Recharging Work: Transforming Post-Holiday Blues into Renewed Energy and Innovation

Back to the Grim Reality? Back to Torture? Or Just the Same Old Routine???????

Or are you recharged and ready? Are you coming back with everything you've got???????

It's that time again—the summer break is over, and we're gearing up to dive back into work, facing the final stretch of the year…

But why does it sometimes feel so heavy?

Because we are mentally and emotionally programmed for certain times of the year.

Holidays are often associated with enjoyment, rest, "time for myself," moments and memories with family, and fun…????????? ??

But what about work? What associations do we hold there? With responsibilities, stress, deliverables, bosses, and coworkers that can be burdensome?... ?????

Think about the associations you have about your job and tell me: 
Are they heavy or light? Positive or negative?        

If you're like more than 60% of people worldwide, these associations are burdensome and mostly negative. Does this mean enjoyment and relaxation are only allowed during holidays and the rest of the time we must armour up?

Not necessarily!

There are ways not only to maintain the momentum from the holiday break, but also to create new habits to return to work with a different mindset than the one you had before your holiday.

So, what can you do? ??

Here I leave you few ideas...

1. Observe your words to reveal your mental and emotional associations:

If you find yourself saying "back to the torture" or "back to the bunker," your associations with your job are clearly negative and can even be violent, spiking your cortisol levels at the thought of returning to work.

If this is your case, the "holiday effect" will wear off quickly, reactivating the neural circuits that depress your nervous system. Stress and headaches come rushing back.

If you find yourself saying things such as "back to the routine," the association with work is more neutral but implies boredom and monotony. You might fall into holiday nostalgia or find yourself waiting for the next break while operating on autopilot every day.

Both associations affect your nervous system and expose you quickly to illness, fatigue, and demotivation.        

So, start by observing how you speak, then identify what emotions work elicits, and finally, you can identify the association you have with it.

My recommendation is to change your associations!

Look for reasons why work is beneficial for you, what you gain from it, how you are growing, what it allows you to do, and why you are grateful??.

2. Ignite change and innovation

If you feel that you've returned with your batteries recharged, or that you've come back with all you've got, use that energy to create, to innovate, and to propose changes to the status quo, so that you don't fall back into the same patterns you left before your holiday.

If you come back recharged but return to the same behaviours, the momentum quickly fades. Then you're back in the vicious cycle.         

Think about ??:

? What ideas am I bringing back from my holiday?

? What would I like to implement, propose, or even change?

? How would I like to do things differently in my work to feel more energized and be more efficient?

3. Keep a habit to elevate your energy and spirit every day

keep one of the habits that made you feel good during your holiday. Perhaps you had time to read, discuss non-work-related topics, visit new places, or engage more in sports.

Of course, you can't do it all every day because your schedule will be full of other activities, but if you can choose to keep one habit that makes you feel good and include it in your schedule.

Give yourself time for you, a daily little pleasure, a moment of disconnection. This will help not only to prolong the holiday momentum, but also to change the associations you have with active workdays ????♀???.

So...

? How do you plan to return to work?

? What actions do you plan to put into practice to maintain the momentum, boost your energy, and feel great about this return?

?? Join the Conversation: How did you enjoy this summer? What ideas will you bring to the workplace? Share your stories and learn from others in our community. Together, we can keep the holiday momentum and move forward with energy.

?? Subscribe to 'The Career Wellbeing Digest' for more insights and actionable tips on managing workplace stress and advancing your career despite the hurdles. Together, we navigate the complexities of a professional life intertwined with personal challenges.

https://www.dhirubhai.net/newsletters/the-career-wellbeing-digest-7223688441278939137/

Jessica Rojas Liscano is an International Coach dedicated to professional reinvention and success mindset. With a diverse background spanning multiple countries, Jessica empowers professionals to navigate career transitions, enhance soft skills, and cultivate a life of fulfilment through personalized coaching and strategic insights. Fluent in Spanish, English, and French, she connects with a global audience, offering transformative strategies for those ready to redefine their professional journeys.

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