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The experts do not leave their astonishment. Because despite being the country with the highest unemployment in the entire European Union, an unexpected tsunami of resignations is shaking the Spanish labor market. These reached an all-time high of 280,678 in June, driven by those of 211,641 workers on permanent contracts, who are in fact those with the highest wages. We'll see what happens in September, the month when traditionally more people leave their jobs. In 2022, the historical maximum of resignations was reached with a total of 261,494 voluntary withdrawals, 25% more than the same month in 2021. And it is that the return to work in September is very bad. The surveys that have been carried out for more than a decade to take the temperature of the sensations that the Spanish working population produces to return to the pit leave no room for doubt. In all, about 50% of our countrymen declare themselves "depressed" at the prospect of returning to work.

And is that holidays are 'bad' for mental health, or not? They elevate you to the highest heights of the pleasure of dolce far niente and then throw you suddenly into the routine of early rising-working-stressing-getting tired-eating fatal-not having time for anything-returning home made a rag-sleeping little. One day and another and another and another... until the next vacation, those that are so far away. Ains. Ole there the people who return to work in September with enthusiasm and full of enthusiasm, it is seen that their companies have achieved the dreamed 'engagement' of which so much is talked about in the gatherings of 'management' ...

In any case, and if it is not in your plans to quit your job this month, we have asked two prestigious experts in coaching to help us put out the fire that at this time burns us the desire to return to work. Some are powerful anesthetics, others work as hypnotics and there are also those that, directly, make you see life in another color.

Inma Brea, expert coach in human behavior and Corporate Humanization, and mentor for managers and organizational leaders gives us the following tips for a less traumatic return:

Change your work zone

Inma Brea tells us that, "even when you work from a permanent physical environment, renew the aesthetics of your work area, desk or office: introduce a new plant, modify the wallpaper of your computer, put a new element of decoration or change the chair. The essential thing is to perceive a sense of renewal, evidencing transformations, however subtle they may be."

Redefine success: from tangible goals to intrinsic motivations

This means, according to the coach, transcending material rewards and "focusing your goals on personal growth and emotional well-being. Find pleasure in what comes from within, fostering a motivation that transcends external rewards. For example, instead of proposing to improve your English, work on perfecting your internal dialogue."

'No complaints' challenge

Complaint, says Inma Brea, "is the great enemy of happiness and mental well-being. Resolve to go an entire week without expressing complaints about your work. Whenever you find yourself about to complain, transform that thought into something positive or a potential solution. You'll see your perspective change!"

Playful weekly ritual

Having a plan ahead, in the short term, always feels good. "Modify every week," says the coach, "with actions that feed the spirit, from a solitary visit to a museum to unforgettable evenings with family, partner or friends. Find harmony and joy in every interaction. Organize each week for the next month, or even the next two, and why not make it a permanent habit?"

'De-Focus' Zone

Reserve a daily moment or corner, recommends Inma Brea, "to disconnect completely. In this space, the essential thing is not to have a fixed purpose. Maybe you're just looking out the window, manipulating an object, or scribbling on paper. This 'aimless time' can, ironically, foster creativity and reveal surprising answers. Also take the opportunity to practice deep breathing, oxygenating your brain and relaxing your nervous system."

Find your weekly 'mantra'

Weekly, select a word or expression as your guide. It could be resilience, fluidity or exploring horizons. Write it down where you can see it frequently and allow it to act as the echo of your purpose for those days.

For her part, the coach and holistic therapist Andrea Linati bets on a series of guidelines to achieve an "empowered return". Some involve a substantial change in our mental mechanisms, others are of a very practical nature. Here they go:

Educate your mind

"Start the course by changing automatisms," proposes Andrea Linati. "Put off thinking about work until the very morning you start. How? In this 'now' (present) there is nothing related to work and is it true that a Sunday or Tuesday afternoon any one takes advantage of it until the end? Well, it's the same 'now'. Take charge of what you think and tell your head that you are still on vacation and enjoy."

Value and be grateful

The coach does not propose to make a list of the 10 good things of the return to the routine, and another with the 10 that you thank for this vacation. "You will see your level of happiness increase," he says. "Practicing valuing and thanking every morning generates neural changes that give us a more positive perception of life and better physical and mental health. Practice it and September will be a very different return!"

Take it easy

"Little demand for the first days, take advantage of the flow of the holidays and propose to take it in your work. Be aware that the rush will come, be prepared to repeat to yourself that 'everything is going well and everything in due time', "suggests Linati.

Clean up

Andrea Linati recommends dedicating the first day of work to general cleaning in the work environment, both physical and digital (that virtual mountain of emails ...). "Cleaning unloads weight and frees the mind, generating more peace of mind. Then organize and plan before you throw yourself into the hard work," he says.

Improve your relationships

"Take advantage of the return, when there is more good vibes at work, to build better relationships. Be curious about each other's vacations and families. You'll see the positive ripple effect you generate." The coach adds that if you have problems with someone in particular, better if you go to a coaching professional.

Plan cheerful plans or upcoming getaways

Here, Linati coincides with Inma Brea. He suggests taking advantage of your free time to make plans "that give you life." In addition, since the 'good weather' still has a long way to go, you will have many opportunities to make getaways. "That will generate more dopamine and motivation for your day to day while you adapt to the return," concludes Linati.

  • Psychology