Taking a mental health break is a courageous step towards self-care and personal well-being. As you prepare to return to work, it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions — excitement, nervousness, and perhaps a touch of anxiety. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Many of us have been there, and with the right mindset and strategies, you can make your transition back to work smooth and empowering.
Embrace Your Progress
First and foremost, give yourself a pat on the back. You’ve taken the time to prioritize your mental health, and that’s something to be proud of. Your break wasn’t just time off; it was an investment in yourself. As you return to work, carry that self-care mindset with you.
Start with Small Steps
Diving headfirst into a full workload might feel overwhelming. Instead, consider easing back in:
- If possible, start with shorter workdays or a reduced workweek.
- Focus on manageable tasks to build your confidence.
- Take regular breaks to check in with yourself.
Communicate Openly
Open communication can be your greatest ally. While you don’t need to share more than you’re comfortable with, consider:
- Having a conversation with your supervisor about your return.
- Discussing any accommodations that might help you transition smoothly.
- Sharing your preferred communication style with colleagues.
Asking for support isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a sign of self-awareness and professionalism.
Establish Boundaries
As you settle back into work, it’s crucial to maintain the self-care practices you’ve developed. This might mean:
- Setting clear work hours and sticking to them.
- Learning to say ‘no’ to additional responsibilities when you’re at capacity.
- Creating a dedicated workspace that supports your mental well-being.
Practice Self-Compassion
There may be days when things don’t go as planned, and that’s okay. Treat yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a friend. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath and remind yourself: “I’m doing the best I can, and that’s enough.”
Celebrate Small Wins
Every step forward is progress. Did you complete a task you were worried about? Did you successfully navigate a challenging conversation? Take a moment to acknowledge these victories, no matter how small they might seem.
Stay Connected
Maintain connections with your support system, both inside and outside of work. Whether it’s a trusted colleague, a mental health professional, or a close friend, having people you can turn to can make a world of difference.
Become Your Own Work-Wellness Ambassador
As you navigate your return to work, consider how your experience might benefit others. Could you become an advocate for mental health awareness in your workplace? Perhaps you could suggest implementing mental health days or starting a support group for colleagues. Your journey could be the catalyst for positive change, creating a more understanding and supportive work environment for everyone.
Questions for Self-Reflection and Journaling:
As you continue on this journey, take some time to reflect on these questions. Consider journaling your responses:
- What strengths have you discovered or rediscovered during your mental health break?
- Recall a time when you felt truly balanced and fulfilled at work. What elements were present that contributed to that feeling?
- Imagine your ideal work environment that supports your mental health. What does it look like? How can you bring elements of that vision into your current situation?
- Think of a colleague or supervisor who has been supportive. How can you build on that positive relationship to create a more supportive work environment for yourself and others?
- What self-care practice has been most impactful for you? How can you ensure it remains a priority as you return to work?
Returning to work is not just about picking up where you left off. It’s an opportunity to redefine your relationship with work, armed with new insights and strategies for maintaining your mental health. You’ve got this!
An Invitation
If you’d like to join an online community of other resilient overcomers focusing on their careers, I invite you to join The Resilient Career Academy™ Community. (RCA Community)
The RCA Community is a group dedicated to helping/supporting those working to overcome adversity and achieve their full potential in their careers.
The benefits to you are:
- Community. The community provides support, encouragement, the ability to share frustrations and get feedback from people who understand the struggle.
- Workplace/Career Resources. The group provides tools, resources, and templates to help you with your career journey.
- Available Coaching Support. The community is supported by trained and certified coaches who are available for individual sessions.
- Learning. You will have access to various trauma/workplace-related online courses developed by our coaches to help you in your journey.
- Workshops/Webinars . You will have access to practical workshops/webinars targeted to help you in the workplace grow your career.
If you are interested in joining us, click here: https://resilientcareeracademy.myflodesk.com/community
As always, you do not have to walk this journey alone. Contact me to schedule your free discovery call.
Trigger Tracker Template — This is a FREE resource to help you become aware of your triggers in the workplace and plan the coping strategies you will use to get through the experience.
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You can also visit my website for more information on courses and other freebies I offer at: https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com.
Believer. Leader. Learner. Advocate. Writer. Speaker. Coach. Mentor. Triathlete. Encourager. Survivor.
Most of all, I am a fellow traveler on the rocky road called, Trauma Recovery. My mission is to minimize the effects of trauma for survivors in the workplace.
