Managing Stress as Routines Resume

As holidays come to an end and routines return, many of us find ourselves going from “I have plenty of time” to “How did my calendar get this full?” almost overnight!

Returning to work can bring its own pressures. Catching up on emails, managing new deadlines, getting back into a routine and trying to pick up where we left off.

But a busy workplace doesn’t have to mean a stressful workplace.

A few simple steps can help:

• Prioritise: Focus on what needs your attention first rather than trying to tackle everything at once.
• Take breaks: Regular breaks can help maintain concentration and reduce mental fatigue.
• Communicate: If your workload is becoming difficult to manage, speak to your manager or colleagues early.
• Plan realistically: Give yourself time to settle back into your routine rather than expecting everything to be back to normal immediately.
• Switch off: Maintaining boundaries between work and home is an important part of managing stress.

From a workplace health and safety perspective, stress should be taken seriously. It can affect concentration, decision-making, relationships, productivity and, ultimately, safety.

Looking after wellbeing isn’t just about reacting when someone is struggling. It’s about creating a working environment where people can manage demands, speak up and feel supported.

As we get back into routine, let’s make sure we’re not simply returning to old habits let’s take the opportunity to build healthier ones.