a Resume](https://opportunities.solomonpage.com) - [Submit a Staffing Request](https://solomonpage.com/contact) [![Solomon](https://blog.solomonpage.com/hubfs/SP_Corporate%20Global_horiz_lockup_positive_DIGITAL_HIGH.png)](https://solomonpage.com) ##### Solomon Page 260 Madison Avenue New York, New York 10016 Phone: (212) 403-6100 Fax: (212) 764-6003 Follow us [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/solomon-page-group) [Google](https://plus.google.com/+solomonpagegroup/about) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/SolomonPageGroup) [Twitter](https://twitter.com/solomonpage) Copyright ©2019 Solomon Page. All Rights Reserved.   [Disclosure](https://solomonpage.com/disclosure/)