How to keep that super summer feeling year 'round

TARYN PAWLIVSKY
AHS Communications

For many Albertans, September not only marks the end of the summer season, it also means the return of work-related anxiety.

Things at the office always seem to ramp up in the fall, while housework seems more daunting with extra tasks such as packing lunches for school.

Calm and composure can fade as quickly as a summer tan when there's an insurmountable number of email messages in the inbox, piles of unopened mail on the desk, the red message light blinking furiously on the phone or dishes piled up in the sink when the kids come crashing home from school, begging for a snack.

Those long, lazy days of summer can seem so very long ago.

"Being overwhelmed after a break, particularly if these feelings linger, is a source of stress that can contribute to the development of depression and anxiety," says registered psychologist Dr. Kris Devoulyte, who's based at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton.

The good news, according to Devoulyte and other health experts, is people can return to their regular work and home life routines, be productive and maintain that sunny, summer feeling all year round.

Here's how:

1. Get organized by prioritizing tasks and accomplish them one by one.

"Don't try and tackle it all at once," says Devoulyte. "You'll gain a greater sense of control when you schedule tasks within specific time periods."

For example, set one hour aside to answer emails, another for tacking phone messages or give yourself time to get to the grocery store and clean the dishes.

2. Take periodic breaks during your day.

"People often forget about their own needs when stressed, which causes additional stress," says Devoulyte.

For a short but effective break, Devoulyte recommends taking slow, measured breaths while counting to 10. The diaphragm, not the chest, should slightly expand while breathing in.

"It may need a bit of practice but, once you get the handle on it, this relaxation strategy will help you de-stress in a matter of minutes," says Devoulyte.

3. Eat well.

Many people eat good foods during their holidays only to revert to poor eating habits when they return to real life.

Registered dietitian Laurie Bailey of Calgary says to maintain that summer feeling you must maintain those healthy eating habits.

"Healthy food choices can reduce stress by providing the nutrients needed to maintain mental alertness, stable blood sugars and energy," she says.

Low-fat muffins, light cheese, whole-grain crackers, fruits and trail mix are much better than chips or chocolate bars to satiate the appetite and ward off stress.

4. Keep work and play separate.

Devoulyte says people can prolong that relaxed summer feeling by regularly scheduling time with friends and family.

5. Get enough sleep.

For an average adult, that's seven to eight hours a night. This should allow you to wake up feeling refreshed and alert. When you're rested you're better able to handle the daily challenges any job or task can pose without getting stressed.

6. Always maintain a sense of humour.

"Laughter is a critical coping tool to keep things in perspective," Devoulyte says. "You'll soon discover that for each problem, there's a solution."

The goal, says Devoultyte, is to make that summer feeling last all year around. "These tips do take conscious effort and willpower; however, by maintaining these basic health habits, (people) will be better able to balance their work and home responsibilities, instead of feeling that they have to juggle it all," she says.