Return to the city - Restart with optimism

September marks for most of us the return to the city and the routine of our daily lives.

The transition is not easy and we are often overcome by melancholy and intense nostalgia for our summer moments, which are never enough!

But let's be grateful for what we have experienced and let's try, in an organized and gradual way, to return to everyday life smoothly, without stress and with an emphasis on self-care.

Returning from vacation is a challenge for all of us!

Small steps to come back stronger and welcome autumn!

• Return a few days early from your vacation. Adjustment and "decompression" need to happen gradually, so avoid returning to the city the day before you start work.
• Upon your return, give yourself time to gradually find your rhythm. A little planning for September will help reduce the stress of restarting. If possible, start work or obligations without tension for the first few days.
• Keep the summer and the carefree moments you experienced alive. A walk in the park, coffee in open spaces, meeting with friends, keep the connection with carefreeness and beautiful moments alive.
• Plan your next little getaway in the fall. This will reduce the melancholy of returning home and give you something to look forward to until the next vacation that seems so far away.
• If you were more physically active during the summer, keep up the exercise habit in the city. If you haven't already, it's an opportunity to start a new sport, incorporate daily walking into your day, or consider joining a gym.
• September is the perfect month to start something new that you enjoy and set new, meaningful goals. A hobby, learning a new skill, joining a cultural club will provide you with the motivation to offset the gray of autumn.
• Even in the city, try to find time for yourself and relaxation in your day, no matter how stressful it may be. Reading a book, spending time with a pet, meditating, listening to your favorite music are the breaths that give you life and energy.
• Your diet has definitely slipped during the holidays. Make sure to return to regular meal times and be consistent with your medication, if you are taking it. Limit eating disorders and eating out. Proper nutrition combined with reducing alcohol and caffeine will contribute positively to your psychology.
• Make sure you get enough sleep to boost your immune system, cardiovascular health, and reduce anxiety and depression.
• September is the right time to schedule an appointment with your doctor after your vacation. If you have a health problem, you may need to re-evaluate your treatment or re-check the medications and supplies you use.

The end of summer is not the end of joy and optimism.

Every end always marks a new beginning and it is up to us to live each season with a smile and optimism. After all, how would we appreciate the value of summer if there were no change of seasons in our lives?

Welcome back with optimism, a smile and self-love!

Written by Marianna Metaxa
Educator, Author of the books "My Sweet Kelly" and the fairy tale "Melita and Zacharoulis" and lyricist of the song "Listen to My Heart" which was set to music by Sofia Grammenou