Returning from a summer break only to feel flat at work is surprisingly common. Whether you’re serving tables at a busy cafe, managing spreadsheets in an office, packing orders in a warehouse, or delivering packages, that post-summer slump can knock motivation and focus.
The good news is you don’t need a grand overhaul of your work life to bounce back; small, targeted shifts in your daily routine can reignite energy, sharpen your focus and help you thrive from Monday morning onwards.
In this blog, we offer practical advice for beating the summer holiday blues so you can feel more motivated.
Rebuild a realistic routine
A rigid schedule may have worked pre-summer, but slipping straight back into your working routine can feel jarring. Crafting a simple morning ritual, whether at home or at work, can be a good way to wake up your brain and get back into a work mindset. Simple things such as stretching, hydrating and listening to an upbeat playlist can be a big help, as well as incorporating micro-breaks into your day.
Short micro-breaks can help you avoid feeling burnt out in the first few weeks and can be quick and easy, such as:
- Stand up and walk around briefly; chat to a coworker, grab a cup of tea or just stretch your legs.
- Set a quick group stretch for your team every few hours; this is particularly beneficial for construction and industrial teams.
- Set alarms to reset your posture or remind yourself to drink water.
Set bite-sized goals
Staring down a mountain of tasks can freeze even the most seasoned professional. Emails have piled up, tasks feel never-ending, and everything seems to be going at double speed. Break down your day into digestible mini-wins; ticking off these wins will keep you motivated to tackle the next item on your list and build momentum.
Seeing progress can also be helpful in fuelling motivation; create a whiteboard or list, or a digital ‘win wall’ where every task, milestone or accomplishment is listed. If you’re part of a team, encourage teammates to add their own wins. Every small success counts.
Inject variety into your day
Monotony kills morale faster than a cancelled holiday. Shuffle your to-do list so you can bounce between high-focus and hands-on activities. This mental switch helps you stay engaged, sharpens your skill set and breaks the ‘autopilot’ cycle.
Prioritise self-care on shift
Your healthy habits off the clock should be implemented into your worklife year round. When long hours, physical strain or back-to-back calls pile up, simple self-care rituals keep your energy and focus steady.
Simple self-care moments throughout your day, regardless of the industry you work in, can include:
- Stay hydrated and keep water within arm’s reach; this will prevent headaches and fatigue.
- Reset your posture. It can be easy to slip into a slouched posture so every 60-90 minutes, pause for a posture check; roll your shoulders, release neck tension and straighten your spine. Setting an alarm can be an easy way to get into the habit.
- Layer your comfort. Ensure your footwear, clothing and PPE fit well and are comfortable to work in for a long-period of time.
Lean on your team
Burnout is often caused by the feeling of isolation. Invite a colleague to share a five-minute mini-break during your shift or work day, swap wins and pitfalls, or encourage more opportunities for team building during these first few weeks back.
While some jobs are part of a team, others can be more isolating, such as remote workers and drivers. In these roles, it is even more important to reach out to others to avoid burnout and have regular catch-ups with managers and other colleagues, who are likely in the same boat.
Feeling drained after summer is normal, and can hit workers hard, especially when coupled with back-to-school commitments. By carving out realistic routines, sprinkling in variety and leaning on colleagues, you’ll transform a sluggish first few weeks into a time filled with momentum and small victories.
Give these tips a try to beat that post-summer slump, and if you’re exploring new roles or need extra guidance on staying energised at work, the
Berry Recruitment team is here to help you find the best fit.
