Returning to work after the holidays

Rather than totally clearing your mind of your happy holiday memories, why not embrace all the things you loved about your holiday and incorporate them into your working day? Not only will this ease you back into your normal routine, you might just find there are some feel-good factors that you want to adopt permanently. After all, there’s no reason why we can’t feel just as happy every day of the year.

We’ve got some nifty little tips that will help you make the most of your time once you return to work - making every day count.

Read

Many of us love to get lost in a good book while we’re on holiday but what’s stopping you from picking up where you left off and imagining you’re back on your sun lounger at the side of the pool?

Treat yourself

There are no rules to say that we can only treat ourselves when it’s a special occasion so why not enjoy a spot of retail therapy and buy some new clothes for work? It might just help you feel as great as you did on holiday. Perhaps your desk could do with a little colour therapy, so treat yourself to some bright new stationary that will bring a smile to your face.

Plan something for the weekend

If your holiday hasn’t left you totally destitute, maybe make plans for the weekend. This will give you something to look forward to and keep you motivated throughout the week. How about a romantic dinner at a nice restaurant, a night out with friends or a cheeky getaway?

Book a buffer day

The thought of returning to work after a holiday can leave us feeling anxious and stressed knowing that we’ll have to face countless emails and catch up on all the work we missed while we were away. Not to mention the endless loads of washing and shopping we have to face. Booking that extra day off after we return from our holiday gives us time to get organised and acclimatise to reality, ultimately relieving some of the stress and allowing us to sleep better at night.

Take a full lunch break

Missing lunch break to catch up on work is a bad habit that many of us fall into but remember that you are entitled to your break. Making the most of this time gives us a chance to rest our minds and recharge our batteries.

Replace those times when you would be lounging in the sun or exploring an exotic location for something enjoyable in your lunch break. You might want to take a walk outside to get some fresh air – this is a great opportunity to practice mindfulness and appreciate your surroundings. Or, instead of sightseeing, maybe you could venture somewhere new and learn a bit about the area.

Enjoy a tasty treat

It’s not uncommon for us to over-indulge while we’re holiday, devouring delicious goodies without giving it a second thought, so adjusting to our usual eating routines can play havoc with our sugar cravings. Think about livening up your usual lunchtime sandwich with an exotic wrap or a something from home that will take your thoughts back to your holiday or instead of your mid-afternoon cocktail, why not stop for some flavoured water, which will also keep you hydrated and your mind alert.

For more tips on returning to work after your holiday, visit the mental health charity website, Mind.org.