After months of working from home full-time, extended furloughs or being unemployed, many people throughout the country are returning to the workplace as stay-at-home orders begin to lift.
The new phase may understandably cause anxiety for some. The world we’re in is already different than the one we left in March when everything started to close down. Buildings and elevators have smaller capacity limits, some stores don’t allow customers in without masks and many restaurants and local businesses are having to rebuild their entire operations models.
Researchers say it’s important for those re-entering the workforce to take special mental health measures before returning to work. The same goes for steps that can be taken to ensure that everyone remains physically healthy as well and does their best to prevent a second wave of infections.
In case you had any concerns, here are five tips to help transition safely to a post-COVID-19 work life:
Many people already have experienced a lot of stress during this difficult time, and adjusting to being back in the workplace may add to that anxiety. Using stress-reduction apps, practicing mindfulness and practicing self-care that calms your breathing and nerves are all effective ways to keep a level head.
Additionally, your diet will play a big part in fighting stress and building resistance from the virus. It has been proven that stress significantly weakens your immune system, so it’s important to put a meal and supplement plan in place ahead of reentering your workplace. For instance, according to Harvard Medical School, there is some evidence that various micronutrient deficiencies — for example, deficiencies of zinc, selenium, iron, copper, folic acid, and vitamins A, B6, C, and E — alter immune responses in animals, as measured in the test tube.
Eating the wrong foods can have an immense effect on your stress levels and can in turn affect the immune system. As the immune system consists of organs, cells, tissues, and proteins, it is essential to inject the body with proper nutrients on a regular basis. Together, these carry out bodily processes that fight off pathogens, which are the viruses, bacteria and foreign bodies that cause infection or disease.
When the immune system comes into contact with a pathogen, it triggers an immune response. The immune system releases antibodies, which attach to antigens on the pathogens and kill them.
It has been found that certain foods help elevate antigen levels and promote overall immunity strength. For example, blueberries contain a type of flavonoid called anthocyanin, which has antioxidant properties that can help boost a person’s immune system.
A 2016 study noted that flavonoids play an essential role in the respiratory tract’s immune defense system. Additionally, using the turmeric to season your food can make a difference in immune levels as well. Present in some alternative medicines, consuming turmeric may improve a person’s immune response. This is due to the qualities of curcumin, a powerful healing compound in turmeric.
According to a 2017 review, curcumin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Just because the COVID-19 bans are lifting doesn’t mean the threat is over and life is back to normal. You still need to take precautions – wash your hands for 20 seconds while taking five big deep breaths or singing a song, keep hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes handy and clean surfaces often. Wear a mask, avoid common areas and keep meetings to 10 people or less whenever possible.
Avoid piling into conference rooms and keep your workspace at least six feet from your nearest colleague whenever possible. Zoom meetings have exploded during the quarantine, but we suggest continuing that method after it’s over. Additionally, although some states are reporting declining COVID-19 cases, limiting direct contact is still advised to prevent a spread.
It has been reported that regular physical activity helps to boost your immune system and fight off illnesses. Researchers have reported that more than half of chronic conditions are preventable by engaging in moderate lifestyle behavioral changes, such as exercise 3-4 times weekly, eating at least a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables, and limiting smoking and alcohol intake. Those small changes can make a major difference in fighting the virus if you contract it.
Stay home if you’re feeling unwell and be on the lookout for the COVID-19 vaccine when available in the future. As workplaces release reopening plans, many are monitoring employee health with measures such as daily temperature checks. In fact, keep a thermometer handy to manage your numbers. If you feel like your employer is resisting safety precautionary measures, say something. You’ll thank yourself later, trust us.
We hope these tips will help you have a seamless transition back into work.
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