The little things I’ve done to feel ready to go back to work….

Going back to work after being off for over six months feels much bigger than I expected it to.

When I first went off, I think I assumed life would somehow pause for a little while and then I’d just slot neatly back into my old routine as soon as I was feeling better. But life doesn’t really work like that, does it? Things happen while you’re away from your normal life and sometimes those things change you a little bit.

The last six months have definitely shifted my priorities and made me realise how important happiness, balance and peace of mind are to me.  It’s not like I’m a whole different person or anything but I am much clearer in my mind about the things I want from life and that makes me nervous about going back to work for some reason. Really nervous, if I’m honest.

And I have concerns on a more superficial level too! 

I’ve spent months in comfy clothes, without routines, without makeup, without really thinking too much about “work me” at all. The thought of stepping back into that version of myself again has felt quite overwhelming at times over the last few months. 

So instead of trying to magically feel ready overnight, I’ve been doing little things over the last few weeks to help myself feel more prepared mentally as well as practically.

One of the biggest things for me was having honest conversations about what my return to work would actually look like.

I knew I didn’t want to go back and immediately fall into old habits where work quietly became the centre of everything so I shared the things that were worrying me, talked about the support I might need and explained that my priorities have shifted a little while I’ve been away. It felt uncomfortable at first because I’m much better at just getting on with things than admitting I’m nervous, but I’m really glad I did it. 

I’ve also done something much less deep and meaningful… I bought shoes. 👠👡👢

For the last six months, I’ve basically lived in Skechers and trainers much to my daughter’s absolute disgust. Comfort has been my top priority for the last six months and honestly, I regret nothing.

When I was planning my return to work, I decided it might be nice to wear something that didn’t make it look like I was permanently on my way to do a supermarket food shop so I bought some sensible shoes for work, a couple of pairs of sandals and one pair that absolutely didn’t need to come home with me but I loved them anyway. It wasn’t really about the shoes though. I think it was more about starting to feel a bit more like myself again.

The same thing happened with makeup. 💄

I haven’t really worn makeup properly in months because there didn’t seem much point most of the time. But I bought a few new bits recently and even just sitting trying them on one afternoon made me feel more human somehow. Not transformed into a glamorous beauty influencer obviously because absolutely not, but just a bit brighter and more awake.

Another think I’ve done to get work-ready has been setting up my office properly. 

Out of all the rooms in this house, this one feels the most like mine and I’ve really wanted it to feel calm and peaceful. Somewhere that makes me happy when I walk in with my coffee in the morning rather than somewhere that feels stressful before I’ve even opened my laptop.

It’s not a priority room in the grand scheme of renovating this house because as long as I have a desk and somewhere to sit then technically I can work, but creating a space that feels calm has been surprisingly important to me.

I think after a difficult six months, I’ve realised how much little things matter.  Not expensive things or perfect things, just small things that make everyday life feel just a little bit better and make me feel happier…

Shoes that make me happy.
A conversation where I feel able to say what’s on my mind.
My own workspace that feels peaceful and calm.
A tiny bit of excitement about getting dressed again.

None of these things magically take the nerves away and I know that my first day back will probably still feel strange, but they’ve helped me feel a little more prepared for stepping back into normal life again.

And honestly, right now, a little more prepared feels like enough. 😊

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