Working from home has many benefits, including eliminating a daily commute, greater flexibility, and better work-life balance. But two years after many companies went fully remote at the start of the pandemic, quite a few employees have been asked to return to the office in recent months. 

For some though, transitioning from working remotely back to an in-person environment can be challenging. After all, who doesn’t enjoy working in their favorite pair of pajamas and having easy access to all the snacks in your pantry? (Not to mention all the cuddles you could ever want from your beloved pets throughout the day!) 

So what can you do to make the transition back to an IRL office easier? As you dig in your closet for your kick-ass pantsuit and begin to meal prep, go ahead and practice a little mindfulness. 

Not sure where to start? Here’s how to practice mindfulness at the office so you can successfully re-enter your work environment with a positive mindset. 

How to practice mindfulness at the office

1. Relax during your morning routine. 

The best time to reset and practice mindfulness is before you travel to your job. It can be as simple as deep breathing, repeating manifestations, or listening to your favorite tunes in the car. 

“(It can be) one minute of deep belly breaths, a Sankalpa (affirmation), or simply keeping a post-it note on your bathroom mirror that reminds you to be present and to breathe,” says Lily Allen-Duenas, founder of Wild Yoga Tribe and a multi-faceted expert in mindfulness and other holistic practices.  

2. Practice meditation at work.

Yes, you can practice different forms of mindfulness, such as meditation, in your workplace. While you may not be able to bring your favorite yoga mat into the office, you can still do meditation in your work environment. 

A few examples of meditation include deep breathing, saying affirmations, or engaging in desk yoga. These same mindfulness practices can be done before and after work.

3. Let go of all work-related thoughts once you get home.

We’ve all complained to our friends and family about an annoying co-worker or a bad day at work. While it’s okay to vent now and then, leaving your thoughts about work in the office is essential.

“When you get home after a long day of hard work, take a breath and let go of your work problems so that you can enjoy a relaxing evening,” suggests Michelle Caldwell, a licensed associate counselor specializing in internal family systems. “Then, in the morning, you’ll have the energy to pick up where you left off.”

For some professionals, using these methods, such as meditation for work anxiety, may not be enough. If the transition from remote to in-person affects your mental health, speak with your supervisor or HR manager to seek accommodations. Additionally, you may want to consult with a mental health professional for medical advice beyond mindfulness practices.