As states begin to ease COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, people are returning to work. If you are one of those people heading back, you may feel anxious about being exposed to the virus. If you are feeling nervous or stressed about returning to work, you can use these tips to help manage your anxiety.

Protect Yourself As Best As You Can

You can't control a virus and you can't control the actions of others. What you can control are your own actions, so begin there. No one cares more about your personal health and safety than you, so take measures to do everything you can to protect yourself. This can include:

• Washing your hands as often as possible with soap and water.
• Keeping alcohol-based hand sanitizer on your person and using it if/when you can't access soap and water or between hand washing.
• Cleaning areas touched by multiple people every hour.
• Wearing a face mask and other PPE.
• Trying your best to keep six feet apart from co-workers or customers.
• Taking breaks outside if possible, maintaining six-foot distancing.
• Staying home if you are sick.

Embrace a Structured Schedule

Quarantine completely upended your schedule and getting back into a routine can feel just as jarring as it felt to lose your routine. As you return to work, embrace this return to structure. Set a schedule for yourself and your family every day. You should be notified you'll be returning to work a few days if not a few weeks beforehand, so jump back into that routine before you physically return to work. Wake up at your normal time, do your usual pre-work routine, get dressed and follow a schedule for meals, exercise, etc.

Prioritize Sleep

A good night's sleep can make a world of difference in both your physical and mental health. When you are tried, stress and anxiety can quickly mount. As soon as you know you're going to return to work, get back to your regular pre-quarantine sleep routine.

Seek Help If You Need It

There is no shame in seeking help if you find it difficult to reduce your anxiety levels. If you do not know who to talk to, you can contact the national SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline at 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727). If you are feeling severely depressed or suicidal, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Lots of people are experiencing anxiety and depression right now so you are not alone and there is help.

Are You Looking For a New Job?

If you are looking for a new job right now, finding one can be a challenge. Whether your job has been eliminated or you want to find a safer place to work, PrideStaff can help. Contact us today to learn more about our resources for job seekers.