Personally it can be really hard, especially as somedog who is both nonhuman, works very varying hours, and has mental health issues. That being said, i've found ways around it over the past few years and especially over 2023. They're all a little varied so you can sort of mix and match
i'm doing this in list form because it feels fancy lol
This is a little bit more of a risky one if you're in a strict job, so don't get in trouble. I'm in a workplace with a strict (and frankly outdated) uniform, but if you're someplace more freeing it can be helpful to wear little bits of jewellery like earrings or pins that remind you of your animal self. However, if you're stuck in a store or an educational place that's being run like it's a top secret government operation like I am, you can wear necklaces under your uniform or simple themed rings to help you feel closer.
In customer facing jobs, or maybe even ones where you have to talk to your coworkers a lot, focus in on your phantom shifts. Let yourself feel your tail, ears, wings, claws, anything else you might have. It's subtle but it allows you some freedom in being an animal (I call it the dog at work tactic). I tend to let my ears flatten when a customer is being shitty with me. They can't tell, but I can and it's a very subtle 'fuck off' signal lol.
Jobs and coursework can make it hard to really take care of yourself, nonhuman or not. To relax more into it, it can be helpful to theme your relaxing time around your theriotype/your identity. As a dog, I find it helpful to sort of build soft blanket nests with lots of plush animals - especially ones related to things I'm interested in (sharks lol), or other dog plushies. Sometimes I'll theme my snacks and I'll eat cookies or small chips, or even fruits if that's more your thing. Obviously it goes without saying, don't eat something your current body is incapable of consuming safely. If you prefer meat, cooked chicken is a nice way around that sort of craving, or just cooked meats in general.
4. Hobbies & Documentaries
When I've had a long week at work, as you mentioned OP, it can be really difficult to engage with hobbies and interests. I personally try to do whatever I can over the day, even during work if it's okay to do so. I'll always be doodling or tapping out a tune on the desk (provided I'm not annoying anyone), or chatting to somebody about my interests. It can be helpful to chat about your species and tell interested people facts about it - you don't have to tell them it's you, but you can mention being interested in the animal. Documentaries can also be a wonderful way to reconnect, and there are documentaries on every animal pretty much - real or mythical.
Taking care of yourself is important. Taking a shower or bath or doing some kind of self care activity as soon as you get home can be a good way to split the day into two and help you move from work/school/etc mode to home mode. Organising your schedule and using set times for yourself can be really efficient and is something I wish I did more of back in school and when I'm studying. There are lots of study tips online but I recommend the alarm system (work for ten minutes straight, break, work, break, etc until you're either done or can't do anymore) because it's a good way to take small breaks. Don't push yourself to burnout with it though - it's supposed to have an almost opposite effect.
I know this is pretty long, but your question was important and I wanted to give the best answer I could with my reblog lol. I hope this can help somedog out there.
