Back-to-work stress? Tips for dealing with your post-vacation routine

Returning from vacation generates stress that affects, according to Istat data, approximately 35% of the populationwith a higher incidence between 25 and 45 years of age and those who carry out work activities with a high intellectual content. To overcome the so-called back-to-work syndrome, or ‘back-to-work blues’, and be ready to inaugurate a new working year with enthusiasm and desire to do, Stefania Cupperi, a psychologist who collaborates with Elty of DaVinci Salute, suggests 5 simple behaviors to resume the usual rhythms.

First of all, “allow yourself a period of adjustment“: it is not necessary to immediately return to the daily frenzy. Try to plan your return so as to have one or two days to reorganize yourself, gradually getting back into the rhythm – a note reports – Carving out slightly longer breaks is essential to allow your body and mind to get used to the work rhythms again, which are decidedly different from those of the holidays and organize your work intelligently without immediately burdening yourself with too many commitments. Creating a list of priorities and tackling tasks one at a time can help prevent the feeling of being overwhelmed by the accumulated amount of work.

As a second step “maintain a healthy lifestyle“: integrate into your routine some element that made you feel good during the holidays, such as an evening walk, reading a good book or preparing a special dish. Small gestures can help maintain a connection with the sense of well-being experienced on vacation. Doing physical activity, saying goodbye to a sedentary lifestyle and taking care of your sleep by getting used to your usual sleep-wake rhythm.

In third place “Cultivate relationships“: staying in touch with people you met on vacation and finding those you left behind in the city. Being in the company of friends and loved ones – it says – can help you overcome the stress of returning to work, as can cultivating gratitude by focusing on the positive aspects of everyday life and the vacation you just spent. Gratitude can help reduce stress, improving your mood. So “taking care of yourself” through practices such as yoga, meditation or even just a little time dedicated to a hobby can make a big difference. Furthermore, being patient with yourself is essential, especially in the first few days when you are a little out of shape. Accepting these feelings without judging them and without expecting too much from ourselves is an important step to overcome this phase in a serene way.

In the end “avail of psychological support” in case the symptoms of anxiety and depression upon returning from summer vacation do not allow us to live peacefully. “Returning from vacation – concludes Cupperi – should not be seen as an abrupt end to the fun but rather as an opportunity to bring into our daily lives what made us feel good”.