How to get back into the swing of things

Summer is coming to a close sooner than many of us hoped, but that doesn’t mean September has to be depressing. It can be tricky to snap out of the delightful vacation mode and get back into work mode, but I’m confident you can do it. Take a look at a few of these tips to help you along the way.

Think of it as a new year

You know that fresh feeling of possibility at the start of a new year? Maybe it’s from a new year’s resolution, or maybe it just feels like you get to reset and have a fresh start. It’s really just all in our heads though, isn’t it? Try replicating this feeling at the start of September, as if it were January 1st! Think about the goals you want to accomplish and all the possibilities that lie ahead. This could help you hit the ground running rather than dragging your feet when you’re trying to get back into the swing of things.

Reconnect with colleagues

The Austrian workplace has one guarantee over the summer: someone is bound to be on vacation at any given time. While vacation is awesome, it’s also nice when everyone is around at the same time. Look at the start of autumn as an opportunity to reconnect with your colleagues. Chances are they’re also feeling the Summer’s End Blues, so they will probably appreciate a chat. If nothing else, you could go for a drink after work and commiserate together about the pain of being a working adult. Misery loves company!

Treat yourself

If you can remember back to your childhood days when you were going back to school this time of year, you might recall a feeling of excitement. While students have their own reasons to be depressed about the end of summer and the start of school, there was always something new and exciting involved: a new class, new friends, new school supplies, new clothes, or whatever it may be. Try to replicate that feeling into adulthood and treat yourself a little bit. Buy yourself a new pair of shoes or a new gym membership, or start a new healthy habit (such as food or exercise).

Remember, treating yourself doesn’t have to revolve around consumerism or sugary treats. Try treating your mental and physical wellness with some healthy nutrition and whatever else it is that makes you really feel good. You deserve it!

Allow yourself to catch up

Don’t set the bar too high when you’re just coming off vacation. If you aim to suddenly be the most productive you’ve ever been, you’re bound to feel disappointed. Instead, cut yourself some slack and take it step-by-step. Don’t be surprised if it takes a few days to really get back into work mode. Better yet, consciously set time aside to answer emails you missed and organize your schedule. You’ll be back to it in no time!

Header Image Credit: Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash