9 Things To Take With You If You’re Returning To The Office

It’s been a while since some of us have been in the office full-time.  For me, it’s been 22+ months.  I’m not there yet, but will be returning to the office on a hybrid basis very soon.  I have thoroughly enjoyed working from home and if the truth be told, I’d prefer to work remotely as long as I have to be in the workforce.  My commute time door-to-door in each direction is typically 1.5 hours with traffic.  After getting up, getting dressed, commuting to work, working 8 hours, and commuting home – it’s a 12-hour day and by the time Friday comes, I’m beyond exhausted!  So, it’s been great to feel like I have more time.  Another thing that I’ve enjoyed about working from home is the comfort it brings me.  I control the temperature of the room, the sounds in the background, and the scents I smell.  I can cook and eat whatever I want and I don’t have to pack a lunch, figure out what to buy for lunch, or go hungry.  

Since we’ve been working from home, I also haven’t had a cold, the flu, or my yearly sinus infection.  As I prepare to go back, I’m planning to take with me all the things that bring me comfort and protection.  

I’ve been thinking about how to prepare for this transition and have compiled a list of products to help you adjust to life back in the office. If you crave comfort, here’s what you can do to help you adjust to life in an office for 8 hours a day. 

While I am fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, I know that breakthrough infections can happen and I want to keep my workspace as sanitized as possible and reduce my chances of coming down with anything.  I will definitely be wearing a mask and will have hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes, but I’ve also purchased a UV wand sanitizer and can use it on multiple spaces. 

The temperature of the office is usually cooler than I keep at home, so just in case it’s too cold, I’ll be using a mini space heater.  

Meal prep should be a thing if it’s not already. I will only be in the office 1-2 days per week, so it will be super easy for me to plan ahead. Here are a couple top-rated products for your lunch and coffee or tea.  These nesting bowls and W&P ceramic lunch bowls are great options.  I also love a good stainless steel mug and a portable tea kettle.

I love listening to podcasts and audiobooks, but even if you prefer music and NPR, connect your phone to your bluetooth speaker for better sound and access to your phone.   I will definitely have a bluetooth speaker on deck!  Check out this Sony mini bluetooth speaker!

I also recommend getting the magnetic phone holder to attach to your laptop.  It will help you keep your phone nearby.

Lastly, if you’re into scents and would like something subtle to fill your space, try reed diffusers!  I’m an avid candle lover, but can’t burn them in the office.  This is a really good one if you love sweet scents.  Check out these reed diffusers.