Help reduce Anxiety when returning to Work

Uncertainty is an inescapable part of life, and the sooner we become more comfortable with it, the sooner we can reduce mental suffering. With the onset of COVID, there was so much more uncertainty. The more we looked at the worst case scenario, the more we fed this fear and allowed it to drive us. With the return to work, it will be helpful for you to recognize uncomfortable feelings.

It’s okay to feel scared, overwhelmed or ambivalent right now. Acknowledge those to maintain control rather than leaning into the fear and losing control. The sphere of influence exercise is perfect for those “What if” thoughts to help reduce anxiety when returning to work.

  • Shift your focus to what you can control you’ll see meaningful and lasting differences.

  • Write down what you can control at work and place it inside a Sphere of Control circle.

  • In the sphere of influence circle write down what’s outside your immediate control, but which you can influence.

  • Outside of the circle, write down (everything else) the things you cannot control.

  • Focus on what is listed in the circle.

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