Following a great holiday where we’ve been relaxed and shut off from the world and our worries, how do we keep that holiday feeling going when we return to work or school? It’s not uncommon for people to go straight back to work after a holiday, getting straight back into the stress and hustle and bustle of everyday life only to feel the benefits of the holiday fade away within a week or two.

Take the first day slowly

Firstly, don’t be too quick to pick up where you left off. Ease back into work, if you can, take a few days off when you return from a trip to ease back into daily life. Take things slowly. For example, on the first day back at work, set a simple goal like getting through the day and checking some of your emails. Don’t try to achieve too much, or you’ll be super stressed by the end of your first day back. Be realistic, your first day back will be tiring as your brain has been on holiday and isn’t used to the sudden pressure. Get good sleep, take your breaks, and finish on time, if not early.

Talk about your holiday

Talk about the fun you had on your holiday with colleagues and friends and show them your photos. Put your holiday souvenirs around your home and re-visit the fun you had with those you might have travelled with. This keeps the holiday ‘alive’ in your brain and its associated feelings. Imagine what you’d be doing if you were still on holiday and try to mimic this when you return. For example, you might keep reading your book, take more breaks, make time for a massage, wear comfortable clothes, go out for meals, and laugh.

Rewards

Have something nice to look forward to at the end of the first day and first week back at school and work, this can help with the post-holiday blues people can feel. Even planning your next trip can help keep you optimistic and set some things to look forward to in the near and distant future. Let people know if you’re feeling jet-lagged or tired so they can be understanding. Don’t overdo your appointments and schedule for week one.

Get lots of sleep

You might still be jet-lagged from your trip so go to bed early, get a good night’s sleep and work on good sleep hygiene (relaxation before bed, getting back into a routine, eating regularly and adequately). It’s important also to move your body and eat well to support your recovering body and brain after a week back into work or school.

So have an easy week back, keep the holiday feels alive and I hope you have another relaxing holiday coming up real soon.