Feeling nostalgic for summer? How to beat the back-to-work blues

As the summer holiday comes to an end, the return to work can bring feelings of nostalgia and a sense of dread. To ease this transition, there are several strategies one can employ. It may be tempting to dive straight into the most challenging task, but it's more beneficial to ease back into work by starting with small, manageable tasks and quick wins. This approach helps build momentum and makes the workload feel less overwhelming.

Careers coach Sarah Robinson suggests focusing on building momentum rather than tackling the hardest tasks first. Counsellor Susan Carr advises being kind to oneself and adjusting expectations for the first day back in the office. This could mean spending the day going through emails instead of attending back-to-back meetings. Tara Humphrey, a primary care leadership consultant, recommends keeping an out-of-office message on during the first day back to give oneself space to adjust and encourage people to follow up when she returns.

It can also be helpful to integrate enjoyable aspects of the holiday into everyday life. This might involve trying new hobbies or activities that bring a sense of joy and relaxation. Additionally, remembering what made the holiday enjoyable and incorporating those elements into daily life can help ease the transition back to work.

Dr. Joy Conlon, a psychotherapist, recommends bringing one restorative aspect of the holiday home with you. This could be a daily evening walk, eating without looking at a screen, reading before bed instead of being on a screen, or spending more time outdoors. Rather than simply treating the symptoms, it's essential to examine the root cause of the back-to-work blues.

If the feelings persist for an extended period or are intense, it may be a sign that a change in job or career is necessary. However, it's crucial not to rush into making drastic decisions. Carr advises taking time to reflect on how to make changes and consider whether the feelings are temporary nostalgia or genuine dissatisfaction with the job.

Moreover, the anticipation and excitement leading up to a holiday can contribute to its enjoyment and positive impact on wellbeing. Dr. Mark Williamson, chief executive officer of Action for Happiness, suggests that the type and duration of the holiday can also influence its overall impact. Engaging in physically active holidays, such as walking, cycling, swimming, or exploring, may be more beneficial for wellbeing than simply lounging by the pool.

Williamson points to research suggesting that active holidays can lead to a greater sense of refreshment upon return. Additionally, shorter but more regular breaks throughout the year may provide more significant wellbeing benefits than longer breaks, as the anticipation and excitement associated with a longer break can fade over time.