Facing the Back-to-Work Blues

Blergh. Like a lot of other people, I’m suffering from a case of the back-to-work blues this week.
FACT: no matter how much you love your job, the end of the holidays is never any fun.
The good news is that we can control just how difficult the transition back to reality is with these five simple tips. 

Eat Well
During the holidays overindulgence is expected, nay, APPLAUDED! Unfortunately, excess sugar and alcohol is not conducive to clear skin, stable moods and a lean body, so when you head back to work it’s a good time to re-discover your balance. Now, this doesn’t mean you should banish sugar from your diet completely, but (if your Christmas was anything like mine) it probably is time to rein things in a little.

Sleep Well
Going to bed at 1am may be fine when you can sleep ’til lunchtime, but when you’ve got to front up at work by 8.30am it’s not such a great idea. Aim for a solid eight hours per night and you’ll be feeling as fresh as a daisy in no time.

Drink Well
Water, water and more water is what you need right now. Ditch the alcohol, the sugar-laden fruit juice and the fizzy drinks and REHYDRATE! Try to guzzle a couple of litres per day and help those toxins work their way out!

Move Well
Wherever, however and with whoever – get moving! Soft sand runs, long walks with your dog, yoga, bootcamp or one of my LGF workouts – it doesn’t matter what you choose, as long as you choose something! While I was at home I did plenty of walking and swimming as well as a few workouts, but not as many as I would do in a normal working week. I’m back into it as of today though, and starting to feel better already.

Think Well
For many people, January can be a difficult time of the year. Feelings of loneliness and confusion are somehow amplified, credit card debt is at its highest and your next holiday just seems so far away. Setting goals, staying positive and learning to appreciate what you’ve got (instead of what you haven’t got) is where you need to focus your energies right now. And if you feel it’s gone further than that and you just can’t see your way forward , talk to your friends and family or seek professional help.

There’s no way around it, your first week back at work is likely to be pretty crap. Come to terms with that fact (and take note of these five little tips) and you’ll be back in the swing of things and knee-deep in a bumper 2014 in no time at all!