For many people, the fun of a holiday is ruined by the thought of returning to work. If you have a particularly stressful job, or know that a backlog of work awaits, you could even dread going back to your work place.
No laughing matter You may joke about it with colleagues, but the associated stress can affect your health. You may feel sick, develop a headache, or feel lacking in confidence, trapped and unable to cope. And this anxiety can lead on to depression. If you are sleeping badly due to worry about work, or withdrawing from friends and family, it’s time to talk to your GP. Depression is easier to treat effectively if recognised early on.
Take an extra day off When you start planning your holiday, plan your return to work, too. One sure-fire way to minimise those negative feelings is to add an extra day of leave to the end of your holiday. This gives you an opportunity to get back to your usual routine without going straight back to work. If you decide to do this, phone a colleague so you know what to expect when you get into work the following morning. That way, there are no nasty surprises to bring you down on your first day.
Plan your next break The simplest way to combat the back to work blues is to start planning for your next break, even if it’s just a single day off. Daydreaming about where you’d like to go next, or visiting a travel agent and picking up some brochures on the way home from work can make you feel more optimistic about the future.
Don’t be hard on yourself Even if a daunting workload awaits, take it easy on the first day back. No reasonable person expects you to do everything straightaway. Instead, plan a To Do list for the week ahead and slowly get back up to speed. Set yourself realistic goals and keep your boss updated on when you expect to complete important tasks. Little things can make a big difference. For instance, would it really hurt to keep your ‘out-of-office’ email reply going for an extra day while you clear your inbox?
Work it out Take your mind off things with exercise. Even if it’s just a 30-minute brisk walk, staying active will boost your physical and emotional well-being. It’s also a good way to tackle any extra pounds you gained while away.
Is it time to reassess your career? Being on holiday is one of the few times when you have chance to focus on where your career is going. That doesn’t necessarily mean handing in your notice on your first day back. But looking to the future, and deciding which new skills to acquire will provide a new outlook on things.
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