As summer draws to a close, the return to everyday life after the holidays looms ahead. Many of us feel melancholic and anxious during this transition, as if the lightness of summer gives way to a gray routine. However, this transition doesn’t have to be rough. With the right strategies, we can close the summer on a positive note and at the same time get back to work with new energy and a clear head.

The Energy of Summer

Summer is the time when we oft get rid of the demands of everyday life, break up with routines, travel, recharge our batteries and reconnect with our zest for life.

It’s a time when we feel freer, nurture social connections and focus on what really matters—ourselves and our needs. Yet, when summer ends, it feels as if we are losing this lightness and becoming trapped in the constraints of everyday life.

September, returning to a new start

A colleague once encouraged me to view September as the true start of the year—not January! Why? September symbolises the return to routine, commitments and tasks that we have put off during the summer. And that’s a good thing!

It’s a time when we can focus on our goals and dedicate ourselves to our activities with renewed energy.

The return to work after the holidays however can trigger stress and discomfort in some cases. It is like waking up from a pleasant dream into a harsh reality. With the right strategies, this transition can be eased.

Here are four practical tips for a smooth transition back to everyday life:

1. Plan and Structure the First Week

Instead of jumping straight into full work mode, you should consciously take the first week after the holidays more slowly. Plan your tasks realistically and give yourself time to get back into the work routine. Prioritize your to-dos and don’t let an overloaded to-do list overwhelm you. Small, achievable goals help to regain motivation and focus.

2. Maintain Your Positive Summer Habits

Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you have to give up all the good habits you developed during the holidays. Whether it’s morning movement routine, a walk in nature or reading a book in the evening, incorporate these activities into your day. They help release tension and calm the over-thinking mind.

3. Create a Pleasant Work Environment

After the holidays, it’s especially important to create an environment that makes your return easier. Tidy up your workspace, remove unnecessary clutter and focus on the essentials. A pleasant atmosphere helps keep stress levels low and makes it easier to start work. Also, make sure to schedule enough breaks in the first days after returning to gradually get back into the work rhythm.

4. Consider a Coaching for New Impulses

For a particularly smooth and effective transition into the workday, it may be helpful to try new approaches that support you in the long term. One such example is Budo Coaching. This method, based on the principles of Martial Arts, focuses on tackling your professional and personal challenges with minimal effort and maximum effectiveness.

By learning to redirect and use your energy purposefully, you can achieve your goals with greater ease and clarity. Especially after a longer break, a coaching can help you set new intentions and return to everyday life with fresh motivation.

It’s up to you

Returning from vacation doesn’t have to be associated with stress and discomfort. With conscious planning and maintaining the positive boost of summer, we can make the transition into our work life easier. With energy and a clear mind.