Stories

Mon, 31 Aug 2026

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 Feeling nostalgic for summer? How to beat the back-to-work blues

Going back to work after a summer holiday can be tricky - here are a few tips to make it easier.

* Start with small, manageable tasks and "quick wins" rather than tackling the hardest task first.
* Be kinder with your expectations of what you need to do on your first day back in the office.
* Consider keeping your out-of-office message on for a day or two to give yourself time to catch up on emails.
* Delete unimportant emails, just as one person did, and don't worry if people will come back to you when you're available.
* Integrate some of the enjoyable aspects of your holiday into your daily life, such as trying new foods or exploring local areas.
* Bring one restorative part of the holiday home with you, like taking a walk or eating without screens. Factors that can affect how well we adjust to returning to work include:
* The type and length of our holiday: physically active holidays may be more beneficial for wellbeing than simply lying by the pool.
* The anticipation of going on holiday, which can play a key role in its enjoyment and benefits.
* The frequency and length of breaks: shorter but regular breaks may bring more wellbeing benefits.