The summer vacation season is now behind us and everyday work is becoming a reality again. Hopefully, the summer months have provided us all with rest and relaxation, and the moments and memories of summer continue to energize us.

The beginning of autumn is a good time to stop and consider what methods we have for recharging our batteries and how we can take care of our own well-being – also in our everyday lives.

For many, autumn is their favorite season. The autumn weather is conducive to outdoor activities, and the colors of autumn bring joy. For many, autumn represents a new beginning. Many will remember that tingling, hopeful feeling from their elementary school years when they received new pencil cases, pens, rulers, and books in the fall. The same feeling can be sought in the working world!

We discussed with Maria Lehto, our occupational health psychologist from Terveystalo, about post-vacation recovery and ways to maintain your energy and well-being as the days grow darker this autumn.

As autumn begins, Maria urges us to examine our own ways of recovering. Are they suitable for us and our current life situation? Do they bring us joy and energy? Is there anything we could do differently to support our recovery?

According to Maria, you can easily measure your own recovery and coping at work by asking yourself: “Do I have enough energy left after the workday? Do I feel that I have sufficient control over both my work and my free time?”

Making time for recovery during the workday is essential. Sufficient breaks from work (microbreaks where possible, such as short breathing exercise), positive encounters with colleagues, meaningful work, and a sense of appreciation support recovery.

To balance work, it is important to ensure that you get enough rest and engage in meaningful and appropriately active pursuits. Restorative activities can include exercise, cultural experiences, spending time with loved ones, enjoying music, cooking, engaging in crafts, being in nature, and interacting with pets. It is important to strive to ensure that spending your free time brings you well-being, joy, success, good spirits, and new learning. Leisure time should not be too full of activities; sometimes it is good to just “hang out,” i.e., think about what you or your family would like to do now or whether you would just like to be.

According to Maria, after the summer vacation season, it can also be good to stop and reflect on your own values and what is important to you, and what a meaningful autumn or meaningful work life means to you. It is also good to think about what you can influence yourself, what are realistic goals, and whether even small everyday choices support your own values or goals. Health and loved ones are often named as important values. However, many people may make choices in their daily lives that do not support their own health, well-being, or close relationships. As autumn approaches, it’s beneficial for all of us to reflect on these choices while striving to build a meaningful work life.

At Murata Finland, our occupational health care services are here to support every employee in building a meaningful and healthy autumn, recovering, and coping at work!

🍁 Happy autumn to everyone! 🍁

Kirsi Nurmela
Head of Wellbeing