Overcoming post-summer blues
Added 08.12.2010
For most of us, holidays are a time to recharge our batteries and reflect on our lives. Sadly, the energy boost, rejuvenation and relaxation we enjoy during this time are short-lived. According to a Dutch study, it takes just two days of being back to work and/or juggling the family for our energy reserves to become depleted and our stress levels to escalate. But don't despair; it is completely normal and you should not expect to be functioning at full steam straight after your vacation. Even better, we will give you some tips on how to better deal with getting back into your routine after the summer holidays and ways in which you can increase your energy and decrease stress levels naturally.
Getting back into the work mindset after your holiday
It is a big job for our brain and body to adapt to the routine of work and family duties after an unwinding break. We can feel down, stressed and fatigued, even if we are going back to a job we love. But there are several things you can do to make the transition back into the real world easier.- Go back to work on a Wednesday: going back to work on a Wednesday as opposed to a Monday helps lessen the stress and fatigue of incorporating into a full work week. That way when you start the following Monday, you will be in the working rhythm again.
- Get used to waking up early: If possible, set your alarm at your normal work time at least a day before getting back to work. This will help your body adapt to earlier waking hours as it is more than likely you have been sleeping in on your vacation.
- Have a chat with your colleagues: sharing vacation stories with your colleagues is a great way to get a positive start on the job.
- Be realistic about what you can achieve the first week: don't feel bad about not being able to be 100% productive your first few days back at work; it takes time to get into the full swing of things.
- Exercise: exercising before or after work will increase your endorphins - proteins in your body that bring about a state of happiness and well-being.
- Take coenzyme Q10: a coenzyme Q10 supplement will help restore and maintain your energy levels. For best results you should take the supplements all year round or well before your vacation so that your energy level is optimal by the time you need it the most.
- Take an anti-stress supplement: if you feel stressed a natural anti-stress supplement can provide you with relief and help you better handle situations.
