Therapy is as essential to your mental health as it is to your physical health. It’s normal to feel intense emotions after your therapy session. Feeling emotionally and mentally drained can make it challenging to return to work. You can also ease your post-session to-do list by taking these steps.
When scheduling your appointment during work hours, choose a day you can work from home, if possible. Kate Duke, a nurse practitioner on Figs clothing’s health care advisory board in Santa Monica, said you should schedule a little “transition time” after your visit.
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Here are a few expert-approved tips for how to pull yourself together after therapy if your appointment is during work:
A Walk Would Be A Good Idea
After your therapy session, Mancao suggests taking a 15-minute walk to calm your nervous system. Go for a walk outside or make a few rounds in your office building to get some fresh air.
Take A Few Deep Breaths
You can reduce stress through mindfulness and calm your busy mind. In addition to fostering mindfulness, deep breathing helps cultivate a state of presentness. Andrea Elkon, a psychologist, said taking slow, controlled breaths that engage the diaphragm creates calmness and relaxation.
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Distract Yourself By Engaging Your Senses
Elkon says you can avoid painful emotions and memories caused by therapy by focusing on your senses. You can engage your senses by coloring, rubbing lotion on your hands, playing with a fidget toy, or drinking hot or very cold drinks.
Slow Down When You Return To Work
Your mind likely needs to be occupied with work-related things right after your therapy session. Nevertheless, make sure you don’t ignore your emotions. Regine Muradian, a psychologist, suggests taking small steps and keeping a journal handy to write down your thoughts and feelings as they arise.