The beginning of September is an unsettling time for many people. After a relaxing summer, the looming pressure of getting back into work mode can feel a little daunting or even seriously anxiety-inducing.
Firstly, it’s worth knowing that it’s very common to have these kinds of feelings and maybe even a little nostalgia for the summer as September starts…
It’s the end of a more carefree routine, and we have to adjust to a more structured schedule again. We might have lots of work we need to catch up on, and it’s likely there’ll be some new challenges and pressures we know we’ll have to face.
In my opinion, the best thing you can do if you’re feeling any negative feelings about next week or the following week (whenever things ramp up for you) is to get ahead of yourself and plan your time and what you’re going to be working on that first day and week back.
This doesn’t need to be anything heavy or super time-consuming – I suggest looking at what’s happening on your first day and week back in detail and then taking an overview of the rest of the month and Q4 and start thinking about how you need to manage your time.
Managing your energy is about looking at your schedule and planning adequate rest: time off after a big deadline, weekend breaks and anything else that you can look forward to. This will make Q4 feel more manageable rather than an uphill battle until Christmas.
In contrast, the worst thing you can do if you’re feeling unsettled is to leave it until the morning of the ‘first day back’ and throw yourself in at the deep end. The sooner you regain a sense of control, the sooner your stress will ease. You can also then fully enjoy your last few remaining days of calm rather than having them spoiled by a feeling of impending doom. Read more on this here: Feeling stressed about September?!
If you find yourself struggling with significant anxiety about the return to work and would like some practical strategies to alleviate your stress, get in touch for a complimentary 1:1 session. I can provide you with personalised support, equipping you with tools and insights to regain control of your work-life balance and face the challenges of the upcoming months with renewed confidence and resilience.
Your well-being matters, and together, we can ensure you not only survive but thrive amidst September’s demands.
Kate x
