Mental Health update – Feeling unsettled as you head back to work?
While we all enjoy some downtime over the summer holidays, it can be tough heading back to work, so it’s a great time to ask ourselves the question, how am I feeling? Am I happy to be back? Am I feeling energised and ready to tackle another year, or am I feeling a little out of sorts?
Often referred to as the ‘back to work blues’ or ‘beating the holiday hangover,’ returning to work can be an overwhelming and challenging time for many of us.
Whether we are back in the office, on the boat, in the truck, back at sea or facing the seemingly never-ending household chores and important caring duties of children, elderly parents or family, the end of a holiday can be a reality check.
The circumstances are different for all of us; however an important part of self-care is checking in on how we are travelling and being aware of how we are feeling.
Feelings one could expect to experience may be:
- Regret – I should have taken more time off?
- Overwhelmed – Where do I start? There is so much to do!
- Worry/anxious – What will this season/year bring?
- Jealous/resentment – I’m back at work, but my partner/wife/husband/colleague is still on holidays.
- Lack of motivation – After being off work for so long I forgot what it is that I pretend to do around here (ha-ha).
Some useful tips that may help to beat the back to work blues are:
- Be realistic: Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and don’t expect everything to be done in the first week. Set achievable goals and give yourself some space to ease back into the swing of things.
- Prioritise: Looking at everything that needs to be done can cause us to become overwhelmed. Make a list and break things down into manageable tasks. Recognise and celebrate your achievements.
- Don’t feel guilty: If you overindulged, enjoyed a bit too much Christmas cheer, or just did nothing. Accept the break for what it was, it’s been and gone and now it’s time to look forward.
- Get back into routine: One reason we may be feeling worse for wear, is because we have been out of our regular routine. Try to start working on this as soon as possible. Three important areas: Diet, sleep and exercise. It’s amazing how much better we can feel if we get some balance back in these areas.
- Communicate how you feel: Talk to your kids, partner, wife and/or work colleagues. Everyone is probably feeling a bit unsettled. Don’t feel isolated and alone.
- Normalise your reaction: Remember feeling a little flat can be a normal reaction after holidays.
Holidays are an important part of managing our wellbeing, now it’s time to get back on track and get energised for another big year.