Feeling nostalgic for summer? How to beat the back-to-work blues

Returning to work after a summer holiday can feel daunting, especially as September brings shorter days and a flood of unread messages. Careers coach Sarah Robinson advises against diving straight into the toughest tasks; instead, she recommends easing back with small, manageable jobs that yield “quick wins” to build momentum and prevent overwhelm from a massive inbox. Counsellor Susan Carr echoes this, urging people to temper expectations on the first day, perhaps dedicating time to email triage rather than back‑to‑back meetings. Primary‑care leadership consultant Tara Humphrey even keeps her out‑of‑office reply active for the first day, using it as a protective buffer that signals colleagues to follow up later, while some opt to delete holiday emails entirely. These strategies aim to reduce the immediate pressure of re‑entry and create mental space for a smoother transition.

Beyond tactical adjustments, experts suggest preserving elements of the holiday’s restorative vibe. Dr Joy Conlon of Alive 365 encourages bringing home one soothing habit—such as evening walks, screen‑free meals, or outdoor reading—to address the root causes of the “back‑to‑work blues” rather than merely treating symptoms. She recounts experiencing daily tears after a break, realizing the need for deeper reflection on work stress. Carr adds that recognizing whether lingering melancholy signals a temporary nostalgia or deeper job dissatisfaction involves gauging the duration and intensity of the feelings, warning against impulsive decisions like quitting on a whim. Instead, she advises thoughtful reflection on possible career changes.

Research underscores that the type and length of holiday influence post‑break wellbeing. Dr Mark Williamson of Action for Happiness notes that physically active vacations—incorporating walking, cycling, swimming, or exploring—tend to leave people feeling more refreshed than passive poolside stays. While longer breaks provide a larger boost, their benefits fade quicker, especially when returning to a “bigger mountain” of work; shorter, more frequent breaks can deliver comparable rejuvenation with lasting effects. Williamson also highlights the role of anticipation in amplifying holiday benefits. Together, these insights suggest that blending gentle re‑entry tactics, retaining holiday‑inspired habits, and planning regular, active getaways can mitigate the September slump and sustain overall wellbeing.

⚡ Effects Interpreter