Stress and Anxiety About Starting a New Job and How to Manage That

It can be so stressful starting a new job or even navigating going back to in person after the pandemic…anxious thoughts start spiraling through your head and take over. What if I’m not good enough? What if I make mistakes? Will I get along with my boss? Will I be able to get along with my coworkers? And how do I work in an office setting again after years of being at home?  

If any of these sound familiar to you, you are not alone! It can be scary and stressful starting something new. It can be stressful going back to your job in person if you’ve been working from home for the last couple of years. Change is hard for all humans, no matter what it is. 

Here are 5 tips on how to manage some of your stress and anxiety so you don’t have to feel so trapped by it and maybe even allow yourself to feel excited about your new adventure:

1. Offer yourself some compassion. 

Try to remind yourself that these are such normal feelings to have when starting something new. You are not alone there! Offer yourself some kind words and remember how big of an accomplishment it is that you applied for that job and got it. You are so capable and good enough!

2. Practice self care.

Self care can look so different for every human, so it’s important to find things that bring you joy and energy. For me, self care looks like taking time to workout, cooking myself a healthy meal, taking a walk outside, meditating, and sometimes it looks like binge watching my favorite tv show. The important piece around self care is making it intentional and nourishing for YOU. 

3. Reach out to a friend or loved one.

Connecting with someone you trust and feel safe with can be so helpful when feeling stressed and anxious. It keeps you from feeling alone in the anxiety loop in your head and body. This can be a friend, family member, or even your therapist!

4. Practice deep breathing exercises.

Deep breathing exercises can be so powerful. Our breath is the one thing we have control over, and is such a useful tool in regulating our nervous system. An easy and simple exercise I like to do is breathing in for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 5 seconds and exhaling for 6 seconds. 

5. Take some time away from your devices. 

Not only can social media create stress and feelings of self doubt, the blue light from our devices can ramp us up and interrupt sleep, which is so important especially when we’re feeling stressed! Whether it’s for a few minutes or a few hours, disconnecting from your device and connecting with a loved one or spending time outside can feel so good and rejuvenating.