All of us have experienced the New Year’s blues at work at some point in our careers. Whether you are still at the office over the Christmas season or already basking in the summer sun, you can’t stop thinking about going back to work in the New Year. And face it, that would make anybody feel the grip of the blues. You might find it surprising that December is not only the most joyous but also the most stressful time of the year. This is understandable; deadlines must be met, and general exhaustion and burnout may contribute to the “blue” feeling. Before you feel defeated and run to hide under the bedcovers, you can follow a few tips to sidestep or significantly reduce those looming blues. 1. Set a clear list of your goals for the New Year Nothing beats the blues than knowing you are working towards a goal. Whether changing companies or contributing more to a looming project, setting clear personal objectives is a step in the right direction. 2. Get more sunlight! A survey conducted by Northwestern Medicine and the University of Illinois established that employees not only slept better, but those exposed to a reasonable amount of sunlight took 6.5% less sick leave than those indoors most of the day. What are you waiting for? Get some sun! 3. Exercise = productive and happy employees You know the saying, “Everything begins as a thought”. Thoughts influence how you feel and ultimately respond to someone or something. Staying active will give you less time to brood over your feelings and the stress you are experiencing. 4. Take it slow Rather than kicking the New Year off with a bang, start it slow. Focus on your goals, concentrate on one task at a time, and breathe! Nothing is more depressing than returning to work feeling miserable and unmotivated. Realise that more people feel like you do but that you can sidestep the New Year blues by focusing on your goals, health, and what you are grateful for. Happy 2024!
This article was written en published by Liesel Cloete.
The Award-Winning CV Writer Behind SA CV Writing Studio
With an extensive HR/Payroll background, I transitioned from the corporate world and founded SA CV Writing in 2014 to empower professionals in their career journeys. My clients report back on securing interviews with local and international firms.