Returning to work after the holidays doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. Yes, breaks are wonderful and it can be hard to get back into work mode again, but how you handle it is really all up to you.
Rather than be down in the mouth, try to get excited about the new year and look forward to what you can achieve and enjoy in 2018.
While we can’t change the fact that we must go back to work, we can control how we respond to that, and it ultimately comes down to our mindset and what we tell ourselves.
We all have a choice about our frame of mind and it’s best to be positive about a fresh start to the year with a real go-getter attitude. Hunt for the good – and remember that while every day may not be good, there is good in every day.
Plan your next mini-break
Start planning your next getaway so that you have something to look forward to. Knowing there will be another fun break just around the corner will make getting back into your routine a little easier. Even if it’s only a night away or a long weekend with family, something is always better than nothing.
Get some rest
Holidays can be tiring, especially when we have to transition back into work. Be at your best, which all starts with a good night’s sleep. Take yourself off to bed early and try meditation or some light yoga and stretching before you hit the hay to help relax your busy mind.
Exercise
Start your year off with a bang and utilise the summer weather to get outdoors more. Be active at work by getting up from your desk to take a short walk. Exercise has been proven to boost our concentration levels and is a natural antidepressant.
Prioritise yourself!
Start the year off well and prioritise your wellbeing. Engage in things that look after you first. Make small, meaningful changes that you can do every day, which move you to a happier and healthier you. Whether it’s trying to fit in a walk, practising mindfulness or scheduling in a fortnightly catch-up with your friends.
Pack your lunch
What you eat has a huge bearing on how you feel. Having a healthy lunch will give you good energy throughout the day and ensure you don’t need to reach for those sugary treats mid-afternoon. Sugar can cause fluctuations in your blood sugar levels, which affect your mood. These spikes in energy levels can make you tired and irritable, which won’t help your mood.
Take it slowly
Ease yourself back into the working week. Do the tasks that you find easy first so you feel you are being productive, then move on to more onerous tasks as the week wears on. Write a list and start ticking off those jobs. A sense of satisfaction and achievement in everyday life contributes to our wellbeing.
Make it fun
Going back to work can be difficult, but make the most of it and connect with others to boost your mood. Share a quick catch-up or a laugh with co-workers you haven’t seen for a while. Being kind to others can have a profound effect on your own mood, so what better way to brighten your day and others too!
Balance
There is no such thing as work-life balance – it’s just called life. At times, different areas of your life will need more attention while others require less. Rather than worry constantly about balancing them, look to blend them. Put items on your to-do list that benefit your health and wellbeing rather than solely chores.
Make a to-do list
Have a daily plan of what you want to achieve. Sometimes we drift from our to-do lists, but having one will help you organise your time better, prepare you for upcoming projects and ensure you don’t miss deadlines. It also gives you a clearer mental picture of what is required and helps during stressful times.
