As an occupational psychologist, I notice every year that people are expecting the summer to counterbalance the darkness and cold of the winter. If the summer is chilly and wet, people seek the services of occupational psychologists earlier at the start of autumn, whereas after a hot and sunny summer, the appointment books start to fill up only in late October, as the days grow darker.
Our mental well-being is clearly at the mercy of the weather – unless we harness effective self-management tools and do some planning in advance. Take a moment to consider what you are expecting of the summer. What does “a good summer” mean to you?
People spend their summer in various ways, some on holidays, some at work. A good summer does not necessarily require one month of basking in the sun. By choosing to do enjoyable activities, you are helping your brain rest and recover. The summer can be refreshing even if the weather is not ideal.
Variation is key
For the brain, a good summer means the alteration of being active and passive, driven by your personal needs. No stimulants or sedatives are needed to reach the balance. Changing the environment can be refreshing if your daily life has been repetitious and monotonous. On the other hand, if your everyday life has been hectic, you might find comfort in routines and quiet nights. Listen to your needs – spending the days inside solving sudokus while it rains can be just as stimulating as spontaneous trips.
As the summer approaches, try to organise your work so that you can let your brain rest and relax. If you are on a holiday in the summer, remember to take these steps:
- Write down your passwords before turning off the computer.
- Make a list of tasks to handle when you return to work.
- Detach yourself mentally from work.
Let your holiday counterbalance your working life: If you have a lot of responsibilities at work, allow yourself to relax on your holiday. If your days are filled with deadlines, do not book your calendar full for the summer but leave room for spontaneity.
But what if you are spending the summer working? Many of us take time off outside the standard holiday months or have yet to accumulate enough holidays to rest in the summer. You can still enjoy the summer even if you are working, since it brings variation to the daily routines. Try taking a scenic bicycle route to work or get an ice cream on the lunch break. If you are working from home, take your office outdoors or enjoy the refreshing summer rain during a coffee break.
Long weekends can be just as beneficial as a longer, uninterrupted holiday. Add small breaks to your summer schedule to give the brain the change and rest it needs. It is also important to have a longer break from work at some point in the year.
Gentle return to work
The return to work is not always sunshine and rainbows, even if you are well-rested after the holidays. Therefore, it would be a good idea to plan your return so that it is as gentle and stress-free as possible. If your circadian rhythm has changed during the summer, try to adjust your inner clock to the new rhythm one week before the end of your holiday. For the early risers, waking up for work will be easy after a few early mornings, whereas evening persons can bring forward their sleep rhythm by 15 minutes a day.
If possible, keep the first week of work shorter than usual to let your brain get used to the new rhythm. The return to work can be slightly unpleasant for everyone in the work community. Let your colleagues return to work gently and in peace. Avoid urgent decisions or fully booked calendars on the first day of work. Give the others time to find their passwords and notes and recall how to use tools and programmes. A gentle return to work extends the refreshing effect of the holiday.
Do not stress about the summer
There is no reason to worry in advance whether the summer will be relaxing enough or not. You may be disappointed if the sun decides to hide during your holiday, but the summer can be refreshing regardless of the weather. A good summer means meeting your inner needs and it is not dependent on external factors. However, if you do not feel light and well-rested as the autumn approaches, consider potential solutions with your supervisor. If you need help, you can always contact your occupational health nurse. Finding solutions to balancing work and personal life is easier together.
We are here for you also in summer
Pihlajalinna Occupational Health takes care of employees also in summer. If the sky of your mind is darkened by thunderclouds and your organisation has purchased the Worry in Mind mental health service, do not hesitate to contact the helpline.
Wishing you relaxing summer days,
Susanna Paarlahti
Service Manager, Occupational Psychology
Don’t let sickliness ruin your summer – Pihlajalinna’s remote consultation service is available 24/7!
An inflammation of the eye, allergy symptoms, insect stings and many other summer problems do not require a physical consultation. Occupational health contracts often include remote services, which are ideal for treating many urgent and non-urgent problems without queuing and a visit to the clinic. If closer examination is necessary, the remote clinic refers the patient for further investigation.
“At the remote clinic, personal service is provided quickly and reliably by friendly and expert physicians and nurses, just like at other Pihlajalinna service points,” says Eeva Tukiainen, Service Manager at Pihlajalinna Remote Clinic. Read more here!
Summer opening hours
There are changes to Pihlajalinna’s opening hours over summer. You can find the exceptional hours for each clinic at Pihlajalinna.fi.