Hold on to that holiday feeling
MICHELE O’CONNOR reveals the best ways to keep the vacation vibes going for longer
YOUR tan is already fading and it feels like autumn is just around the corner. No wonder every day feels like Monday morning. Here’s our guide to putting a smile back on your face...
ARRANGE A MEET-UP WITH FRIENDS
“THIS is one of the best ways to combat that sluggish feeling when returning to work after a holiday,” says Matthew Whitaker, research scientist at X-PERT Weight (xpertweight.co.uk).
“Research has shown that socialising reduces stress levels and increases happiness.”
LET THERE BE LIGHT
“NATURAL light helps stabilise serotonin and triggers endorphins,” explains Liz Walker, HR director at Unum, an employee benefits provider.
“Make the most of your lunch hour and go outside – even if it’s just 10 minutes. And, if you can, enhance the positive effects by combining this with a walk. You will feel calmer and happier.”
BUY FLOWERS
THEY’RE a powerful positive emotion inducer, according to studies.
In a trial at the University of New Jersey, women were given flowers, chocolate, perfume and clothes – and their smiles of gratitude were rated from ‘purely social’ to ‘true smiles of genuine pleasure’.
Those getting flowers had ‘true’ smiles and their pleasure was greater than those receiving any other gift.
...AND KEEP A PLANT AT WORK
IN STUDIES, employees with plant-filled offices were more satisfied with their job and reported greater wellbeing – possibly because the plants release oxygen and remove carbon dioxide.
GET SOME SKIN-TO-SKIN CONTACT
“THIS can help feelings of being over-burdened, uninterested or irritable – symptoms people experience when returning to normality after a holiday,” says Matthew. “So booking a massage could help.”
SET A GOAL
“WHEN you return from a holiday, you can feel stumped and without much to look forward to,” says Tom Bourlet, of travel blog spaghettitraveller. com.
“Set yourself an aim over the next few months.
“It can be getting in shape, learning an instrument or setting up a business.
“Post-holiday is an ideal time as your mind and stress have been cleared by a trip away.”
CREATE MEMORIES
“I LOVE to combine all my holiday videos into one edited video,” says Tom. “You don’t need editing skills, just use a basic free tool, add some music and you can watch great memories.”
CHANNEL YOUR INNER MARY BERRY
A STUDY in the Journal of Positive Psychology suggests people who frequently take a turn at small, creative projects report feeling more relaxed and happier. The researchers followed 658 people for two weeks, and found that doing everyday things such as cooking made them more enthusiastic about their pursuits the next day.
CUT DOWN ON SOCIAL MEDIA
DR ANDY COPE, psychologist and author of SHINE Rediscovering Your Energy, Happiness and Purpose (Capstone, £10.99), says: “In terms of happiness, one true ‘flesh and blood’ friend will bring you more happiness than 1,000 Facebook ones. Cut your social media by 50% and spend time with real family and friends instead.”
SNUGGLE UP!
THE happiest nations have a similar theme, says Dr Cope:
MYSA (Swedish): To be engaged in a pleasant or comfortable activity; to be content or comfortable; to get cosy; to snuggle up. PEISKOS (Norwegian): Lit fireplace cosiness, sitting in front of a fireplace enjoying the warmth. HYGGE (Danish): Enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Snuggliness.
LOVE YOUR HOME
“FOCUS on feeling grateful for the things you love about your home, then add little reminders of your holiday,” suggests Chloe Ward at Smart TMS – a mental health clinic specialising in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. “It could be a plant, a painting or even a local dish you enjoyed – the aim is to feel invigorated by your memories and let them expand your cultural horizons.”
BE A TOURIST IN YOUR OWN TOWN
DISCOVER the best restaurants and bars, the most beautiful spots and the really fascinating historical sites. Now go to the places on your list, pretending you’re on holiday.
DRESS IN CHEERY COLOURS
AVOID black or grey as they have a psychological effect on your mind and mood, says body language expert Judi James.
“Instead, try calming but uplifting shades like blue, turquoise, amber or violet – but not red, which exacerbates feelings of anger.”
BUY A DIGITAL PHOTO FRAME
OPEN University researchers investigated how TV, alcohol, music and flicking through photographs affected the moods of volunteers.
TV made no difference; alcohol and music raised happiness levels by 1%; and flicking through a photo album made the volunteers’ moods rise by 11%.
Looking at photographs of good times and those closest to us brings about feelings of comfort and happiness, which brightens up our day and makes us feel content.