As we start to look towards the end of the school summer holidays, many of us are thinking about returning to work after some time off. Returning to work after a break can often be accompanied by a surge of stress and overwhelm.
At The Thrive Team we understand the importance of easing into your routine while safeguarding your mental and emotional wellbeing. We are sharing our top ten actionable strategies that can help you manage post-holiday stress, ensuring a smooth transition and a productive return to the workplace.
1. Preparation
Before stepping back into the office, take some time to prepare. Create a to-do list outlining tasks, meetings, and deadlines for your first week. The simple act of planning can alleviate the anxiety of the unknown and provide you with some structure for your return.
2. Gradual Re-Entry
Resist the urge to dive headfirst into a mountain of emails and tasks on your first day back. Instead, adopt a gradual re-entry approach. Begin by catching up on essential emails, talking to colleagues, and assessing your priorities. You may find it useful to block out some time on your first day back to allow you to do all this.
3. Set Realistic Expectations
It’s natural to want to hit the ground running, but setting unrealistic expectations can quickly lead to stress and burnout. Be honest with yourself about what you can accomplish during your first days back and communicate any limitations to your team if necessary.
4. Establish Boundaries
As you return to work, set clear boundaries to protect your wellbeing. Communicate your availability to colleagues and avoid overextending yourself by taking on too much too soon.
5. Practice Mindfulness
Embrace mindfulness techniques to stay present and centred during your return. Engage in deep breathing exercises or short moments of meditation to alleviate stress and ground yourself amidst your workload.
6. Be Flexible
Recognise that things may have changed during your absence. Be open to adapting to new situations or adjusting your plans as needed, without adding unnecessary pressure to yourself.
7. Delegate and Collaborate
Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks or collaborate with colleagues to distribute the workload effectively. Teamwork can alleviate stress and contribute to a smoother transition.
8. Reconnect and Socialise
Reconnecting with your colleagues and sharing stories from your time off can create increased rapport and help ease any post-holiday stress. Social interactions can also inject a positive energy boost into your return.
9. Utilise Support Resources
Think about the resources you have available to help you to manage your stress. Our free downloadable tool “How Full is Your Stress Container?” will help you consider what your stressors are and how you can manage your stress for a smooth transition back into work.
10. Reflect and Celebrate
As you settle back into the work routine, take moments to reflect on the positive aspects of your time off and celebrate your accomplishments. This practice can infuse your return with gratitude and optimism.
Returning to work after a well-deserved break doesn’t have to be synonymous with stress and overwhelm. With the right strategies in place, you can approach your return to work with confidence and maintain your mental and emotional wellbeing.
If you’d like to speak to us or find out more about how we could support you or your business, get in touch here. We’d love to hear from you.
