We are experiencing social anxiety as we learn how to re-engage with others and reconcile our pre-pandemic selves with our post-pandemic selves. In essence, we are not only discovering new things about who we are today, we’re also relearning to relate to colleagues. Connecting with our teammates in forever-changed remote and hybrid workplaces requires learning new ways of how to be in community.
Am I actually a supportive team member? Whose voice is often missing from the conversation? Is there a voice that I should support in sharing more of their ideas? How can I leverage my position as a teammate to make sure we are utilizing everyone’s talents and gifts? The result is a more balanced physiology in which the workout creates a positive stressor, which builds strength, without going into full blown “fight or flight” mode. Neurochemicals of bonding are released such as oxytocin in addition to feel-good endorphins which help create resilience. When you have a resilient physiology, you handle daily stressors and navigate life’s challenges better.