Getting back in to 'work mode' after the holidays

For many of us, the Summer holidays can mean that our normal routines get disrupted, particularly if you have a family. The Summer holiday usually mean having to juggle childcare with work, annual leave and more social activities, such as BBQs, trips to the beach and days out It can be a lot of fun, but also tiring and busy (not to mention expensive!).

Once the schools go back and people return from their holidays, life typically starts to settle down and we return to our usual daily routines. For many this can be comforting and a bit of a relief- life becomes more predictable again- however it can also be difficult to refocus ourselves and feel motivated in our work. Maybe stressors which were put on hold over the summer reappear, or we can experience the 'post holiday blues'. So how do we manage this return to normality?

Here are some of my thoughts about things that make that transition a little easier:

Plan ahead and organise your week- take some time to think through and plan what your week looks like; what tasks need done and when. Make sure you build in time for relaxation and rest, as well as things you enjoy which are just for you. I know that it easier said than done when you are a parent or have a busy job, however it is really important that you make time for yourself.

Build up gradually: don't plan to start everything at the same time. Try to build up slowly, adding in commitments over a period of time rather than all at once. We all need time to adjust to change, so make sure you account for that.

Be kind to yourself: if you forget something or need a little longer to get things done, it is ok. Speak to yourself kindly, not critically, as you would if you were talking to a loved one. It is ok to make mistakes, and it is ok to need time to adjust- change takes time.

Find the joy: Practice trying to find pleasure and joy in the small things that happen in a day. A beautiful sky, a good cup of coffee, a moment of shared laughter with a friend. Its the little things that keep us going. Try to notice these and take time to appreciate them, it will improve your overall sense of well being.

Slow down: Try to slow down if you find yourself spinning like a top. Take few deep breaths, step outside for some fresh air, stretch. Try to stay present in the moment and not get too wrapped up in planning what is happening next, or worrying about things that have already happened.

Plan things to look forward to: Some people start to plan their next holidays straight away, giving themselves something to look forward to in the future. It doesn't have to be something big like that though, particularly if your bank balance needs time to recover after the Summer. Small things work just as well- a catch up with friends, time in the garden, a film night with your family. Anything that you look forward to will help.

Finding your motivation: If you have lost your motivation, try to reconnect with what is important to you. What do you find rewarding about your work? What do you like about it? Why did you get in to it in the first place? Sometimes we can lose sight of these things over time, and it can be helpful to remind yourself why you are doing it.

I know that not every job feels inherently rewarding, sometimes we end up in a job which is just about paying the bills. That might be motivation enough- stability and financial reward are very important and practical reasons why most of us have a job. If you really find your work unrewarding and unmotivating however, it might be helpful to reflect on this and think about whether a bigger change is needed, and what steps you can take to build a more fulfilling future. Talking to friends who have different roles, or getting some career advice from a professional may be a positive first step to working out if a change of career is practical or useful for you.