I published this post over a year ago and I have been reminded of the challenges of the post holiday blues by a number of recent conversations I have been having with some of our Pabasso members.

Coming back to work after the holidays isn’t easy. The 1st September is the start of the meteorological Autumn, the days are getting shorter, the weather is getting cooler, and it can be hard to get kick-started for the challenges ahead.

And it's not just you, your colleagues will mostly all feel the same, and they all want a piece of you as you have been away.

Personally, I always check my emails and messages when I am away - but I am an early bird, so I clear these each morning so as not to interfere with my downtime. I do this because I hate coming back to a pile of emails which take days to clear. I also know that if there is anything urgent that needs my attention, I can deal with it promptly.

I learnt long ago not to look at emails/messages late at night. If there is a problem that needs your attention, it's too late to call anyone to discuss it, so all it does is gnaw away at you overnight and spoil your sleep.

For many of us, the first month back can feel heavy — not just because of overflowing inboxes, but because of what’s often called the Holiday Blues.

It’s that subtle dip in mood after your holiday and a break from routine. Suddenly, the pace picks up, your calendar is full, and life seems bad!

Life isn't that bad; it’s just the Holiday Blues. Here's a few tips to get you back up to speed:

🌱 Ease back in. Not everything has to be done on the first day or the first week back.
🤝 Reconnect with colleagues — a quick chat can bring energy and perspective.
🕯️ Carry a little of your holiday spirit forward: gratitude, kindness, and moments of reflection can help.
🧘‍♂️ Take care of your mental health. A walk, a break, or even just stepping away from the screen helps more than we think.

So if you’re feeling a bit off right now, you’re not alone. The Holiday Blues are real, but they pass.

If this resonates with you and you would like to find out more about the value MDs and CEOs of Yorkshire-based SMEs get from being part of Pabasso - Peer Advisory Board Associates, then please drop me a note at rad@pabasso.com, and we can arrange a confidential chat to see if we can help you achieve your goals.

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