Holidays are liberating. The relaxed vibe and unbridled time allows us to sample and adopt new ways of thinking and being. But sustaining the personal benefits as we move into a new working year can be another matter altogether.
Nutritionist and wellbeing advocate Anna Dellow believes holidays have a lot to teach us about the importance of self-care and reflection, if only we'd listen.
“Once the stress begins to dissipate on holiday, our brains have the freedom to think about things other than work tasks and projects," Anna says. "This can result in clearer and more creative thoughts, often allowing new possibilities that we had never considered before. Downtime can also increase motivation and productivity and send us into the New Year with a fresh outlook.”
It's no surprise that getting more sleep, improved nutrition and regular exercise are top of the list for new, post-holiday routines.
"All of these little things add up to improving our overall health and wellbeing," Anna says.
"It's a matter of maintaining a few things on a regular basis, which can be easier said than done."
"But I have three top tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle beyond the holidays."
- Find the exercise/activity you love to do. That way you are more likely to make this a priority.
- Put yourself first occasionally. Too often working parents/carers feel guilty for making time in the family weekly routine for something they love to do.
- Start with small goals for changing poorer lifestyle habits. Try to get more sleep, eat better and commit to increasing your exercise. At the end of each week, write down the changes you have made and then keep trying to improve on this goal."
That may all be well and good, but what about the anxieties that awaited you back at work - the overflowing inbox, difficult work colleague and sudden deadline?
"This is where it's important to focus on the positives (any you can find) to make the transition back to work easier and more productive," Anna says. "Focus on the more enjoyable aspects of your job - a favourite task, having coffee or lunch with a nice colleague or friend, or a project you are looking forward to sinking your teeth into."
On the home front, as dull as it might seem, a little organisation can also ease these periods of transition. "Do your grocery shopping, make some healthy meals to freeze in advance and, if you have children, get them organised for school and their activities," Anna says. "Being organised does make it easier to adjust back to the chaos of working life.
"And don't forget yourself. Having something to look forward to each day, some ‘me time’ is super important for your overall wellbeing. Make this your self-care 2020 promise."
On a practical level, Director of Human Resource Services at the University of New England David Thorsen suggests - perhaps not surprisingly -planning your next holiday.
"I am a strong advocate of that, if you can, because it's always good to have something to look forward to," David says. "So you know when you will get another break."
Anna is a member of UNE's Bespoke Career Concierge Team.
