3rd September 2023 | Beverly Landais
Sizzle, splat, splosh! That's the sound of the British summer as it whizzes by. The warmest June on record turned into a cold, wet July, and an unpredictable August kept us guessing which way the barometer would swing. Wherever you are and whatever the weather, it's essential to prioritise your physical and mental health by taking time off work to rest and recharge.
However, returning to work after a summer break can be difficult, and it may take significant effort to get back on track. It's common to feel tired, disconnected from tasks, and need encouragement to handle the upcoming workload. You're not alone if you experience the post-holiday blues. Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to make the transition back to work easier.
My goal in this blog is to provide helpful tips on maintaining the positive energy you gained during your time off. I'll also share a method to assist you in reassessing your priorities, regaining motivation, and managing your time more effectively.
How to Deal with Post-Holiday Blues
Packing away your summer wardrobe can be a dispiriting experience. Fortunately, you can do several things to lift your mood as you prepare to return to work.
Acknowledge the beauty of the changing seasons. The transition from summer to autumn is particularly stunning, with leaves transforming into vibrant hues, the air turning crisp, and a sense of anticipation. Take time to appreciate the season's beauty by walking in nature, taking pictures or simply sitting and enjoying the scenery.
Boost your energy by doing things you enjoy outside of work. This could include spending quality time with loved ones, going to the theatre, or pursuing a hobby that you are passionate about. Many festivals and events occur in autumn, so research what's happening in your area and plan to go.
Make a list of things you're grateful for. Take some time to reflect on all the good things in your life. This could be anything from your family and friends to your health and home. Gratitude can help you focus on the positive aspects of the new season and lift your mood.
Discover the power of your physical intelligence. Our bodies are amazing. Engaging in activities that make you happy releases beneficial hormones and natural chemicals such as serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine. These hormones can elevate mood, lower stress levels, and boost motivation. So, find ways to move your body and do things that stimulate your mind.
Approach Work with a Positive Mindset
A positive mindset is essential for success in any field. When you approach work positively, you are more likely to be productive, creative, and resilient.
As you prepare to return to work, it's natural to feel a mix of emotions. Rather than worrying about things beyond your control, focus on what you can influence. For instance, while you can't control the weather, traffic, or other people's behaviour, you can choose your actions and manage your attitude. One effective way to shift your focus is to take action. For example, this can include:
Setting clear boundaries can help you keep a healthy work-life balance. For instance, this may mean not sending or answering emails after certain hours or negotiating deadlines rather than always saying yes. Clear boundaries allow you to rest and gain perspective on what is most important at work and home.
Focus on the positive aspects of your work. Think about what you enjoy about your job, such as collaboration with colleagues, the mental stimulation of new tasks, or the sense of accomplishment you get from completing a project. The change of season can be a great time to set new goals and make a fresh start.
Connect with your clients, team members and colleagues as soon as possible. Taking stock will help you get up to speed on essential developments and inform you of any pressing matters or deadlines. You can then decide how to tackle what you must complete and plan your schedule accordingly.
Be proactive. Don't wait for things to happen to you. Take the initiative and make things happen. Look for ways to improve your work and foster stronger relationships with those around you.
Try this: The Eisenhower Matrix is a valuable tool that can assist you in prioritising tasks based on their urgency and importance. You can focus on what's important by delegating or eliminating less taxing but time-consuming duties. To effectively use this method, ask yourself the following critical questions about each item on your to-do list.
1. Is it urgent? Does it need to be addressed at once, or can it wait?
2. Is it personally important to you or your long-term goals?
3. Are you the best person to handle the task, or is there someone better suited for it?
4. Can you stop doing something less important to make room for more pressing tasks?
Consider your responses, then decide what you will stop, pause, start, or continue doing. This time management technique will help you prioritise essential tasks, delegate responsibilities as needed, and work towards your goals efficiently.
How to Find Your Motivation at Work
Motivation is what gets us up in the morning and fuels us throughout the day. It can be internal, such as a desire to achieve our goals, or external, such as a reward or punishment. However, internal motivation is typically more potent and enduring.
Identifying your motivation can make you happier, more effective and better engaged with your work. Here are some steps you can take to rekindle your drive:
Take some time to reflect on your goals. What did you achieve in the summer? What are you still working on? What do you want to accomplish by the year-end? By creating specific, measurable objectives, you can give yourself something tangible to work towards, which can help you stay motivated. For example, set a goal to increase your sales by 10%, complete a new project, or learn a new skill.
Once you know your goals, break them into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will make them seem less daunting and more achievable. For example, if your goal is to increase your sales by 10%, you might break that down into tasks such as identifying new leads, creating marketing materials, and following up with customers.
Keeping your goals in mind will remind you why you're working hard. This will help you stay focused on the positive aspects of your job. Take concrete steps toward your goals by creating an action plan detailing what needs to be done and when. This approach will help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Reward yourself after achieving a significant milestone. Celebrating your successes can reinforce your motivation and encourage you to keep pushing forward.
Here are ten tips to help you retain the positive energy gained from taking time off:
1. Treat the return to work as an opportunity to start afresh. This means setting new goals for yourself, both personal and professional. It could be something as simple as committing to eat healthier or learning a new skill.
2. Bring a souvenir from your holiday to your workspace. This is a great way to keep the positive memories of your holiday alive. It could be anything from a shell you found on the beach to a postcard from your hotel or a favourite photograph.
3. Step outdoors and breathe in fresh air. This is a simple but effective way to clear your head and boost your energy levels. Take a walk somewhere green for maximum benefit.
4. Get up and move around between video calls. Taking short breaks and stretching your limbs will help you stay alert and attentive.
5. Try stretching or doing light exercises. This is another excellent way to boost your energy levels and improve your focus. Even a few minutes of stretching can make a big difference.
6. Listen to music, podcasts, or read a book. This is a great way to unwind and de-stress after a long day at work. Find something that you enjoy, and that helps you relax.
7. Walk to meetings between locations and take the stairs instead of the lift. This is a simple way to get some exercise and improve your circulation. It can also help you clear your head and develop new ideas.
8. Keep yourself healthy and hydrated by drinking water regularly. The NHS Eatwell Guide recommends that people should aim to drink 6 to 8 cups of fluid a day.
9. Connect with your co-workers on a personal level. Go for coffee, have lunch together, or share a laugh. Building relationships with your co-workers can make work more enjoyable and rewarding. It also helps to create a more positive work environment for everyone.
10. Plan your next holiday. Having something to look forward to can help you stay motivated and positive. This might be a short break or a staycation where you enjoy spending time with the people you love.
Going back to work after a summer break can be challenging, but there are strategies you can use to make it easier. It's essential to take care of yourself, set realistic goals, and devise a plan for getting back into the swing of things. It is also an excellent chance to consider your career and plan personal development. Think about what you like about your job and what you want to work on and use that to guide your goals.
3rd September 2023 | Beverly Landais
