How To Treat the "Back to Work Blues"

After a long holiday weekend or vacation, you may experience the back to work blues. Feeling sad when you return to your regular lifestyle is a common occurrence, but you can overcome the emotions associated with returning to work. Here are several ways to treat this condition so that you won't develop long-term depression. 

Treatment 1: Plan Before You Begin a Holiday

To avoid a letdown feeling after the holiday break or a summer vacation, make sure to plan your first few workdays. Organize your work environment to make it easier to cope with a new schedule when you return to an office. Instead of beginning with the difficult tasks at work, start with the simple jobs so that you won't feel overwhelmed. 

Treatment 2: Maintain a Regular Schedule While You Are On a Holiday

Avoid getting off schedule while you are on a vacation or extended holiday weekend. If you maintain your regular daily schedule, then your circadian rhythms will remain normal. Having the same circadian rhythms will help your brain and body to remain healthier so that you won't develop a low mood after you return to work. 

Treatment 3: Get Enough Sleep Before Returning To Work 

Make sure to get enough sleep before returning to work on Monday morning. Prepare your bedroom to create a soothing environment with the right temperature and proper bedding. Relax by reading a book, performing meditation or listening to quiet music. With this preparation method, you are more likely to feel rested in the morning. 

Treatment 4: Consume a Nutritious Diet

It is easy to consume a poor diet while you are on a holiday, but this will reduce your well-being. While you might want to enjoy a treat occasionally while on vacation, continue to eat a nutritious diet as much as possible. To feel your best on the day that you return to work, make sure to plan a healthy breakfast. 

Treatment 5: Have an Exercise Regimen

Instead of watching television throughout the holidays, prevent the back to work blues by maintaining an exercise regimen. When you are traveling during the holidays, you can engage in physical activity by performing calisthenics in a motel or by taking long walks near a relative's home. 

Treatment 6: Don’t Become Overwhelmed By a Pile Of Work

After returning to work, you may have thousands of emails or telephone calls to respond to, but you shouldn't become overwhelmed by these tasks. Instead of trying to contact every client, prioritize the telephone calls and emails. Remember that you have the rest of your workweek to catch up on your tasks. 

Treatment 7: Change Your Daily Lifestyle 

If you have a bad case of back to work blues, then it is a sign that you must change your daily lifestyle. You may be a workaholic who only has fun during the holidays when your company closes for a few days. To feel better all of the time, you should have a daily schedule that includes fun activities so that you are physically and mentally healthy.