A sudden change from home offices to downtown desks could spark a culture shock among Australian workers, an occupational health psychology expert says.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Households across the country could soon enjoy a further roll back in restrictions that have forced them to stay indoors for weeks to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The National Cabinet has brought forward to Friday a discussion about relaxing Australia's coronavirus measures further.
While many workers are ready to return to their pre-pandemic professional lives, others may experience the shift as a jolt.
"I think most people will enjoy going back to work for the social aspect, seeing colleagues again, getting out of the house, being in the office again," Griffith University psychology Professor Paula Brough said.
"But for some the adjustment might be hard and it might be a bit of a culture shock.
"Suddenly you might find yourself in a large room, full of 20 or 30 people perhaps in a meeting or teaching environment. Because you've been on your own so much, it might be a little more odd than it did previously. But that will wear off."
However, Professor Brough said the need to take care of our mental health isn't over, as our daily lives change yet again.
She is urging people to seek out the support of their friends, family and loved ones and get outside as restrictions are peeled back.
"The human contact and human connection is really important," she added.
Disruption to daily routines may have triggered unhealthy eating habits, but stay-at-home rules have also sparked new trends.
Social media platforms have been flooded with posts about sourdough starter and preserving, skills University of Queensland nutrition expert Dr Veronique Chaychay says should be carried into the future.
"In the long term this is a really great skill, to make your own bread," she said.
"Some people have taken up pickling and so we've been encouraged not to be finicky with fruit and vegetables found in the supermarket, to encourage farmers by buying things that don't look good, or buying in a larger quantity."
Her top tips for staving off unhealthy habits in favour of nourishing the body include crunching on raw vegetables, blending fruits and writing a list of what we'll eat in a day.
Australian Associated Press
