From BBQs to Boardrooms: Beating the Post-Labor Day Blues in Utah

Hey there, Utah! As the last hurrah of summer fades and the scent of BBQ lingers, it's time to face the music – or should we say, the alarm clock. Yep, it's the post-Labor Day reality check. Whether you spent your long weekend camping in the Uintas or lounging by the pool at Lagoon, getting back into the swing of things can feel like climbing Timpanogos... in flip-flops.

But don't worry, we've got your back. Let's talk about how to ease that transition from holiday mode to hustle mode, all while keeping your mental health in check.

10 Ways to Beat the Post-Labor Day Blues

1. Ease Back In Gradually Don't try to go from zero to sixty on your first day back.

Try this: Block out your first hour back at work for organizing and planning. Resist the urge to dive straight into that overflowing inbox.

1. Create Something to Look Forward To Combat the post-holiday slump with future plans.

Try this: Plan a mid-week treat, like trying out that new restaurant in downtown SLC or a weeknight hike up to Ensign Peak for the sunset.

1. Maintain Some Summer Vibes Just because Labor Day's over doesn't mean the fun has to end.

Try this: Keep a "piece of summer" in your routine, like having your morning coffee on the patio or scheduling a weekly outdoor lunch break at Liberty Park.

1. Set Autumn Intentions Use this transition as a fresh start.

Try this: Take some time to set intentions for the fall season. What do you want to accomplish? How do you want to feel? Write it down and put it somewhere visible.

1. Practice Gratitude Shift your focus from what you're missing to what you have.

Try this: Start each day by noting three things you're grateful for – bonus points if one is related to your work or daily routine.

1. Prioritize Self-Care Don't let your return to routine crowd out your self-care practices.

Try this: Schedule your self-care activities like you would any other important appointment. Maybe it's a yoga class at The Front Climbing Club or a quiet reading session at The King's English Bookshop.

1. Declutter Your Space A tidy space can lead to a tidy mind.

Try this: Take 15 minutes to declutter your workspace or a small area of your home. It's amazing how clearing physical clutter can help clear mental clutter too.

1. Connect with Colleagues Shared experiences can ease the transition.

Try this: Organize a casual "welcome back" coffee chat with your coworkers. Swap stories about your Labor Day adventures and ease back into work mode together.

1. Get Moving Exercise can be a great mood booster and stress reliever.

Try this: Start your day with a brisk walk around Sugar House Park or try a morning yoga session. It can set a positive tone for the rest of your day.

1. Be Kind to Yourself Remember, it's normal to feel a bit off as you transition back to your routine.

Try this: Practice self-compassion. If you're feeling overwhelmed or unproductive, talk to yourself like you would a good friend. "It's okay to take it slow. You've got this."

Remember, the post-holiday blues are temporary. By implementing some of these strategies, you can ease back into your routine with less stress and more positivity. And hey, if all else fails, just remember – it's only about 12 weeks until the next holiday season!

[Call to Action: Struggling with the post-Labor Day transition? Let's talk it through. Schedule a session and we'll work on personalized strategies to help you navigate this change with more ease and less stress.]