5 tips on easing back in after the summer months

Can you believe we are in September already? 2022 is flying by and soon, the cold nights will be upon us. As we call time on the summer months, children are back at school, and winter is knocking on the door.

Whilst winter can conjure up images of cosy fires, hot chocolates, Bonfire Night and Christmas, transitioning after a summer filled with BBQs, bright sunshine and trips to the beach can be hard. So here are a few top tips to help you ease into the coming months ahead…

Work-life balance

If you have been on holiday or booked time off over the summer period, getting back into the swing of working full time again can be tough, even if you are recharged! It is important to try to maintain a healthy work-life balance and manage your workload effectively. Sometimes working extra hours is unavoidable and that is fine, just don’t make it regular occurrence or the ‘norm’ and commit to ‘switching off’. Doing this will help you stay recharged for longer.

Adopt a hybrid approach

Many people may have been working at home over the summer period to help with childcare. As you move back into the office setting, adopt a hybrid approach for the first couple of weeks so you can reacclimatise. Many employers are flexible with hybrid working, so it is worth checking if this is an option to help you adjust.

Try something new

As the nights draw in, it is tempting to become a bit of a hermit and fall into a routine of getting home, eating dinner and sitting in front of the TV. Why not take on a new challenge? Start a new hobby or consider starting a new course to upskill yourself. LinkedIn university offers lots of free courses, or you could  look into studying a qualification through the Open University/a local college. Lots of new courses start around this time of year so it’s a great opportunity to try something new!

Create a summer playlist

If you are someone who loves the summer months and hates winter, why not create a summer playlist to remind you of sunnier times? Pick out music that reminds you of great summer memories or choose songs that have you feeling like you’re back on the beach with the sand between your toes and maybe a cocktail in hand.

Stay active

As nights become longer and temperatures fall, it can be quite easy to talk yourself out of exercising we all know about the mental health benefits of exercise. Whether it’s lifting some weights, joining a running club, playing racket sports or simply getting outside for a walk, staying active is a fantastic way to look after your mental wellbeing as the winter months hit.