If you’ve been asked to return to the office after months of working from home, chances are you’re having mixed feelings.
On one hand, going back to work represents some semblance of normality. On the other, you might be feeling anxious about physical contact, sad about seeing less of your family or irritated about the change of routine.
To those dealing with this mixed bag of emotions, experts say one thing – it’s completely normal.
“For those who feel overwhelmed, these feelings are valid. Psychologically, the walls of our homes have come to represent a physical fortress against Covid-19,” explains Dr Robert Chandler, clinical psychologist at The LightHouse Arabia.
“With the virus still present in our society, it is understandable that people may feel fear, dread or apprehension at the thought of returning to the office.”
This fear may present itself in new ways. Dr Prateeksha Shetty, clinical psychologist at RAK Hospital, says there has been a rise in cases of “health anxiety” over the past few months, with people developing palpitations and panic attack-like symptoms when having to physically interact with people.
"This is understandable as people can't see the virus, and can't know who is carrying it. The slightest change in their body, and they are wondering if they have Covid-19. They Google their symptoms and things only get worse from there," she explains. "It has led to more obsessive behaviour."
Feeling worried, irritated or upset about going back to the office? Here are some ways to cope.
1. Acknowledge what you are feeling
Chandler encourages people to notice and name what they are feeling. "Think along the lines of 'I notice I am feeling anxiety about leaving my children, but also notice I feel some excitement in terms of reconnecting with colleagues face-to-face'," he says. "Avoid beating yourself up for what you are thinking or feeling. Acknowledge those thoughts, and return to the present moment and get on with leading a rich and fulfilling day, regardless of the changes."
2. Focus on what you can control
As mentioned by Shetty, having to go outside can be stressful for many. However, she says focusing on factors that are inside our control can ease anxiety.
“For many, working from home is no longer an option. They have no choice but to challenge their attitude and behaviour,” she says.
“Instead, focus on things you can do to stay safe. Research and follow proper World Health Organisation guidelines regarding hand washing, wearing gloves and masks.”
Doing adequate research will also stop excessive behaviour, she says.
3. Be in the moment and take things as they come
“Much like how we invited people to prepare psychologically to stay at home, the same principles apply for returning to work; trying to remain present, grounded and in the moment,” says Chandler. “When we spend endless time considering what the future might hold, how the office is going to be different, or how we will miss our children, we lose touch with what is happening now right in front of us.”
That isn’t to say practical planning should not be done for the new normal, but rather, once the planning is over, return to the present.
Asma Hilal Lootah, founder of The Hundred Wellness Centre in Dubai, recommends a grounding technique to increase mindfulness and stop unsettling thoughts. “Take a deep breath and become observant of your surroundings. Look for five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell and one thing you can taste.
“Behind every feeling there is a thought or belief, and we can choose to change this to give us an empowering feeling,” she says.
4. Take a few days to ease yourself into the new normal
Shetty recommends taking time to get used to the back-to-work routine, much like teachers do right before a new school year. This includes returning to the previous sleep cycle and eating at normal intervals.
However, just because things are seemingly going back to normal, that is no reason to throw caution to the wind. Social-distancing measures, as well as health and safety precautions, should still be followed at all times.
Because of these factors, Chandler says it’s less about going back to an old routine, and more about navigating a new one. “Home situations or financial circumstances may have changed in the past four months. In addition, for many, returning to the office may only be a part of the new routine, as many clients say their job will feature a mixture of office-based and home-based employment going forward.
“Assuming that one can simply return to the old way of doing things may be naive. Be open-minded to your new routine, and find your way with it,” he says.
5. Adapt to the new environment
Given the status quo, it’s easy to resort to self-pity when asked to change your routine yet again. But being able to adapt with the constant changes that 2020 has thrown at us can actually make us better, Chandler points out.
“While many of us thrive on routine, there is good research to support the idea that people who are adaptive, welcome change and see it as an opportunity, tend to experience increased psychological well-being and reduced mental ill-health.”
If you're looking at a massive change from your current routine, try to keep other basic traditions you enjoy as constants. These could include an exercise routine or reading a book before bedtime.
6. Focus on the positive
Shetty highlights that people can have a tendency to focus on the negative, especially with the pandemic. “For example, we remember the number of new cases instead of the recovery rate,” she says.
“When people first started hearing about Covid-19, it was like an apocalypse. But it’s been months, and we’re still here. We are resilient and we will bounce back. You just have to remember that you can overcome this as long as you stand together as a community.”
To focus on the positive, Chandler recommends identifying the good aspects of your new routine.
“At the end of each day, name one or two things that have been positive about the return to the office to retain a balanced perspective.”
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Details
Through Her Lens: The stories behind the photography of Eva Sereny
Forewords by Jacqueline Bisset and Charlotte Rampling, ACC Art Books
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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MATCH INFO
Final: England v South Africa, Saturday, 1pm
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
The stats
Ship name: MSC Bellissima
Ship class: Meraviglia Class
Delivery date: February 27, 2019
Gross tonnage: 171,598 GT
Passenger capacity: 5,686
Crew members: 1,536
Number of cabins: 2,217
Length: 315.3 metres
Maximum speed: 22.7 knots (42kph)
Teaching in coronavirus times
Other promotions
- Deliveroo will team up with Pineapple Express to offer customers near JLT a special treat: free banana caramel dessert with all orders on January 26
- Jones the Grocer will have their limited edition Australia Day menu available until the end of the month (January 31)
- Australian Vet in Abu Dhabi (with locations in Khalifa City A and Reem Island) will have a 15 per cent off all store items (excluding medications)
ACL Elite (West) - fixtures
Monday, Sept 30
Al Sadd v Esteghlal (8pm)
Persepolis v Pakhtakor (8pm)
Al Wasl v Al Ahli (8pm)
Al Nassr v Al Rayyan (10pm)
Tuesday, Oct 1
Al Hilal v Al Shorta (10pm)
Al Gharafa v Al Ain (10pm)
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
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BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
EPL's youngest
- Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
15 years, 181 days old
- Max Dowman (Arsenal)
15 years, 235 days old
- Jeremy Monga (Leicester)
15 years, 271 days old
- Harvey Elliott (Fulham)
16 years, 30 days old
- Matthew Briggs (Fulham)
16 years, 68 days old
The specs
Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: From Dh139,000
On sale: Now
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
The biog
Favourite car: Ferrari
Likes the colour: Black
Best movie: Avatar
Academic qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in media production from the Higher Colleges of Technology and diploma in production from the New York Film Academy
The alternatives
• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.
• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.
• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.
• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.
• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases - but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
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World record transfers
1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m
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About Takalam
Date started: early 2020
Founders: Khawla Hammad and Inas Abu Shashieh
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: HealthTech and wellness
Number of staff: 4
Funding to date: Bootstrapped
