GETTING OVER THE RETURN TO ROUTINE

Getting back to routine is always a challenge, especially after summer. Returning to daily activities means reorganising schedules, taking up responsibilities again, and often dealing with anxiety or apathy. Here are some suggestions to make this transition as healthy as possible:

1. Acknowledge that it’s normal: Post-holiday blues are a common emotional reaction after a period of rest. It’s an adjustment process. Recognising that feeling down, tired or unmotivated during the first few days after a holiday is not unusual can help normalise the situation and reduce the pressure.

2. Ease back into routine gradually: Whenever possible, you should allow at least one or two days between the end of a trip and getting back to your obligations. This makes it easier to adapt to schedules, environments and the usual pace of life.

3. Set realistic goals: During the first days back, try not to overdo it. Set small, manageable goals to help you gradually increase your workload.

4. Keep some enjoyable summer routines: Incorporate activities you enjoyed during the summer into your daily life, such as walking outdoors, reading, cooking something special or practicing a hobby. These little pleasures make the return to routine smoother.

5. Take care of your body to improve your mood: Healthy eating, regular exercise, and proper rest are key to stabilising your emotional state. Body and mind are closely connected, so adopting positive physical habits can speed up emotional adaptation. Good sleep, in particular, is crucial for facing changes with more energy and resilience.

6. Practice gratitude and focus on the positive: Instead of missing the feeling of being on holiday, remember the good times with gratitude. You could even make a small album, keep a journal or share your experiences with others. Try identifying positive aspects of your routine that also make you feel good, like seeing your colleagues again, resuming interesting projects or reclaiming your personal space.

7. Seek support if needed: If days go by and your emotional discomfort does not improve—or even worsens—it’s important to seek help. Talking to a psychologist can help you better manage these feelings and prevent them from becoming chronic.

Trying to rush back into normality can increase stress and make you feel overwhelmed. Whenever possible, make time to disconnect from routine, relax, and take care of yourself.