Master Grazia’s life skills

Back-to-work blues are common, but people feel dread for different reasons. It’s worth exploring what is causing the feeling, and making a differentiation: it’s normal to feel a bit sad that the weekend’s over, but if you’re, say, getting stomach knots or having sleep problems over facing the week, then it’s more serious.

First, recognise your emotion. It’s there for a reason and it’s trying to get you to review and revaluate. Then, work out what it is about the week ahead that feels difficult. Is it your job? Is it the people you’re surrounded by? Or the circumstances you’re in? Until you can identify what you’re struggling with, you don’t know what to work on.

From that, you can make proactive decisions. Start by making one practical decision to make the week more manageable. Register with a recruitment company, research what jobs are available or start networking. When we’re proactive we get a hit of serotonin, which boosts our mind because we feel a sense of control.

Also, think about your mindset and whether it’s part of the problem. Are you somebody who minimises the positives in a situation? Rather than seeing the week ahead as something negative and catastrophic, try to view it through a different lens. Think about what you can look forward to and what you can control.

Change your routine. Plan to do something different in the week: sign up to a class or swim after work. It’s important to break up your routine so life doesn’t feel like a treadmill. Connect with people. See friends or schedule a time to call someone. Include your social life as part of the week, because if your life is all about professional responsibility, perspective becomes limited.

‘Ten To Zen’ is out now (£10.99, Bluebird)