Rotorua clinical psychologist has advice on beating back to work blues

Suffering from the back to work blues - give yourself a break. Photo/Getty Images

If you're back at work and feeling a little blue after a great Christmas break, easing yourself into your workload is the advice from Rotorua clinical psychologist Erin Eggleston.

"Accept the first week or so will be tough and give yourself time to adjust back into the demands of work," Eggleston said. "And put off any big work decisions for a few weeks."

The back to work blues are a common experience according to Mental Health Foundation chief executive Shaun Robinson. Symptoms can include lethargy, lack of motivation and feelings of resentment.

"Holidays are a great and necessary chance to relax, unwind and reset," Robinson said.

"It's natural to feel a bit low when they're over and we're back to business as usual."

Readers provided a few tips for workers on the Rotorua Daily Post Facebook page including "think of pay day", "stay at the beach instead" and "just smile and nod".

Eggleston encouraged people returning to work to look after themselves during the first few weeks in terms of managing stress.

"Things like exercise, connecting with nature, put some effort into eating well, and getting enough sleep.

"Slow down and reconnect with colleagues, nurture those important relationships at work."

He said it was a good idea to plan a break or something you would like to do in 2018.

"And if you're feeling down, talk about it with a partner, a family member, a friend or a colleague - chances are you are not alone."

The Mental Health Foundation has challenged individuals and workplaces in New Zealand to not just accept the back to work blues, but take the new year as an opportunity to commit to improving mental health and to work actively to ensure that coming to work is an enjoyable and supportive experience for all.

"We want 2018 to be the year of mental health in the workplace," Robinson said.

"The benefits of improved workplace mental health extend beyond individuals - they reach into our whanau and communities, too."

Since 2009, the foundation has been championing the Five Ways to Wellbeing. These five simple steps, (connect, give, take notice, be active and keep learning) are easy to do and make a surprisingly big difference in improving mental health and wellbeing – they are proven to help people find balance, build resilience and boost mental health and wellbeing.