This is the first of four podcast episodes on the Return to the Office. For the full scoop, listen to the podcast episodes.
Return to Office? Keep Your Sanity (and Focus)
The way we work is shifting again. AI, hybrid models, and (gasp) more in-person meetings are back on the scene.
But returning to the office doesn’t have to mean losing control over your time and energy.
Biggest hurdles:
- Distractions and noise overload (hello, chatty colleagues)
- Loss of flexibility — no more midday walks or errands… or so you think
- The commute that eats into workouts or family time
- Pressure to “look busy” instead of actually making an impact
How to stay in charge:
- Use “attention anchors.” Create small habits to ground your focus — a short morning reflection, a quick walk before work, or a “focus fedora” (yes, really).
- Guard your peak hours. Know when you’re sharpest and reserve that time for deep work. Save admin drudgery for your “plummet hours.”
- Batch and theme. Stop energy leaks from constant task-switching. Example: Strategy Mondays, Meeting Wednesdays, Deep Work Fridays.
- Block no-meeting time. Even 90 minutes a day can save your brain (and your to-do list).
Power tip:
Reintroduce office habits your way. Want a midday walk? Start now and invite a coworker. You’ll set expectations early, rather than fighting them later.
Bottom line:
Returning to the office doesn’t have to mean losing your groove. You can set guardrails, protect your focus, and make the space work for you, not the other way around.
Need help? Check out the book Reclaim Your Workday: Sustainable Productivity Strategies for the New World of Work.
