Returning to work after a vacation can be a significant challenge for many professionals. This transition often involves leaving behind the freedom and relaxation of vacation and returning to the routine and responsibilities of the work environment. In today’s society, which is constantly changing and where the pressure for productivity and performance is constant, this return can be even more difficult.
One main challenge is apathy and lack of motivation. After a period of rest, it is common to feel a certain apathy when returning to work. The break from the more relaxed vacation rhythm can make it difficult to regain usual productivity. Additionally, the anticipation of accumulated tasks and the need to readjust to the routine can be overwhelming and can generate anxiety and stress.
Even after a period of rest, returning to work can be physically exhausting. Some people even experience feelings of sadness, discouragement, and physical symptoms such as headaches and insomnia. Schedules and responsibilities after vacation can cause a sense of fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
Also, the feeling of disconnection from colleagues can be significant. Resuming social interactions and team dynamics can become an additional challenge.
To face these challenges, we can adopt some wellbeing strategies that can make everything smoother and more positive. Here are some suggestions:
1. Adapt Gradually
Don’t pressure yourself to immediately resume your work pace. Give yourself time to readjust and adapt to the routine. Recognize that it is normal to feel a bit disoriented in the first few days and that, over time, you will find your balance.
2. Set Priorities and Boundaries
Make a list of priorities and focus on the most important tasks first. Additionally, set clear boundaries for your work hours and ensure you reserve time for activities that bring you pleasure and relaxation. Reevaluating professional and personal goals after vacation can help adjust expectations and maintain motivation.
3. Incorporate Regular Breaks
During the workday, take regular breaks to stand up, stretch, and breathe. These small breaks can revitalize your energy and improve your concentration.
4. Integrate Mindfulness Practice
Mindfulness can be a powerful tool to maintain calm and mental clarity, even in challenging environments. Reserve a few minutes of your day for formal practice (meditation) and integrate mindful attention into various moments of your day (while talking, eating, participating in a meeting, walking…).
5. Cultivate Positive Relationships
Interpersonal relationships in the workplace have a significant impact on our well-being. Cultivate positive relationships with your colleagues, sharing moments of relaxation and mutual support. A harmonious work environment can make the return to work more bearable. Don’t forget to also maintain and cultivate positive relationships outside the work environment, dedicating time and attention to them.
6. Prioritize Sleep
Good sleep is essential for physical and mental recovery, helping to improve concentration, memory, and decision-making ability. To ensure quality sleep, establish a regular sleep routine, avoid using electronic devices before bed, and create a conducive environment for rest in your bedroom.
7. Maintain Your Hobbies
Whether it’s reading, painting, playing sports, playing a musical instrument, or any other activity that brings you joy, it’s important to reserve time for these activities in your weekly routine. Hobbies provide a form of relaxation and a break from professional responsibilities, helping to reduce stress and improve mood.
8. Eat Well
A healthy diet plays a crucial role. When we return to work, we often alter our eating habits, opting for quick and less nutritious meals. However, maintaining a balanced diet, rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins, can significantly increase productivity and well-being.
9. Exercise Regularly
Physical exercises help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase energy. Even small activities, such as daily walks or stretches, can have a significant positive impact. Try to incorporate some form of exercise into your daily routine, whether before or after work, or even during breaks throughout the day.
10. Seek Support
If the work environment is particularly difficult, seek support. It can be helpful to talk to a trusted colleague, a mentor, or even a mental health professional. Having someone to share your concerns with can make a big difference.
Remember that each one of us is unique and may need to choose those strategies that fits the best and adjust them to our specific needs and circumstances. The important thing is to find a balance that allows you to maintain well-being, even in the face of the pressure and responsibilities. With a little planning and self-care, it is possible to more effectively integrate the serenity of vacation into daily work life, promoting a healthier and more satisfying life.
Article originally published in EXECUTIVA: https://executiva.pt/vanda-de-sousa-regresso-ao-trabalho/
