It’s time to return to work. Play time’s over.
The thought of returning to work after taking time off to enjoy the holidays can either be exciting or depressing, depending on how we choose to approach work.
You’ve probably spent countless nights watching movies, binge-eating, waking up late, strolling the parks and malls to enjoy a fun time with family and friends and now, all that is over just because you’ve got work to resume to. It’s so not fair, right?
But then, who says work can’t be as much fun (or at least close to)? I guess we just have to learn how to keep the stress off and merge work and a relaxation.
Here’s the thing, that you have to return to work now can be exciting when you think of your friends and colleagues at work that you can’t wait to see and share your holiday experiences with them. On the other hand, the thought of resuming to a pile of file, emails to respond to and a whole lot of planning to do can, however, make it pretty stressful. But then, we do not intend resuming work with such burdensome thoughts and dull attitude towards work.
Let’s see how we can make returning to work less stressful and more relaxing while achieving our daily goals and recording success at what we do with these 5 tips.
5 Great Tips To Help You Return To Work After The Holiday:
1. Eat well
The truth is that one of the several things that made you enjoy the best of your holidays was food. Yay or Nay? Yay, of course.
If this is actually true, it means that food (or the thought of food) have the capacity to either make you happy or sad.
So, eating the right kinds of food can help you, leaving the best frame of mind, energy and brain power as you return to work.
When we’re stressed, our brain releases the hormone cortisol, which makes us crave salty, sweet, and fat-laden foods for the temporary pleasure they bring.
But ironically, “stress eating” only exacerbates the problem. Sugar or fat-laden foods like pizza, burgers, and ice cream make us feel lethargic, and less likely to tackle the problems that lay before us, which in turn only increases our stress.
Eating small, frequent and healthy meals, for example, can help your body maintain an even level of blood sugar, keeping your energy and focus up, and avoiding mood swings.
So, opt for healthy options like complex carbs like whole wheat bread or pasta, vegetables, foods high in fiber like fruits, mood-boosting antioxidants like dark chocolate, blueberries and lean proteins like chicken and fish.
ALSO READ: My New Year Resolution For A Stress-free 2018
2. Exercise
Do you know that regular aerobic exercise, a natural stress reducer, can improve mood because of it’s mood-boosting and endorphin-releasing properties?
Aerobic exercise, activities that raise your heart rate and make you sweat, is a hugely effective way to lift your mood, increase your energy, sharpen your focus, and relax both your mind and body.
So, maybe it’s time to up your exercise game. Try doing one or two routines early in the morning before stepping out for work to help improve your mood all day long.
3. Rest well
Sleep time isn’t movie time, you know?
Depriving yourself adequate number of hours you need for proper rest will only end up interrupting your maximum productivity, output and creativity level.
Improving the quality of your sleep by aiming at least 8 hours of sleep daily, avoiding stimulating and stressful activities such as catching up on work just before bedtime. Try to focus on quiet, soothing activities like reading a novel, listening to cool music and other similar activities.
4. Schedule something fun after work
Returning back to work after the sweet holidays doesn’t have to be brutal and depressing.
So, to make work fun (just like the holidays), plan a little fun activity like catching up with friends, dinner at a small town restaurant, flipping through the holiday beach pictures, writing stories (if you love to) and as many other activities you consider fun.
5. Give yourself a break
Avoid being stuck in the office for the entire day.
Just because you’ve missed some work stuff and you finally return to work after the holidays doesn’t mean you should work yourself out all in one day. So, try revitalizing your brain by taking a break when you need to.
So, rather than munching a whole of rice, salad, plantain and your other favourite lunch options in front of your screen, go on an adventure outside the office, enjoy your meal/snack and exercise in the process.
So, Happy new year to you all and have a great time at work this year.
