Back to work and almost a year to go until the next vacation. So how do you best preserve your energy until then? Here's what the expert says!
Autumn is a time for new beginnings and work is no exception. The semester often starts with a bang with kick-offs, planning meetings and inspirational lectures. Add to that various parent meetings and board meetings in the housing association and it's easy to forget the recovery you had during the summer.
– Dare to be a little laid back. You don't have to take a leading role if you don't have a leading position at work. And if you do, you may not need to offer to be a parent council representative as well, says Petra Lindfors, professor of psychology with a focus on work and organizational psychology at Stockholm University. She says that the holiday feeling disappears quickly when we start working. After two weeks to a month, it has worn off. But you can actually extend the holiday feeling.
– One way is to have more days off built in. Try to start with a short week and preferably have an extended weekend planned in the fall. Take a Friday or a Monday off so that you have a long weekend when nothing special needs to happen, says Petra Lindfors. However, not everyone has the privilege of starting the fall with a short work week.
– Then you can make sure you don't take your work home with you. Simply park your work at work, and don't be available after work, unless you're scheduled to be. Petra Lindfors also thinks that you should make sure to create short breaks during the day, such as getting water, going to the toilet or getting a printout – but without stressing when you do it. She also thinks that you should be kind to yourself and accept that coming back is an adjustment.
– Also accept that you don't feel happy every second at work. But if, on the contrary, you feel downright miserable about going back to work, it may be time to think about your situation.
“If you come back to work with your breath in your throat like after a marathon, you should think about whether it is sustainable. You may have too much to do and then you should talk to your supervisor to review the situation,” says Petra Lindfors. It could also be that you are sitting there doing things the wrong way without knowing it.
– There may be solutions that you don't see yourself or that you need help sorting out a little. Dare to ask for help, most employers want their employees to stay on time! But even what you do outside of work can help you save energy for the next time off – by building up a buffer against stress.
– Sleep is important, eat a balanced diet and exercise. Do things that you find restorative and fun, says Petra Lindfors.
5 TIPS TO HELP YOU GET BACK
1. Like the location! Accept that it feels awkward to transition from time off to work. Remember that this is normal and that the feeling will soon pass.
2. Soft start Take it easy at first and don't expect to go full speed from the start. Increase the pace gradually instead. If possible, start softly with half a working day. If you can't control your time yourself, be careful not to bring work home so that you can recover when you are off.
3. Take micro breaks Don't forget to take short breaks during the workday. Stretch, take a short walk, and chat with your colleagues.
4. Enjoy the last summer Try to get some daylight during the workday. Light and air give you energy. And remember that summer isn't really over yet. Have lunch in the park, have coffee at an outdoor café after work, or plan a barbecue.
5. Normalize job anxiety See job anxiety as your body and brain's way of preparing for discomfort. It's a necessary feeling for you to unwind. Remember that anxiety doesn't have to mean you don't enjoy your job - it's completely normal!
